2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to its iconic design heritage. The vehicle featured the brand's signature seven-slot grille, now enhanced with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. This design element, combined with a forward rake reminiscent of the classic Wagoneer, seamlessly blended the past with the present. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, with trim levels including 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 Carnival was available in LX, LX+, EX, EX+, and SX trims, with prices ranging from $35,795 to $49,595. The SX trim, in particular, exuded sophistication with its high-tech lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality interior materials. The robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality, although the black alloy wheels were deemed uninspired. Overall, the Carnival's design and features made it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and functional minivan.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was notable for its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the output of Jeep's 5.7-litre V8 engine. The Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a standard four-wheel drive system managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving a fuel efficiency of 4.2 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres under ideal conditions. The vehicle offered a total driving range of 719 kilometres, with 42 kilometres of all-electric driving range. However, once the battery was depleted, the fuel economy dropped to 10.0 L/100 km. The Grand Cherokee 4xe also included E Select powertrain modes, regenerative braking, and two off-road 4x4 systems, making it a versatile and capable SUV. Despite its fuel efficiency, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 2,721 kilograms, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Carnival's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The vehicle offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with the V6 engine providing ample power even with a full load of passengers. However, the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. The brakes performed well in most situations, although they showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a satisfying driving experience, with a firm and sporty ride quality that softened with a full load of passengers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered counterpart, was not available as an L model with a third row of seats. However, it offered ample space for passengers in its two-row configuration. The cargo space expanded from 1,067 litres to 2,004 litres with the second row folded down, providing incremental improvements over the previous generation. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's air suspension allowed for quick adjustments, making loading and unloading easier. Despite the hot weather during testing, the vehicle's standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder months.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and centre console arrangement. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX trim featuring genuine leather that felt stiff rather than supple. The Carnival SX included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the controls for these features were distracting to use while driving. The Carnival's second-row VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim provided luxury but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres and made third-row access challenging. The third-row seat offered adequate legroom and included USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's cargo capacity was impressive, with a smart power liftgate revealing 1,139 litres of space behind the third row. Removing the second-row seats expanded the cargo space to 4,110 litres, surpassing the Chevrolet Suburban's capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like the My Pages feature. The vehicle included multiple screens, such as a 10.1-inch touchscreen front-passenger display and a 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad and four USB ports were standard, while optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens offered additional entertainment. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available from the Overland trim, provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 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 three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was deemed mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing the Carnival's family-friendly appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Intersection Assist. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available from the Overland trim, while a 360-degree surround-view camera was standard on all trims except the Trailhawk. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Cherokee a five-star safety rating, but the IIHS had not yet published crash-test results.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with 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, and lane-keeping assist. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting the owner if a child or pet was left inside. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist, while the EX+ and SX trims included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy for its accuracy and smooth operation. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, although the standard headlights received a Poor rating.