2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the automotive scene, showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its competitors. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the LX and LX+ featuring a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim elevated the aesthetic with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and simulated leather upholstery. The SX trim further enhanced the interior with real leather, textured metal dashboard trim, and the luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like simulated skid plates, a floating roof, and roof rails, giving it a robust appearance. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them into the vehicle's character lines, maintaining a sleek look. The Carnival's design was praised for its sharp angles and conservative taste, making it a standout in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco embraced a retro-cool aesthetic with its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights. Available in nine trims, each Bronco model exuded a unique charm, from the basic, rugged Base trim to the imposing Raptor with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic touches with a white grille, roof, and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for show; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in off-road navigation. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and durable materials. The interior was designed for practicality, with features like sealed switches and drain plugs for easy cleaning. While not as refined as typical SUVs, the Bronco's interior prioritized durability and functionality, making it a compelling choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It lacked all-wheel drive and electrified 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 four driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode being the preferred choice despite occasional delayed downshifts. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, 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.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, a 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor, producing 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the V6 options provided more power for heavier models. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort, offering a quieter ride than the Jeep Wrangler. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads. The Bronco's maneuverability was aided by cameras, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, despite its minivan roots, offered practicality with an SUV-style dashboard and centre console. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. These seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space as they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults, and the rear cargo area offered significant storage space. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally. With the third-row seats folded, the Carnival offered 2,460 litres of cargo space, expandable to 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, with ample room in both two- and four-door models. The four-door model provided easier access to the rear seats, while the two-door required more effort. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for personal items. The Bronco's cargo space varied by model, with the two-door offering up to 1,481 litres and the four-door up to 2,197 litres. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered loading longer items. The Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, starting with EX+, offered a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with additional features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. The Carnival also included a Passenger View camera and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on select trims. The SX trim featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, though it lacked the depth of previous Harman Kardon systems. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the technology, which was generally intuitive.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road prowess, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing settings for various terrains. Camera views provided valuable assistance in tight spots, while the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford's SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect as standard. A wireless charging pad was optional, and most models featured an eight-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch display available for improved usability.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival's ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist provided additional safety measures. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and trailer-sway assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the Bronco's safety features were effective, it lagged behind more conventional SUVs in terms of standard equipment.