2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

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 further enhanced the interior with real leather, textured metal dashboard trim, and the luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's exterior design was angular and sharp, contrasting with the more rounded designs of its rivals, making it a standout in its segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling updates, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyled grille reminiscent of an Audi, which some felt diminished its elegance. Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme added a touch of sophistication. The Navigator's interior updates, including a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and a new Sync 4 infotainment system, kept it competitive in the luxury SUV market.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Carnival offered various driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Sport mode addressing delayed downshift responses. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, offered impressive towing capabilities of up to 3,765 kilograms. The Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension, featuring Road Preview technology, ensured a smooth ride even on imperfect roads. Fuel consumption was competitive, averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing. The Navigator's performance was further enhanced by a new electronic brake booster, improving brake pedal feel and response.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, featuring eight-passenger seating and versatile second-row configurations. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. However, these seats limited maximum cargo volume. The Carnival's cargo space was generous, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator provided exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats and available massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat offered ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. The Navigator's cargo capacity was substantial, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L variant offered even more cargo space, making it ideal for larger families.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a range of technology options, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Passenger View camera. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, though it lacked the depth of previous Harman Kardon systems. The Carnival's technology was intuitive, but a comprehensive guide was recommended for setup.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced a new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with voice recognition and over-the-air update capabilities. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system featured Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced new driver assistance systems, such as Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide, a semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways. While the system performed well, drivers were advised to remain attentive.