2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights flanking the prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was marked by bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The plug-in hybrid version sported S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, further elevating its aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern ambiance, packed with technology yet retaining an uncluttered appearance. Controls were smartly grouped, and the design unity was pleasing. High-quality materials, including real wood and metal, were used throughout, with crisp lines where different materials met. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy visibility, and the second row featured standard leather upholstery, ensuring a luxurious experience for all passengers.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, entirely new for its model year, offered unique design elements across its trims. The LX and LX+ trims featured a standard black grille and silver-painted 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim doubled the available paint colours and added 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, simulated open-pore wood trim, and SynTex simulated leather. Higher trims like the SX included black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and real leather, with VIP Lounge Seats as a standout feature.

The Carnival's design included SUV styling elements such as simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails on most trims. Despite visible sliding door tracks, Kia integrated them with character lines connecting the headlights and taillights. The Carnival's design was angular and conservatively tasteful, standing out in its segment. Inside, the SUV theme continued with a dashboard and centre console resembling a crossover, giving the Carnival an upscale look even in base trim.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup, combined with a 4,665-lb curb weight, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km. The battery could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service.

The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, offering various driving modes for battery power management. The speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering and four-wheel independent suspension provided good handling, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kg. The V6 engine delivered smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used.

Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 km combined, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. The Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces. It was expected to settle down when loaded with passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a balanced size, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row provided reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm), accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage spaces and an uncluttered design.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, as a minivan, was highly practical. It offered eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival provided a large cargo area, with 1,139 litres of space behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a centre-console touchpad. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered customizable views. The Q5 included a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim had analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX+ and SX trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, though a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top "good" ratings except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, ABS with brake assist, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a Blind View Monitor. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.