2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Acura RDX underwent subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colors. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered various trims, including the base model, Technology, A-Spec, Advance, and A-Spec Advance, with starting prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding destination charges. The A-Spec Advance package, priced at $53,645, featured high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, making it a stylish and comfortable choice.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and impressive technology, setting it apart from typical minivans. The Carnival was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with base prices ranging from $33,100 to $46,200, plus destination charges. The SX Prestige trim, priced at $49,285, featured Astra Blue paint, floor mats, and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package. The Carnival's second year in the U.S. market brought changes like a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system, along with Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The SX Prestige trim offered eight-passenger seating as standard, with the option for VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's upscale image, high-tech lighting, and intricate grille design made it an attractive choice, although the black alloy wheels were less imaginative.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine provided an enjoyable driving experience, although heavy-footed drivers might not achieve the EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, as the test averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was standard on the Advance and A-Spec Advance packages. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing driving dynamics. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX excelled in driving dynamics, offering a comfortable and communicative experience, although it didn't qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving and offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved fuel economy and traction in wet conditions. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated flawlessly. The Carnival's brakes, however, experienced fading during a mountain descent, although they performed well in other driving situations. The minivan offered a firm, sporty ride quality, with a softer ride when fully loaded. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, although the Honda Odyssey felt more athletic.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample room for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty driving position and a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The RDX's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation, while the back seat lacked support for adults. The power liftgate revealed 29.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 58.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, resembling an SUV more than a minivan, offered a lower driving position and SUV-like center console. It featured three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control system included heated and ventilated front seats. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim were comfortable but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's smart power liftgate revealed 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a touchpad controller. The TTI required users to match finger location on the touchpad with the cursor location on the screen, which could be distracting. However, the RDX included Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system available in higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation impressed with lush graphics and changing imagery. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate connected services. The Carnival offered features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system allowed streaming content, although teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system and enhancements to the AcuraWatch driver-assist systems. The RDX received a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology provided semi-autonomous driving assistance and excelled in various driving conditions. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, although the NHTSA had not performed crash tests on the model.