2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, offered a sophisticated interior with dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that enhanced the overall feel of the vehicle. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival maintained practicality with its spacious interior and advanced technology.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a more conservative design approach, with subtle updates to its exterior, such as new taillights and a revised rear end. The GLC Coupe retained its steeply sloping profile, distinguishing it from the SUV variant. Inside, the GLC boasted a sumptuous interior with two-tone leather upholstery, wood-and-metal dash treatment, and an abundance of screens and controls. The AMG models featured additional controls on the steering wheel, emphasizing the vehicle's performance-oriented nature. Overall, the GLC's interior was luxurious and gadget-heavy, appealing to those who appreciate advanced technology and premium materials.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This front-wheel-drive minivan offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. Despite its lack of all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Carnival provided a satisfying ride, with a firm and sporty feel when lightly loaded and a softer ride when fully occupied. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, and wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 416 horsepower, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The GLC 300, on the other hand, offered 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 43's AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission provided faster shifts and better performance, though it resulted in rougher shifts compared to the GLC 300's 9G-Tronic transmission. The GLC's performance suspension and four-wheel steering contributed to its sporty nature, making it an appealing choice for driving enthusiasts. However, the firmer ride might not suit those seeking a more comfortable luxury crossover experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a spacious and versatile interior, with a driver-focused layout reminiscent of an SUV. It featured three types of upholstery, with genuine leather available on the SX Prestige trim. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added to its comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the second row provided a luxurious experience but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing even the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was designed with a driver-biased layout, featuring a center touchscreen, climate controls, and HVAC vents angled toward the driver. The GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLC Coupe, with its tighter interior, provided 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, increasing to 52.6 cubic feet when the rear seats were down. The GLC's interior was luxurious, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and heated rear seats, catering to those who prioritize comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate connected services. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system provided streaming capabilities, though it was not widely used by teenagers during testing.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cockpit centered around an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the Exclusive trim adding navigation, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an off-road dash display. The Pinnacle trim included a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The GLC's technology package was comprehensive, with optional upgrades available for those seeking additional features.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System added to the Carnival's safety credentials. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the 2022 calendar year, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with its standard front crash-prevention system rated as "Acceptable." Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot and exit warning assist, and Pre-Safe, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent collision. Optional advanced driver-assistance systems were available through the Driver Assistance Package, offering features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist.