2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a bold and distinctive appearance. Mazda claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile look, as if it were floating over its wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 stand out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real. Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and an upscale vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces. The GT trim, where the turbo engine was available, came with black or white leather, adding to its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival was entirely new and boasted unique design elements across its trims. The LX and LX+ featured a standard black grille and silver-painted 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim offered more paint options, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels and VIP Lounge Seats, which were a standout feature. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails, giving it a robust appearance. Despite its minivan roots, the Carnival's design was angular and tasteful, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the SUV theme continued with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover, contributing to an upscale look even in base trims.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system, along with G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, enhanced its performance. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was refined, focusing on delivering power and response for greater satisfaction. However, its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3, though its 5 cm of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for this in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 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 provided smooth and steady acceleration, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 L/100 km, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces. Overall, the Carnival's performance was commendable, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. However, ventilated seats were not available, and the front passenger seat lacked the same range of adjustment. The cabin's design contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. The CX-30 provided 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the seats folded, though the location of the wireless smartphone charger limited storage options.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with eight-passenger seating and versatile second-row configurations. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, though they limited maximum cargo volume. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Carnival's cargo area offered 1,139 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,460 litres with the seats folded. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated. Overall, the Carnival provided ample space and flexibility for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system's complexity could be frustrating. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the audio experience. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, improving safety and convenience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LX trim. The EX+ trim introduced a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and eight speakers. The SX trim added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was generally intuitive, though a comprehensive quick reference guide was recommended for new owners.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with a full suite of safety features and ADAS, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking on the GT trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival also offered an extensive 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. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of publication.