2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. Its design featured the iconic seven-slot grille, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics, and a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with a trim lineup that included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. The Overland trim, in particular, offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the interior was marred by an abundance of hard plastic materials, which raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, making it a compelling choice in the minivan segment. The SX Prestige trim, with its Astra Blue paint and decorative roof pillar trim, exuded sophistication. Inside, the Carnival featured dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, adding a touch of modernity. The interior materials were of high quality, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality. However, the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired. The Carnival's interior was designed to prevent it from looking or feeling cheap, and it succeeded in conveying a sense of luxury.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured standard four-wheel drive, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, and achieved 56 MPGe. It offered a total driving range of 470 miles, with 25 miles of all-electric driving range. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two available systems: Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, with the latter providing superior off-road performance. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with Sport mode proving effective on steep inclines. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations. The Carnival's ride quality varied depending on the load, with a firm, sporty feel when lightly loaded and a softer ride when fully occupied. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, the Carnival provided a satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available in an L model with a third row of seats. However, it offered ample space for passengers, with 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space that expanded to 70.8 cubic feet with the second row folded. The air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the Texas heat during testing, the standard heated steering wheel was a welcome feature for colder climates.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and center console layout. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's interior included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, though the latter limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders for passengers. The Carnival's cargo area featured a deep well with 40.2 cubic feet of space, and the third-row seats could be tumbled into the well for additional cargo capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options. The My Pages feature allowed for personalized displays, enhancing the user experience. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered multiple screens, including a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a frameless digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad was optional, while four USB ports were standard. The optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo was a standout feature, though it was not available on all trims.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics that changed with the time of day, adding a surprise-and-delight element. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though it failed to capture the interest of teenage passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe came equipped with a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. However, neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe at the time of review.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not performed crash tests at the time of review.