2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Honda Passport

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, showcased a distinctive design 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 refined look with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired styling included skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails, with character lines cleverly integrating the sliding door tracks. Its angular design stood out against competitors, offering a more upscale and conservative aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Passport shared its platform with the Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Pilot, resulting in a familiar design. The Passport's new nose aimed for a tougher look, with the TrailSport trim adding off-road appeal. Despite its rugged appearance, the TrailSport was more about aesthetics than capability, though it did offer 20.5 cm of ground clearance and traction management modes. The Passport's design updates applied to all trims, with new wheel designs and a focus on enhancing its SUV identity. The interior boasted quality materials and spaciousness, with the TrailSport trim adding unique stitching and ambient lighting.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kg. The engine delivered smooth acceleration, and the transmission operated seamlessly, though Smart mode occasionally delayed downshifts. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 L/100 km, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The front-wheel-drive setup provided a sporty feel, though the ride could be stiff on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Honda Passport retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Passport's V6 was smooth and responsive, with a fuel efficiency rating of 11.3 L/100 km and a tested average of 11.0 L/100 km. The i-VTM4 AWD system offered mechanical torque vectoring, enhancing traction on challenging terrain. The Passport excelled on roads, with athletic handling and a firm ride, though the brakes could vibrate on mountain descents. Its towing capacity was 2,268 kg.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard limited storage. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leather upholstery, though they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The Carnival's cargo space was generous, 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 open unintentionally.

The 2022 Honda Passport provided easy access with large doors and a low step-in height. The interior featured comfortable seats with leather upholstery and heated options. The TrailSport trim added heated rear seats, while the Touring trim offered ventilated front seats. The Passport's storage solutions included a large centre console and door panel shelving. Cargo space was ample, with 1,430 litres behind the rear seat and 2,854 litres with seats folded. The Passport's utility and comfort made it a practical choice for daily use.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, with the LX offering an 8-inch touchscreen and basic connectivity features. Higher trims like the EX+ and SX included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's tech was intuitive, though a comprehensive guide was recommended for setup. Features like the Passenger View camera and Blind View Monitor added convenience and safety.

The 2022 Honda Passport's infotainment system met basic standards, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The TrailSport trim added satellite radio, while the Touring trim included navigation and a premium audio system. The Passport's tech was straightforward, though the navigation system was clunky. Wireless smartphone charging was standard on most trims, but the overall tech offering was not advanced.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2022 Honda Passport included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some features were less refined, with lane-departure warning and lane-centring assist drawing criticism. The Passport received five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it top ratings, with an Acceptable rating for front-passenger protection.