2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Kia Carnival

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 sophisticated look with 19-inch machined-finish wheels and simulated leather interiors. The SX trim replaced the standard grille with a mirrored grid-pattern design and added black wheels, appealing to modern tastes. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior luxury with real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling cues, such as simulated skid plates and a floating roof design, contributed to its appealing and upscale appearance, making it a standout in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more restrained design, with a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. The Equinox offered a variety of paint colors, including new options like Radiant Red Tintcoat and Sterling Gray Metallic. The vehicle's profile, with a thick C-pillar and large windows, gave an impression of spaciousness. Inside, the Equinox Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats. While the interior design felt a bit dated compared to competitors, the Equinox remained practical and user-friendly, with a focus on simplicity and functionality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided smooth and steady acceleration, although the lack of all-wheel drive or electrified options was a limitation. The Carnival offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and featured driving modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The vehicle's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.7 mpg. The Carnival's dynamic performance was characterized by a taut and athletic feel, although it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Despite a slight increase in horsepower for 2023, the Equinox's acceleration was modest, particularly at higher speeds. The six-speed automatic transmission contributed to the powertrain's noise, as it held gears longer than more modern transmissions. The Equinox offered all-wheel drive, but it required manual engagement. The vehicle's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The Equinox handled well for a compact crossover, with tight and accurate steering.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior with flexible seating configurations. The LX trim featured captain's chairs in the second row, while higher trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and leg rests. The Carnival's cargo space was impressive, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The vehicle's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, although they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The cargo area measured 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While the Equinox's cargo capacity was less than some competitors, it offered practical storage solutions with cup holders, a center console bin, and door pockets. The Premier trim featured a nearly silent power liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the LX trim, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired smartphone integration, navigation, and additional features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was characterized by simplicity and ease of use. The LS, LT, and RS trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Premier trim had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and the driver-information display provided access to music, navigation, and vehicle settings.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added features like front parking sensors and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival also included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. Crash-test results were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance. However, it lacked level two autonomous driving technology. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.