Lexus NX Hybrid vs Kia Carnival

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, while not typical of an SUV, remained consistent over the years, offering a mix of familiarity and distinctiveness. The F Sport Black Line variant featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The Black Line treatment added sporty touches like an F Sport heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival showcased unique design elements across its trims, with the SX Prestige offering luxurious VIP Lounge Seats and a sophisticated cabin. The Carnival's SUV-inspired styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and robust roof-rack options. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia integrated them seamlessly with character lines. The Carnival's design was angular and tasteful, standing out in its segment. Inside, the SUV theme continued with a crossover-like dashboard and center console, offering a stylish and upscale feel even in the base trim. The interior configurations provided flexibility, with options for captain’s chairs or an 8-passenger setup, and the VIP Lounge Seats added a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency than performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival offered smooth and steady acceleration, with driving modes like Smart and Sport enhancing the experience. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 22 mpg combined, and the Carnival demonstrated athletic handling with a flat cornering stance. However, it occasionally felt stiff over uneven surfaces, suggesting it might settle with a full load.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats offered good support, and features like 10-way power adjustment and heated/ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but the dashboard design was functional. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded, making it the least spacious in its class.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with flexible seating configurations and ample cargo space. The LX trim offered captain’s chairs, while higher trims included VIP Lounge Seats with luxurious features. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded, and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the second row removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be overly sensitive.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt outdated, with text-heavy menus and basic graphics. The standard audio system was underwhelming, and upgrading to the Mark Levinson system was necessary for better sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a more advanced tech suite, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen and expanding to a 12.3-inch widescreen system in higher trims. Features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities. The SX Prestige trim added a digital instrumentation display and a Bose audio system. Kia's tech was intuitive, with features like Passenger View and Talk enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted an extensive list of ADAS features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims added front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert and Safe Exit Assist. Crash-test results were pending at the time of review.