2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 29 centimetres to accommodate third-row seating. Its wheelbase stretched an additional 12.7 centimetres, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as an all-new 2021 model, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's signature design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing with slimmer lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, and Palermo leather, offering a Mercedes-like quality without shared parts.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, presented a unique style and impressive technology to stand out in the minivan category. It was available in various trims, with prices ranging from $35,795 to $49,595, excluding additional fees. The SX trim, with its Storm Blue paint, showcased an upscale image with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, standard on higher trims, and dual power sunroofs. The interior materials were of good quality, and the transmission shifter provided a sense of solidity. However, the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and a 5.7-litre V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, only four-wheel drive was available, with three different systems. The V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, was found lacking for the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. Fuel efficiency for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8 was less efficient. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. The maximum towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was rated to consume 10.6 L/100 km in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant but softened with a full load. Overall, it was satisfying to drive, though not as athletic as the Honda Odyssey.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, known for its simplicity and sleek interface. Physical switches for climate and stereo controls were easy to use, and the central rotary shifter was intuitive. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch version. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with captain's chairs standard in the second row. However, the air vents were insufficient, requiring the fan to be kept on high, which was noisy.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior design resembled an SUV, with a lower driving position and a centre console similar to those found in SUVs. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival SX included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, though the controls were distracting to use. The second row featured VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim, which were comfortable but limited cargo space and accessibility. The third row was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival provided ample cargo capacity, with a smart power liftgate and a deep storage well. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo space to 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features on upper trims, such as massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system was effective on highways, and the navigation system integrated well with smartphones. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims added features like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition. The Summit Reserve trim boasted a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation impressed with its graphics and changing appearance based on the time of day. 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 mediocre. Additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera. The Kia Connect subscription was inactive during the test, limiting voice recognition capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features increasing across trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting the owner if a child or pet was left inside. The Carnival also had adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ and SX trims added a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was highly effective. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.