2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a crossover SUV that offered a blend of practicality and style, appealing to those who preferred an SUV over a traditional minivan. It featured a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs, along with updated colour choices. The RS trim, in particular, showcased blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding a sporty touch to its appearance. Inside, the Traverse RS was equipped with black leather upholstery and red contrast stitching, creating a sleek yet somewhat cave-like interior due to the abundance of black materials. The layout was simple and logical, with user-friendly controls for the stereo and climate systems.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a minivan with a twist. The Carnival SX trim featured high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, contributing to its attractive appearance. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap. The Carnival's design and features made it an appealing option for families looking for a stylish and technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It offered a tow rating of 2,268 kilograms and featured various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road. The Traverse delivered a firm yet compliant ride, with a fuel economy rating of 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. On the highway, it provided a comfortable ride, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, and it performed well in mountainous terrain, thanks to its V6 drivetrain and suspension setup.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms and featured Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. While it lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, the Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a satisfying driving experience, with a firm ride quality and good handling.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers in the RS trim, featuring captain's chairs in the second row. The Smart Slide function and long rear doors made accessing the third row easier. The Traverse provided generous legroom and headroom for second-row passengers, though the captain's chairs lacked leg support. Cargo space was abundant, with a hidden storage compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. The Traverse offered 651 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,781 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, featured a unique design that didn't resemble a typical minivan. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival's interior included a three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats in the second row, which were comfortable but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Carnival provided 1,139 litres of cargo space behind it. The smart power liftgate and deep cargo well added convenience, while the removable second-row seats allowed for a maximum cargo space of 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The RS trim featured a Bose premium sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera enhanced visibility and safety.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, providing a modern and upscale feel. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing convenience and communication within the vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS in most categories but had some areas for improvement.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist as standard. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.