2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a fresh design for the model year, with each version offering distinct styling elements. The base LX and LX+ trims featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim doubled the available paint colours and added 19-inch machined-finish wheels, simulated wood trim, and SynTex leather. Higher trims like the SX included black wheels, real leather, and VIP Lounge Seats, enhancing the Carnival's appeal. The SUV-inspired design included features like skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, although the sliding door tracks were visible. The Carnival's design was praised for its sharp, angular lines, 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 look even in base trim.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer resembled a smaller version of the Chevrolet Blazer, striking a balance between SUV toughness and upscale details. The Activ and RS models offered unique styling, with the Activ featuring a rugged front fascia and roof rails, while the RS had blacked-out trim and a mesh grille. Both models offered contrasting roof colours, adding a distinctive touch. The Trailblazer's interior featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and a mix of copper-toned and black plastic trim, giving it personality. While the cabin didn't scream "outdoor adventure," design touches like grab handles and a creased dashboard added distinction. The Trailblazer's design was well-received, offering a blend of style and practicality.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 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 unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most used despite some delayed downshift responses. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer shared its platform with the Buick Encore GX, offering a standard 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. An optional 1.3-litre turbo-three increased output to 155 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. The 1.2-litre engine was available only with front-wheel drive, while the 1.3-litre engine offered both FWD and AWD options. FWD models had a CVT, while AWD models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Trailblazer Activ test car had AWD and the 1.3-litre engine, providing decent power and a pleasing exhaust note. The nine-speed automatic had some rough shifts, but the Trailblazer felt composed and nimble. It offered Normal, Sport, and Snow drive modes, though Sport mode didn't noticeably change steering or shifting. The Trailblazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike competitors' automatic systems.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was a practical minivan with an SUV-style dashboard and centre console. Most trims offered eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. These seats were impressive but limited cargo space due to their non-removable design. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Carnival's rear cargo area was spacious, offering 1,139 litres of volume behind the third row. Folding the third-row seats increased cargo space to 2,460 litres, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 4,110 litres. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate had pros and cons, with the liftgate opening automatically when standing nearby.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a compact SUV with decent utility for its size. It offered generous headroom in both rows, though legroom was mid-pack. The rear seats were comfortable for short trips, but flat cushions made long journeys less appealing. The Trailblazer provided 716 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,540 litres with them folded, slightly behind competitors like the Kia Seltos. The Trailblazer's towing capacity was limited to 454 kilograms. Up front, the Trailblazer had a covered storage bin, deep tray, cupholders, and phone storage, maximizing limited space. A small dashboard carve-out was present, though its function was unclear.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and six speakers. Starting with EX+ trim, it offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX+ and SX trims included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the SX added a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's tech was intuitive, but a quick reference guide was recommended for setup.

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen, navigation, Bose audio, rear-seat USB ports, and wireless phone charging were optional. The Trailblazer's tech was adequate for most buyers, with the 8-inch touchscreen offering clear graphics and logical menus. The combination of a smaller instrument cluster screen and analog gauges conveyed information effectively.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. EX trim added front parking sensors, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. 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 Trailblazer included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Teen Driver system. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.