2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade showcased a design heavily influenced by the Escala concept, particularly evident in its front fascia. However, from the side and rear, the Escalade maintained a familiar aesthetic, featuring standard 22-inch wheels and vertical OLED taillights. The base model was priced at $76,195, with higher trims like the Premium Luxury and Sport offering more luxurious features and reaching up to $99,995 with the Platinum upgrade. The test vehicle, a Premium Luxury trim with four-wheel drive, was equipped with numerous high-end features, resulting in a sticker price of $102,310. The interior of the Escalade was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering various leather options and wood trims, although some plastic elements were less impressive given the price.

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design for each trim level, with the LX featuring a standard grille and 17-inch wheels, while the EX and SX trims offered more sophisticated styling elements. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior enhancements, including VIP Lounge Seats and real leather. The Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover. The base LX model offered a two-tone interior with cloth seats, while higher trims provided more luxurious options like the Tuscan Umber interior color. Overall, the Carnival's design was both practical and stylish, appealing to those seeking a minivan with a modern twist.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade offered a choice between a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six-cylinder engine. The V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, was favored for its performance and sound, with a 10-speed automatic transmission delivering power to the rear or all four wheels. The V8 featured technologies like Dynamic Fuel Management and an automatic stop/start system to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 15.9 mpg during testing. The turbo-diesel engine, while less powerful at 277 horsepower, offered the same torque and promised better fuel economy. The Escalade's ride and handling were significantly improved with a new independent rear suspension, Magnetic Ride Control 4.0, and 4-Corner Air Ride suspension, providing a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Carnival offered four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, although the transmission occasionally delayed downshifts. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg during testing. Dynamically, the Carnival felt athletic and responsive, with a flat cornering stance and minimal tire noise. However, it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces, suggesting it might perform better when loaded with passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade boasted a larger and more functional cabin, thanks to its new independent rear suspension and extended wheelbase. Front-seat occupants enjoyed standard heated seats, with ventilated and massaging options available in higher trims. The second-row offered heated captain's chairs or a bench seat, with improved leg support and comfort. The third-row seat was significantly more spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo capacity was also enhanced, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 109.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The extended-length Escalade ESV provided even more cargo space, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with a flexible seating arrangement and ample cargo space. The LX trim featured captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade was equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 38-inch curved OLED display with high pixel density. The infotainment system featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although some user experience improvements were needed. The Escalade's voice recognition system had limitations, and physical controls were often preferred over the touchscreen. The AR navigation system and AKG premium sound system were highlights, with the latter offering a 36-speaker option. A head-up display was standard on most trims, providing essential information to the driver.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LX trim. Higher trims included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and UVO Link connected services. The Carnival also featured Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the technology.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback to the driver, and Teen Driver technology offered parental controls. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Driver Assist Tech Package further enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking. However, the Escalade experienced a couple of false alarms during testing, highlighting the need for driver vigilance.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with an extensive list of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and active blind-spot monitoring. The EX trim added front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, although the latter was found to be less effective in this evaluation. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for families. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were not available at the time of review.