2022 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, showcased distinct 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 sophisticated look with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and real leather, with VIP Lounge Seats as a standout feature. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included simulated skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, with character lines cleverly integrating the sliding door tracks. Its angular design was a departure from the softer lines of competitors, earning it praise for its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a stylish dashboard and centre console, offering an upscale feel even in its base trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna maintained its position in the minivan market with a design that embraced SUV styling cues. Its assertive profile featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a concealed slider channel, giving it a sleek appearance. The Sienna's interior avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and ample storage options, including a handy under-console storage area and numerous cup holders. The second and third rows offered comfortable seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The third-row seats easily folded into the floor, providing flexibility for cargo and passenger arrangements. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a practical choice for families, with a focus on comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. 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 steady acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating seamlessly. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the preferred choice despite occasional delayed downshifts. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offering smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. It featured four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was commendable, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride on highways. Fuel consumption was impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, and AWD models slightly higher. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack with a 10-year warranty.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard and centre console limited storage space. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests, though they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The third-row seat provided ample space for adults, and the large cargo area behind it offered significant collision crush space. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally. Cargo space was generous, with 1,139 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with the third row folded, and up to 4,110 litres with the second row removed.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's towing capacity matched the Carnival's at 1,585 kilograms. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench easily folded into the floor, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for accessing the passenger and cargo areas.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology offerings varied by trim. The LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and six speakers. Higher trims, starting with EX+, included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. Navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Passenger View camera were also available. The SX trim added a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system. The Carnival's technology was generally intuitive, though a comprehensive quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all trims, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna offered a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, with an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Higher trims included a 12-speaker JBL audio system and an available rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. A digital rearview mirror was available on select trims, providing a clear view of the road behind. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with upgrades to the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. Standard equipment 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. An ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist were also included. The EX+ trim featured a surround-view camera system and a Blind View Monitor. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and the Star Safety System were also standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and multiple LATCH child-seat connectors. A rear-seat reminder system and tire-pressure monitoring were standard, with an optional spare tire for added convenience.