2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a standard feature with multiple systems available depending on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US market, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival distinguished itself with a unique sense of style and impressive technology, setting it apart from typical minivans. Available in LX, LX+, EX, EX+, and SX trims, the Carnival's base prices ranged from $35,795 to $49,595, excluding destination and dealer fees. The SX trim, with its extra-cost Storm Blue paint, presented an upscale image with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding sophistication to the interior. The SX trim's dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light, and the interior materials were of high quality, ensuring the minivan didn't feel cheap. The Carnival's design and features made it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and technologically advanced vehicle.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was well-suited for challenging weather conditions. However, its fuel consumption was notable, with an average of 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving, despite Natural Resources Canada's rating of 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, which were part of its charm for enthusiasts. The open-top design allowed for an immersive experience, engaging all senses and providing a sense of freedom and adventure.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 10.6 L/100 km in combined driving by Natural Resources Canada, the Carnival offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms. While lacking AWD and a hybrid powertrain, the Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and the Carnival's brakes performed well, except for a one-time fading issue during a mountain descent. The minivan's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, while a full load resulted in a softer, smoother ride. Overall, the Carnival delivered a satisfying driving experience, with the Honda Odyssey being slightly more athletic.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was designed for durability and practicality, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. However, getting in and out of the vehicle was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was a mixed bag, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties, but once inside, they found agreeable accommodations. Storage options were limited, with netting on the lower door panels and a small centre console box. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, in contrast, offered a more SUV-like experience from the driver's seat, with a lower driving position and an SUV-style centre console. The Carnival's interior featured three types of upholstery, with the SX trim offering genuine leather. The three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel added comfort. 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. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival's smart power liftgate revealed 1,139 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable by tumbling the third-row seats into the storage well.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was relatively basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system, but the standard setup met most needs. The Wrangler also featured remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, mounted side-by-side under a single piece of glass. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect connected services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera. The Carnival's native voice recognition system had limitations, but the overall tech package was impressive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap and side-impact tests. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested the need for extra caution while driving.

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, 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, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, although the standard headlights received a Poor rating.