2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried over its modern design from the previous year, maintaining its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar, which combined traditional elements with forward-thinking aesthetics. This design approach ensured the Pathfinder remained relevant and appealing. Inside, the cabin featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually pleasing and practical for everyday use. The Pathfinder offered various trims, each with distinct features, from the basic S trim with its 18-inch alloy wheels and cloth upholstery to the luxurious Platinum trim with upgraded leather and a digital instrument panel.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique style and impressive technology, setting it apart from typical minivans. The Carnival's SX Prestige trim, with its Astra Blue paint and advanced seating package, showcased an upscale image. The interior boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. Despite its minivan classification, the Carnival's design and features made it feel more like an SUV, offering a lower driving position and a center console reminiscent of SUVs. The Carnival's interior materials and robust transmission shifter further enhanced its quality feel.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek variant offered a slight power boost, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was managed through a 9-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which Nissan referred to as 4WD. The Rock Creek model featured off-road enhancements, including a taller suspension and off-road shocks, making it more capable on trails. Despite the rugged branding, the Pathfinder's ride was smooth and quiet, with a rotary drive mode dial offering various settings for different terrains. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached up to 6,000 pounds with the Rock Creek and optional equipment on the SV and SL trims.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Carnival's brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations. The minivan's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, with a sporty feel when lightly loaded and a smoother ride when fully occupied.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 45 cubic feet, and with all seats upright, 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The first two rows offered ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults on shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous storage compartments. The Rock Creek model's roof racks were practical, supporting up to 220 pounds, though their proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like design, offered a unique driving experience. The Carnival's interior featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim offering genuine leather. The minivan's three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added comfort. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats provided convenience, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without the VIP seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the smart power liftgate revealed 40.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind it.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen. While the system was user-friendly, some found the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and voice recognition. The SV trim added a Wi-Fi hotspot, while the SL trim offered wireless Apple CarPlay and device charging. The Platinum trim included additional USB ports, ensuring connectivity for all passengers.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, enhancing its interior appeal. The digital instrumentation impressed with its dynamic graphics, changing with the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The Carnival's tech package included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though it was less appealing to teenagers who preferred their own devices.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control. The SL trim included front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and traffic-sign recognition. The Platinum trim offered rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. The Pathfinder's off-road mode provided front- and side-view cameras for obstacle monitoring.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting owners if a child or pet was left inside. The Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles when parked on a busy street. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.