2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, showcased distinct design elements across its various trims. The LX and LX+ trims featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a more sophisticated look with 19-inch machined-finish wheels and a mirrored grid-pattern grille. The SX trim added black wheels and real leather, enhancing its appeal. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like simulated skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, giving it a robust appearance. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them with character lines, maintaining a sleek look. Inside, the Carnival's dashboard and seating arrangements resembled a crossover, exuding an upscale vibe even in the base trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, though often compared to a minivan, presented itself as a capable SUV alternative. With a starting price of $39,498 in Canada, it offered standard all-wheel drive, making it suitable for snowy conditions. The Traverse underwent a light restyle for 2022, featuring new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. Our RS trim test vehicle boasted blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, adding to its appeal. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching and gloss black trim. While hard plastic surfaces were prevalent, the interior layout was logical and user-friendly. The Traverse's design emphasized practicality, with features like Smart Slide second-row seats and ample storage space, making it a family-friendly choice.

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. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The engine provided smooth acceleration, and the transmission operated seamlessly. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, delayed downshifts were noted in certain driving conditions. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test averaging 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The Traverse offered Snow, Off-Road, and Tow/Haul driving modes, with Normal mode being the default. The V6 engine provided adequate power, though it emitted a slight whine under acceleration. Fuel economy was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, with our test achieving 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse's ride quality was firm yet compliant, though it required caution over speed humps. On highways, it excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. The Traverse's handling was predictable, with good performance in mountainous terrain.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard limited storage space. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leather upholstery, though they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area was spacious, offering 1,139 litres of volume. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 2,460 litres, and removing the second-row seats provided a maximum of 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS trim, featured seven-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were power-adjustable and heated, with a heated steering wheel and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function facilitated access to the third row. The Traverse's third-row seat was suitable for adults, though not as comfortable as some competitors. Storage space was ample, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 651 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,637 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, in LX trim, featured analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Starting with EX+ trim, it offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, though a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in LS trim, came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while higher trims featured an 8-inch display. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. The Traverse's infotainment system was user-friendly, with excellent voice recognition. A digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were available for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse's driving aids were generally accurate and refined. The IIHS rated it Good in most categories but noted some areas for improvement.