2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its competitors. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the LX and LX+ featuring a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim elevated the aesthetic with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and simulated leather upholstery. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, giving it a robust appearance. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them into the vehicle's character lines. The Carnival's sharp, angular design was a standout in its segment, offering a more upscale and stylish interior reminiscent of a crossover.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe and Silverado 1500. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its imposing presence. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with the RST trim featuring a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable in the base LS trim to luxurious in the High Country. The RST trim boasted Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching and a host of features, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark. Despite this, the Suburban's cabin was well-appointed, offering a pleasant driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel-drive setup provided smooth and steady acceleration, with driving modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.8 L/100 km during testing. Its dynamic performance was characterized by a taut and athletic feel, with a flat cornering stance. However, the ride could be stiff over uneven surfaces, suggesting it might settle with a full load.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-litre V8, featured in the RST trim, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 3,765 kilograms. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space, while the 4WD system offered versatility for various driving conditions.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leg rests, though they limited cargo space. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided ample space, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban boasted impressive interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row offered ample headroom and legroom, and the cargo area provided 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with seats folded. The power-sliding centre console and numerous storage compartments enhanced practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column shifter.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto on the LX trim. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and a Passenger View camera. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, though it lacked the depth of previous Harman Kardon systems. The technology was intuitive, but a comprehensive guide was recommended for setup.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of tech features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while higher trims featured a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in. The Suburban offered wireless device charging, a WiFi hotspot, and multiple camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view. The audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose 10-speaker system on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with varying scores in individual crash tests.