2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The exterior boasted standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels, contributing to a sportier and modern look. Inside, the MDX's cabin was modernized with a layered dashboard, authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, and a unique gear selection system. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety. The MDX offered a comfortable driving experience with a variety of exterior and interior colour options, emphasizing its luxury status.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a distinctive style that set it apart from typical minivans. The Carnival SX trim, with its high-tech lighting and intricate grille, conveyed an upscale image. Inside, dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, though the genuine leather upholstery felt stiff. The Carnival's robust transmission shifter and overall design aimed to offer a more SUV-like experience, with a lower driving position and a centre console reminiscent of SUVs. Despite some ergonomic challenges with control placement, the Carnival's interior was designed to be both functional and stylish.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which enhanced cornering feel and control through torque vectoring. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. While the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, it provided a satisfying driving experience with a firm, sporty ride quality. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other situations. The Carnival's ride quality varied depending on passenger load, with a softer ride when fully occupied. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was generally enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX provided ample USB connections across all rows. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 2,690 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access, enhancing usability. The MDX's interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes, adding to the cabin's ambiance.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, while not a typical minivan, offered a unique interior experience. It featured three types of upholstery, with the SX trim providing genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats added comfort, though some controls were awkwardly placed. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats offered luxury but limited cargo capacity to 2,460 litres. Without these seats, the Carnival could accommodate up to 4,110 litres of cargo. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep well with 1,139 litres of cargo space, ideal for sports equipment. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, with USB ports and cupholders for convenience.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment system and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The MDX also featured a head-up display and a surround-view camera on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually appealing experience. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was underwhelming. The Carnival offered features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing communication and convenience. Despite some limitations with the voice recognition system, the Carnival's technology package was comprehensive.

The 2022 Acura MDX received a "Top Safety Pick +" rating from the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a high-strength steel structure and advanced safety systems, including low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of safety features, with standard collision warnings and avoidance systems. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit Assist were notable additions. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.