2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a unique design across its various trims, each offering distinct elements that set them apart. The LX trim featured a standard black grille and 17-inch silver-painted aluminum wheels, while the EX trim doubled the available paint colors and added 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, simulated open-pore wood trim, and SynTex simulated leather. The SX trim replaced the standard grille with a mirrored grid-pattern design and introduced black wheels. The SX Prestige trim focused on interior enhancements, including 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, even in the base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, featured standard 19-inch wheels, with the Prestige trim boasting 22-inch alloy wheels. The quad lamp design was mirrored in the rear taillamps, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape. The interior continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by thin horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim. The center console housed three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the GV80's interior was spacious, luxurious, and a pleasant environment.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It lacked all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options, but offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with the automatic transmission operating unobtrusively. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, it exhibited delayed downshift responses, particularly noticeable when ascending hills. The Carnival achieved an average fuel economy of 21.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 22 mpg. Dynamically, the front-wheel-drive Carnival felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 generating 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or quick, taking around five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving. Power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable freeway commute.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, despite its minivan roots, offered practicality with an SUV-style dashboard and center console. The LX trim featured individual captain’s chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat for added flexibility. The EX and SX trims shared the 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige trim boasted power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated VIP Lounge Seats with an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's third-row seat provided suitable comfort for adults, and the rearmost cargo area offered ample space. The smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 86.9 cu.-ft. with the seats folded, and up to 145.1 cu.-ft. with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features and utility. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat offered fatigue-reducing features, while Nappa leather upholstery added a touch of luxury. The GV80 offered an optional third row, though legroom was limited. The proximity key and digital key provided convenience, and the tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. It also offered a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim. The LX trim featured traditional analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. It also included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and eight speakers. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system with touchscreen control, device mirroring, and streaming apps. The SX Prestige trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound audio system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, but the dial offered a "clicky" feel. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though neither was wireless. The GV80 featured wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight parking spaces without the driver inside, adding a unique technological touch.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure, -keeping, and -centering assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, cyclist detection, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a range of standard advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80 featured a video feed of the car’s blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view for the driver. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to offer a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior ratings in front crash prevention.