2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the automotive scene, 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 sophisticated 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 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 a tall hood visible from the driver's seat. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, the Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and Toyota Sienna. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a stylish dashboard and centre console, offering an upscale appearance even in base trim.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as futuristic as some competitors, presented an attractive crossover design. Its restrained bodywork and chunky front end gave the grille a smaller appearance, a refreshing change from aggressive fascias. The Equinox offered new paint options, including Radiant Red Tintcoat, Blue Glow Metallic, and Harvest Brown Metallic. Available in four trims—LS, LT, RS, and Premier—the Equinox provided FWD or AWD options in Canada. The Equinox's design language shared similarities with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, and its compact profile and large windows created a sense of spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim featured two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While the interior appeared dated compared to rivals, it was practical and user-friendly, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and ample storage. The Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera.

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. While AWD and electrified powertrains were not available, the Carnival offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. Driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the most used despite occasional delayed downshifts. The Carnival's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The front-wheel-drive Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which held gears longer than modern alternatives, contributing to engine noise. AWD was available on all trims but required manual activation. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a practical minivan with SUV styling, offered eight-passenger seating on most trims in Canada. The second-row bench seat could be configured for various needs, while the SX trim featured power-adjustable VIP Lounge Seats with leather upholstery and Ottoman-style leg rests. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided ample space, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally. The Carnival's deep storage well accommodated large items, and the third-row seats folded easily for additional cargo space.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded. While not the largest in its class, the Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with cup holders and storage spaces throughout the cabin. The Premier trim included a nearly silent power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, with the LX trim featuring analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX+ trim introduced a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, and UVO Link connected services. The SX trim added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a digital instrument cluster. The Carnival's tech was intuitive, though a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier. The system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with a wireless charging pad on the Premier trim. The Equinox offered a Wi-Fi hotspot and a Bose audio system as an option on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ trim included a surround-view camera system and Blind View Monitor. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox included standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.