2021 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Dodge Durango maintained its muscular and athletic styling, reminiscent of its Charger and Challenger siblings. The SRT Hellcat model stood out with its cold-air scoop, twin-pipe exhaust, LED headlamps, and rear spoiler. Buyers had a choice of six 20-inch wheel varieties and one 18-inch version, along with 11 exterior colours and six interior schemes. Inside, the Durango featured a modernized instrument panel and a choice between an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 5 system. The interior offered various upholstery options, including leather and suede, with contrast stitching and Demonic Red seat belts adding a unique touch.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, entirely new for its model year, showcased distinct design elements across its trims. The EX trim offered a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails. Despite visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the dashboard and seating arrangements resembled a crossover, giving it an upscale appearance even in base trim.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered four engine options: a 3.6-litre V6, a 5.7-litre HEMI V8, a 392 HEMI V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI V8. The V6 produced up to 295 horsepower, while the 5.7-litre V8 delivered 360 hp. The 392 HEMI V8 offered 475 hp, and the supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the SRT Hellcat boasted 710 hp. All engines were paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Durango excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,700 pounds, and offered SRT Performance Pages for track enthusiasts. However, its chassis showed age, with a reactive suspension and some cabin bounce over bumps.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured 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 lacked AWD and electrified options, with a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The engine provided smooth acceleration, and the automatic transmission was unobtrusive. Driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Sport mode improving downshift response. The Carnival averaged 10.8 L/100 km in testing. It felt athletic and stable, though occasionally stiff over uneven surfaces, suggesting it might settle with a full load.

The 2021 Dodge Durango offered seating for up to seven across three rows, with spacious front and second-row seats. The third row was more accommodating than many competitors, and cargo space was average for its class. The Durango's fit and finish had improved significantly, making it a versatile family hauler with an athletic design.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, designed with practicality in mind, featured eight-passenger seating with a flexible second-row bench. The SX trim offered VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leg rests. The third row was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area was spacious, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with seats removed. The Carnival's smart power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally.

The 2021 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch screen with Uconnect 5 on higher trims. The system offered personalization, connected services, and wireless smartphone connectivity. A rear-seat entertainment system was available, and the TomTom navigation system was praised for its clarity and responsiveness.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and a Passenger View camera. The EX+ and SX trims added a digital instrument cluster and a Bose audio system. The technology was intuitive, though a detailed guide was recommended for setup.

The 2021 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with a standard back-up camera and optional active safety features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated it as Marginal for driver-side small overlap frontal impact, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star side crash rating.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.