Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs Kia Carnival

The 2024 Kia Carnival made a bold design statement, blending SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan features. Its prominent grille, slab sides, and pronounced hood gave it an SUV-like appearance, although the sliding doors and lack of ground clearance revealed its true minivan nature. The Carnival's styling details, such as the slightly concave grille with disco-ball-like trim and filament-like taillights, added a distinctive touch. The SX Prestige model's 19-inch wheels filled the wheel wells perfectly, enhancing its overall look. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with chunky switchgear and a large shifter, making it appealing to image-conscious buyers. The interior materials were robust, acknowledging the wear and tear expected in a family vehicle, with real leather upholstery in the SX Prestige trim.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class retained its iconic boxy design, tracing its heritage back to the original G-Wagen of 1979. Despite subtle updates to the grille and bumpers, the G-Class maintained its traditional features, including a flat hood, prominent corner lights, and beefy doors with distinctive latches. Functional changes included a repositioned rearview camera and new A-pillar trim for the G 550 model. The G-Class offered a range of wheel options, with AMG G 63 models featuring larger wheels and carbon-fiber trim. Inside, the G-Class exuded opulence with its sci-fi-inspired design, featuring large round vents, ambient lighting, and metallic trim. The AMG models boasted sportier steering wheels, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Carnival featured a straightforward powertrain setup with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Carnival offered a pleasant driving experience. Its steering provided the right balance of feel and effort, making maneuvering easy in parking lots and precise at higher speeds. The Carnival's chassis delivered a comfortable ride, ideal for long road trips, while the refined drivetrain ensured smooth gear changes and a satisfying engine growl at full throttle.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of powertrains, including the base G 550 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The AMG G 63 retained its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. Both models featured mild-hybrid systems and nine-speed automatic transmissions with permanent four-wheel drive. The G-Class excelled in acceleration, with the G 550 reaching 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and the G 63 in 4.2 seconds. The AMG G 63 also introduced the AMG Active Ride Control suspension system, enhancing both off-road and on-road dynamics.

The 2024 Kia Carnival offered versatile seating configurations, with seven-passenger seating standard on the base LX trim and eight-passenger configurations on higher trims. The SX Prestige model featured second-row captain's chairs with footrests, while optional VIP Lounge seats provided luxurious comfort. The Carnival boasted ample cargo space, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Its sliding doors and low step-in height made passenger loading easy, although it lacked features like fold-flat seating. The Carnival could tow up to 3,500 pounds, matching its competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while not as spacious as some luxury SUVs, offered a tall passenger compartment with ample headroom. Its compact dimensions made it more maneuverable than larger rivals. The G-Class provided 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, and its side-hinged tailgate facilitated loading. With a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, the G-Class rivaled midsize pickup trucks. Despite its utilitarian origins, the G-Class offered a commanding view of the road and reasonable visibility, making it easier to navigate urban environments.

The 2024 Kia Carnival featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base LX trim, while higher trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available, along with Bluetooth voice recognition and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Carnival's infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive controls. It also offered a cabin camera system and intercom for rear-seat communication, as well as a Quiet Mode to disconnect rear speakers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class boasted the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless display across the dashboard. The G-Class included off-road-specific features like a Transparent Hood and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester 3D surround sound system provided premium audio, while options like a dashcam and rear-seat entertainment system enhanced the tech experience.

The 2024 Kia Carnival received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top scores in some crash tests but lower ratings in others. The SX Prestige model's headlights were rated "Good," while other trims received "Poor" ratings. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and more. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. It offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The G-Class also featured Mercedes' Pre-Safe system, which prepared the vehicle for an imminent crash. New features for 2025 included route-based speed adaptation and automated lane centering.