2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

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 real leather, along with the luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like simulated skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, contributing to its appealing and angular look. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a stylish dashboard and centre console, offering an upscale feel even in the base trim.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80, sharing its platform with the Nissan Armada, presented a robust and attractive exterior. Its unique front-end styling, featuring the distinctive Infiniti grille, set it apart from its sibling. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added to its upscale appearance. The QX80's 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels further enhanced its exterior appeal. Inside, the QX80 offered a spacious cabin with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its luxurious interior, the QX80's design was beginning to show its age compared to newer competitors. While the cabin was comfortable and attractive, it fell short of the high standards set by other premium full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms (3,500 pounds). The V6 engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, while the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, there was a noticeable delay in downshifting when accelerating out of corners or on inclines. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The front-wheel-drive Carnival exhibited a taut and athletic feel, with flat cornering and minimal tire noise. However, it could feel stiff over rough surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 boasted a powerful 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine with 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a standout feature, providing robust performance and an impressive exhaust note. The seven-speed automatic transmission, though lacking a few gears compared to competitors, delivered smooth and seamless shifts. The QX80's power delivery was linear, and the transmission handled gear changes efficiently, even on steep grades. The QX80's four-wheel-drive system, based on the Nissan Patrol, offered excellent off-road capability, with a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The QX80's towing capacity was a generous 3,855 kilograms (8,500 pounds). Despite its size and weight, the QX80 managed body lean well during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering versatile seating and cargo configurations. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while the SX trim offered luxurious VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leg rests. The third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the Carnival's rear cargo area was spacious, with 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 doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated. Overall, the Carnival offered impressive interior space and flexibility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a tall ride height, requiring a climb to enter the cabin. Inside, the QX80 provided a spacious and airy feel, with good head- and legroom in the front seats. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, accommodating up to eight passengers. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults. The QX80's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were convenient but slow to operate. Despite its limitations, the QX80's interior offered a premium touch with features like illuminated kick plates and welcome lighting.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim, which included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, such as the EX+, featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The SX trim added a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, but a comprehensive quick reference guide was provided to help users navigate the features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included navigation with lane guidance and voice recognition. A Bose 17-speaker Performance Series sound system was standard, along with multiple USB ports and a wireless smartphone charger. The QX80 also offered a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though HDMI adapters were missing. Notably, the QX80 lacked Infiniti's ProPilot Assist advanced driving-assistance system due to its older architecture.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like 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 EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and a Blind View Monitor. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a range of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. Additional features included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners. The ProActive grade added a smart rearview mirror and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.