2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille design shared with the Atlas Cross Sport model. These changes added 6 centimetres to its length, giving the Atlas a more extroverted appearance compared to its predecessor. The R-Line trim package further enhanced its sporty look with unique bumpers and side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas maintained its boxy, high-riding utility vehicle design, with a drag coefficient of 0.34. The interior followed a minimalist approach, with a standard seven-seat configuration and available second-row captain’s chairs on higher trims. However, the material quality was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and faux wood and metal trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival introduced an entirely new design for the model year, featuring unique elements across its trims. The LX and LX+ trims sported a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch wheels, and simulated open-pore wood trim. 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. Its angular design was a departure from the rounded shapes of competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a crossover-like dashboard and centre console, giving it an upscale appearance even in base trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre VR6 engine with 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The 4Motion system could switch to front-wheel drive under low load to save fuel. However, the driving experience with the base engine was underwhelming, with rough shifts and truck-like handling. The Atlas had a towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms with the VR6 engine, but only 900 kilograms with the four-cylinder engine. Fuel efficiency was not impressive, with the four-cylinder rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the VR6 at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain option. Its towing capacity was 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated unobtrusively. The Carnival offered Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most used. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and the Carnival averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, although it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler with three rows of seating. It offered 2,741 litres of cargo space behind the front seats and 583 litres with all seats up. While it provided more third-row legroom than most competitors, it sacrificed second-row legroom, which was the worst among its peers. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable with thin cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was limited. It included up to five USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and up to 17 cupholders. Parking sensors and low-speed automatic braking were standard, with active park assist available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was a practical minivan with an SUV-style design. It offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat that could slide forward or backward, fold flat, or be removed. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival had a large cargo area with 1,139 litres of space behind the third row and 2,460 litres with the third row folded. The second-row seats could be removed for a maximum cargo volume of 4,110 litres. The Carnival included smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and a liftgate, with a deep storage well for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with satellite radio. The Digital Cockpit was available on higher trims, replacing analog gauges with a 10.3-inch digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, offering multi-phone pairing, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The base audio system had six speakers, with a 12-speaker Fender audio system available on the Execline trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included analog gauges with a digital driver information centre and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Starting with EX+ trim, the Carnival featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX+ and SX trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival also had a Passenger View camera and a quick reference guide for its technology.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a "good" rating in all IIHS crash tests, with a "marginal" rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model, but the 2020 model received a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist available on higher trims. The Atlas was set to receive more advanced driver aids later in the model year.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and a Blind View Monitor. The IIHS gave the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA had not rated it.