2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the lineup, 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 refined look with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and real leather, with VIP Lounge Seats as a standout feature. The Carnival's SUV-inspired styling included simulated skid plates, a floating roof design, and roof rails, with a tall hood visible from the driver's seat. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them with character lines, making the Carnival a visually appealing option in its segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, boasted an elegant and striking exterior design. It featured distinctive lines, a prominent grille, and sculpted wheel arches, creating visual interest. The continuous strip of glass surfaces around the tailgate gave the impression of a floating rear roof. LED headlights, running lights, and taillights added to its signature look. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and elegant interior with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, high-quality materials, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The fit and finish were near-luxury levels, making the Palisade a worthy flagship in design and execution.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options, but offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, delayed downshift response was noted in certain situations. Fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival exhibited a taut and athletic feel, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a baritone engine note and quick acceleration without turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 9.6 on the highway, and 11.1 combined. It had a curb weight of 1,991 to 2,004 kilograms, contributing to its nimble handling. The Palisade's four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars provided a comfortable ride. It could tow up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard and centre console limited storage space. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim included power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with Ottoman-style leg rests, adding luxury to the rear. The third-row seat provided comfort for adults, and the Carnival's rear cargo area was spacious, offering 1,139 litres of volume behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats created 2,460 litres of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 4,110 litres. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate had pros and cons, with a deep storage well behind the third row.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade provided comfortable seating throughout the cabin, with easy access to the third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front row offered ample storage. Luggage space behind the third row measured 509 litres, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded and 2,447 litres with both rows down. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire gear selector, with controls logically arranged. A conventional sunroof was standard, with a dual-panel version on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, and power-folding third-row seats were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Starting with EX+ trim, it featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX+ and SX trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with a 12-speaker Bose audio system on the SX. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, but a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and satellite radio. USB ports were available throughout the cabin, with a Qi wireless charging pad on Ultimate Calligraphy models. The Palisade featured a rear-view monitor, surround view function, and a head-up display on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system was standard on Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, offering remote engine start and vehicle monitoring.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. EX trim added front parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and Blind View Monitor. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a robust safety suite, with seven airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Standard features included blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added Highway Driving Assist. The Palisade received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.