2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, distinguished itself with unique 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 simulated leather. 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, giving it a robust appearance. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them into the vehicle's character lines. The Carnival's design was praised for its sharp, angular lines, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey.

Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover. This approach, combined with Kia's attention to style, gave the Carnival an upscale feel even in its base trim. The interior was practical, with seating configurations that catered to families, and the VIP Lounge Seats in higher trims added a touch of luxury. Overall, the Carnival's design was well-received, offering a blend of practicality and style that appealed to many.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, adding visual weight and making the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.

Inside, the Highlander's unconventional design was less jarring. The asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that spanned the passenger side, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash for easy visibility. The Bronze Edition introduced for 2022 featured unique elements like bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while distinctive, raised concerns about durability and cleanliness. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives. The Highlander's interior materials trailed behind other SUVs in its class, but its hybrid status offered a unique appeal in a shrinking market segment.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a new 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 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, it exhibited delayed downshift responses, particularly noticeable when ascending hills. Sport mode helped mitigate this issue.

Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average consumption of 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup contributed to its athletic feel, boasting a flat cornering stance and minimal tire noise. However, it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces, suggesting it might settle with a full load of passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid could reach 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided quick initial acceleration, with the gasoline engine supplying additional power. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in a droning engine sound, particularly when climbing hills.

Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride, with the suspension effectively smoothing out road imperfections. While not sporty, it provided adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained quiet on highways, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench. The middle seat could slide forward or backward, fold flat, or be removed for a pass-through to the third row. The SX trim featured luxurious VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. However, these seats couldn't be removed or folded flat, limiting cargo space. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Carnival's rear cargo area provided ample space, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate offered convenience, though they could open unintentionally. The tailgate revealed a deep storage well, accommodating large items like strollers. Folding the third-row seats expanded cargo space to 2,460 litres, and removing the second-row seats created even more room.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs for added comfort. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips for smaller adults.

Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology offerings varied by trim. The LX trim featured traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Starting with the EX+ trim, the Carnival boasted a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. It also included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and eight speakers. A Passenger View camera allowed the driver to monitor the rear seats.

The EX+ and SX trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with the SX trim adding a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. While the technology was generally intuitive, Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the features.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The infotainment system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included 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 with stop-and-go capability. 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 IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround-view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The Highlander's safety systems generally performed well, though some features required fine-tuning.