2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the automotive 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 further enhanced the luxury feel with black wheels, real leather, and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like a floating roof and roof rails, while the sliding door tracks were cleverly integrated into the vehicle's character lines. The interior continued the SUV theme, with a dashboard and centre console that exuded a crossover vibe, making the Carnival appear upscale even in its base form.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a traditional SUV appearance. It featured a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches, with a distinct black roof and model-specific grille. The Grand Wagoneer's grille leaned forward slightly, adorned with laser-etched knurling, and the vehicle boasted 20-inch wheels with optional 22-inch upgrades. The interior was a step above the standard Wagoneer, offering high-end materials and convenience features like 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim. The Grand Wagoneer also included subtle design differences, such as Mercedes-style seat controls and a "Grand Wagoneer" badge on the dashboard.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine drove the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and steady acceleration. The Carnival offered four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, it occasionally exhibited delayed downshift responses, particularly on inclines. The Carnival's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it demonstrated a taut and athletic feel on the road, although it could be a bit stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, on the other hand, featured a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, propelling the Grand Wagoneer from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, offering five drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system for adjustable ride height. Despite its impressive power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its ride could become bouncy at higher speeds, and its steering was imprecise.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. While these seats were luxurious, they limited cargo space as they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The Carnival's third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults, and the rear cargo area offered 1,139 litres of space, expandable to 2,460 litres with the third-row seats folded. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could occasionally open unintentionally.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors, although front-row space was slightly limited. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a 360-degree camera system for improved visibility.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology offerings varied by trim level. The LX trim featured traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Starting with the EX+ trim, the Carnival boasted a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. The Carnival's technology was generally intuitive, but a comprehensive quick reference guide was provided to help users navigate its features.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had access to a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an Android-based operating system and over-the-air software updates. While the system offered advanced features, the screen response was occasionally slow, and the instrument cluster's graphics were somewhat plain.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, 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 Jeep Grand Wagoneer included standard safety features such as a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Grand Wagoneer also offered an Active Lane Management System, with plans for a hands-free version in the future. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of review.