2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback in Europe. While it shared some design elements with the ID.3, the ID.4 aimed to appeal to the U.S. market's preference for crossovers. However, its SUV-like styling was subtle, and it didn't quite resemble a traditional SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The interior offered standard cloth seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with leatherette upholstery available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, showcased a unique design for each trim level. The LX trim featured a standard grille and silver-painted 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered more paint color options, 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 trim focused on interior enhancements, including simulated textured metal dashboard trim and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's design incorporated SUV styling elements, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design. Despite its minivan roots, the Carnival's design was angular and tasteful, standing out in its segment. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and center console reminiscent of a crossover. The interior offered various seating configurations, including captain's chairs and VIP Lounge Seats, providing a blend of practicality and luxury.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive (RWD) in the U.S. market since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. While the ID.4 wasn't a performance car, its RWD setup offered balanced handling, and the electric motor provided ample torque for quick acceleration. The AWD version added traction and power, making it more capable on twisty roads. However, the ID.4 prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a smooth ride but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking, relying on friction brakes for a more familiar driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options but offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine delivered smooth and effortless acceleration, while the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. The Carnival offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, the transmission occasionally exhibited delayed downshifts, particularly when accelerating out of corners or on inclines. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 22 mpg. Dynamically, the Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, although it could feel stiff over rough surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, although legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, but rearward visibility was hindered by thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, although storage options were limited. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, providing efficient cabin heating in cold weather.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering various seating configurations and ample cargo space. The LX trim featured captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while the LX Seat Package added a middle second-row seat for flexible seating arrangements. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige trim featured power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival's third-row seat provided comfort for adults, and the rear cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could open unintentionally. Overall, the Carnival's interior was spacious and versatile, catering to families and cargo needs.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came equipped with a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system, allowing drivers to adjust settings with voice commands. Additionally, the ID.Light system provided visual cues for various functions. Despite some gimmicky features, the infotainment system was well-positioned and easy to navigate, with smart graphics and menu options.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim level. The LX trim featured traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers. Starting with the EX trim, the Carnival offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX trim also included features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with streaming capabilities, while the SX Prestige trim 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 technology, ensuring an intuitive experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. It came with a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to the adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver became incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding to acceleration and deceleration.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered an extensive list of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, and navigation-based adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist (HDA). While HDA was effective, it could be intrusive, leading some drivers to prefer it turned off. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for passengers. The SX trim introduced a surround-view camera system, and the SX Prestige trim added a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.