2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Kia Carnival presented a fresh design approach for the minivan segment, 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 introduced 19-inch machined-finish wheels, simulated wood trim, and SynTex leather. Higher trims like the SX added black wheels, real leather, and the luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's exterior design cleverly integrated SUV-like features, such as a floating roof and skid plates, while maintaining the practicality of a minivan with sliding doors. Inside, the Carnival's dashboard and seating arrangements echoed a crossover's style, providing an upscale feel even in the base model.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its elegant exterior, featuring quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. The midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres long, came standard with 20-inch wheels in Canada, while the Prestige trim boasted 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front's quad-lamp look, and the matte Brunswick Green paint added a touch of elegance. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, complemented by metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured 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 and luxurious, offering a comfortable environment for occupants.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. While lacking all-wheel drive and electrified options, it offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. The Carnival featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the preferred choice despite occasional delayed downshifts. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with real-world testing averaging 10.8 L/100 km. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup offered a taut and athletic feel, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. The latter, featured in the test model, produced 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, taking around five and a half seconds to reach 100 km/h, the GV80 excelled in highway driving. Its power delivery and shifts were smooth, and the electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. The GV80's handling was competent, though not as sharp as some German competitors.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered practicality with its minivan design, though the SUV-style dashboard and centre console limited storage space. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat. The SX trim introduced VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests. While these seats were luxurious, they limited cargo space and headroom. The third-row seat provided ample comfort 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 expanded cargo space to 2,460 litres, and removing the second-row seats increased it to 4,110 litres. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Standard amenities in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors. The test model featured ventilated front and rear seats with Nappa leather upholstery and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. While a third-row option was available, legroom was limited. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for added convenience. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80's cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was rated at 2,720 kilograms.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology offerings varied by trim. The base LX trim featured analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, starting with EX+, included a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with HD Radio, SiriusXM, voice recognition, and UVO Link connected services. The EX+ and SX trims also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Carnival's tech was generally intuitive, though a comprehensive quick reference guide was recommended for setup and learning.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects were somewhat gimmicky, the head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, and the dial control was cumbersome, though it offered handwriting recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, adding a unique convenience feature.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive list of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. Standard equipment included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure and keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added front parking sensors, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ trim introduced a surround-view camera system and a Blind View Monitor. The IIHS awarded the Carnival a Top Safety Pick rating, though the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a wide array of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used various systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. While the system struggled in bright sunlight, it performed well in other conditions. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star overall safety rating, and the IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior for front crash prevention.