2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while adapting to modern suburban life. It featured a frameless crossover design, making it an ideal everyday driver for those seeking weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport's exterior boasted a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs designed for trail driving. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with various wheel options, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival presented a fresh take on the minivan segment with its SUV-inspired design. Each trim level had unique design elements, with the EX trim offering a mirrored grid-pattern grille and 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The Carnival's exterior featured SUV styling cues, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover. The SX trim stood out with VIP Lounge Seats, offering a luxurious experience with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats, complete with an Ottoman-style leg rest.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices, catering to different trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more refined driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and electrified options, the Carnival offered smooth and steady acceleration. It featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.8 L/100 km during testing. Dynamically, the Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, although it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its clever features and ample cargo space. It could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and offered a range of accessories for outdoor enthusiasts. The roof had a load capacity of up to 68 kg, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kg. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, although visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. While these seats were luxurious, they limited maximum cargo volume. The third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults, and the Carnival's rear cargo area offered 1,139 litres of space. Folding the third-row seats created 2,460 litres of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 4,110 litres. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included various G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing off-road capabilities. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on higher trims, along with a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim level. The LX trim featured analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. Starting with EX+ trim, the Carnival offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and eight speakers. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, but a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating.