2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique design elements across different trims. The LX trim featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a more upscale look with 19-inch machined-finish wheels and simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, appealing to modern tastes. The SX Prestige focused on interior luxury with real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-like styling, with its angular design and floating roof, made it a visually appealing choice in its segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its modest grille and elegant wheel arches gave it a timeless look. The Sequoia's large dimensions and high ground clearance emphasized its robust presence. Inside, however, the design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller touchscreen and traditional dashboard layout. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability, making it suitable for families.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth acceleration and a choice of driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Its front-wheel-drive setup provided a dynamic and athletic driving experience, though it could feel stiff on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its substantial weight, affecting fuel economy, which was rated at 15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its size, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame design and independent suspension.

The Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering flexible seating configurations and ample cargo space. The second row featured captain’s chairs, with options for an additional middle seat. The SX Prestige trim included luxurious VIP Lounge Seats, though they limited cargo capacity. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, and its cargo area provided up to 145.1 cubic feet of space with seats removed.

The Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. Its cargo area offered 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sequoia's interior included practical storage solutions and a power moonroof, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen and expanding to a 12.3-inch widescreen system with EX trim. Features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of connected services. Higher trims offered rear entertainment systems and advanced audio options, though some tech felt less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and basic infotainment features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system lacked the modernity of rivals. The Sequoia did offer a premium audio package and standard safety tech, but its infotainment lagged behind industry trends.

The Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival also included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist.

The Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, with pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alerts. It also included a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sequoia's safety features were robust, though crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of review.