2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and 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 appearance. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a stylish dashboard and centre console, offering an upscale look even in the base trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX retained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature spindle grille and LED headlights being the most notable updates. The interior, while not as dated as the exterior, maintained a similar theme to its predecessor. The cabin exuded quality, with smooth and refined materials typical of Lexus. Despite its dated appearance, the GX offered a quiet ride, with the V8 engine's faint roar being the only notable sound. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750, excluding destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, added unique styling elements to the mix.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. While all-wheel drive and electrified powertrains were not available, the Carnival boasted a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. The Carnival offered four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, delayed downshift responses were noted in Smart mode, particularly when accelerating after a corner or curve. Sport mode helped alleviate this issue. Fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with real-world testing averaging 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup contributed to its athletic feel, with a flat cornering stance and minimal tire noise. However, the ride could feel stiff over uneven surfaces, potentially improving with a full load of passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain enabled a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph and a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, distributing power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. The GX's design, resembling a tall and narrow shoebox, resulted in a drag coefficient of 0.35, contributing to its fuel consumption of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres. Real-world testing yielded a slightly better 14.0 L/100 km. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced stability and off-road capability, while the ride and handling were refined for on-road use. However, the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, affecting smooth driving in traffic. The Premium Package added off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and Panoramic View monitoring cameras.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, despite its minivan roots, offered practicality with an SUV-style dashboard and centre console. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. These seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space due to their inability to be removed or folded flat. The third-row seat provided comfort for adults and ample collision crush space. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate offered convenience, though they could open unintentionally. The cargo area behind the third-row seat offered 1,139 litres of space, expandable to 2,460 litres with the third-row seats folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo volume to 4,110 litres, surpassing even a Chevy Suburban. However, reinstalling the seats required care and patience.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable in various settings, though the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and ample padding, with physical controls for ease of use. However, the placement of stereo and off-roading controls led to confusion. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. The rear seat offered a tall seating position and legroom, but access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, with a high load floor complicating loading. The side-swinging tailgate further hindered access, especially in tight spaces. Cargo capacity was limited, with 328 litres behind the third row and 1,833 litres with the second row folded.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology offerings varied by trim. The LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Starting with EX+ trim, the Carnival included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and eight speakers were also included. The EX+ and SX trims added a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with the SX trim featuring a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, but a quick reference guide was recommended for setup and learning.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation, and a CD player. The Lexus app and Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot, were also available. However, the placement of stereo controls below off-roading controls led to usability issues. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and voice recognition was quick and accurate. The GX's Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras enhanced convenience and safety.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive list of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. A driver monitoring system and reversing camera were also standard. The EX trim added front parking sensors, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and Blind View Monitor. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, offered standard Lexus Safety System+ features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also included. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features contributed to a favourable driving experience, free from second-guessing or overriding steering inputs.