2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup, such as the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold, double V-motion grille design, complemented by thinner, longer headlights that extended down the face of the vehicle. The top-tier Kicks SR trim boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillight combination provided a sense of proportion reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, with a two-tone paint job available for most body colors. The interior maintained its familiar layout but incorporated higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with options for further customization through Nissan's Color Studio accessories.

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design for each trim level, with the LX trim featuring a standard black grille and silver-painted 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim doubled the available paint colors and added 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and simulated open-pore wood trim. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, while the SX Prestige focused on interior enhancements, including real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and a robust roof rack on higher trims. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia integrated them with character lines for a cohesive look. The Carnival's design was angular and conservatively tasteful, standing out in its segment. Inside, the SUV theme continued with a dashboard and center console resembling a crossover, and the interior offered various color options, including the attention-grabbing Tuscan Umber.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Nissan Versa, was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. Despite its low power output, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its size. The Kicks SR trim included features like an integrated dynamic-control module and adaptive cruise control. The EPA rated the Kicks' fuel economy at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Carnival offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. The front-wheel-drive Carnival exhibited a taut and athletic feel, with a flat cornering stance and responsive handling. However, it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded. The Carnival's dynamic performance was complemented by its 235/55 Continental all-season tires, providing a balance of comfort and grip.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact cabin with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The interior featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area, enhancing practicality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with an SUV-style dashboard and center console. The LX trim featured individual captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat for added versatility. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the rear cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of volume. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, with the option to remove the second-row seats for a maximum of 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and a 7-inch driver information screen. The SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with NissanConnect services.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and wireless charging. The Carnival included features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the Carnival's extensive technology offerings.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks featured 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert on SV and SR trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the similar 2020 model received good marks from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added features like front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival's ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist provided additional safety measures. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige featured a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.