2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Lexus GX

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 look with black wheels, real leather, and 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 and appealing presence. Despite the visible sliding door tracks, Kia cleverly integrated them into the vehicle's character lines, maintaining a sleek appearance.

Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a dashboard and centre console reminiscent of a crossover. This design choice, combined with Kia's attention to style, resulted in an upscale interior even in the base trim. The Carnival's angular design stood out in the minivan segment, offering a sharp contrast to the more rounded or bloated appearances of its competitors. Overall, the Carnival's design was a winning combination of style and practicality, making it a standout choice for families seeking a visually appealing vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and substantial ground clearance, commanded attention on the road. Its front end, framed by massive headlights, exuded a sense of readiness for any adventure. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, offered exclusive paint colours, adding to its allure. Despite its imposing front, the GX's dimensions seemed to shrink along the sides, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. The flared fenders contributed to its chunky motif, while the overall design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to other blocky Toyota models.

Inside, the GX's interior was a mix of luxury and practicality. While the use of plastic materials was disappointing for a luxury SUV, features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery added a touch of opulence. The GX's design, though not updated in 14 years, still managed to offer a comfortable and capable driving experience. Its off-road prowess was evident, with features like a Torsen limited-slip differential and a robust 4WD system, making it a reliable choice for those seeking adventure beyond paved roads.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine drove the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and effortless acceleration. While all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options were absent, the Carnival offered a towing capacity of 1,587.5 kilograms (3,500 pounds). The V6 engine was praised for its smooth performance, and the automatic transmission operated seamlessly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The Carnival featured multiple driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. Smart mode was generally effective, though it occasionally exhibited delayed downshift responses, particularly on inclines. Sport mode helped mitigate this issue. Fuel efficiency was reasonable, with an average consumption of 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Carnival's dynamic performance was commendable, with a taut and athletic feel, although it could be a bit stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a linear power delivery and a satisfying engine note. While the GX's V8 didn't match the power figures of more modern engines, it provided a unique driving experience appreciated by some enthusiasts. The GX's towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms (6,500 pounds) was impressive, though its fuel economy was less so, with a combined estimate of 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The GX's weight and design contributed to a rolling sensation through corners, but it remained predictable and controllable. The steering, while vague off-centre, offered decent road feel, and the brakes were strong and reliable. The GX's 4WD system, with a Torsen limited-slip differential, provided excellent traction in various conditions, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, offering a spacious interior with flexible seating arrangements. Most trims featured eight-passenger seating, with a versatile second-row bench seat that could slide, fold, or be removed for added convenience. The SX trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and Ottoman-style leg rests, providing a luxurious experience for rear passengers. However, these seats couldn't be removed or folded flat, limiting maximum cargo space.

The Carnival's third-row seats were comfortable for adults, and the generous cargo area behind them provided ample storage. The smart hands-free power-sliding side doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently triggered. The Carnival offered a deep storage well with 1,139 litres of volume behind the third-row seats, expandable to 2,460 litres with the seats folded. Removing the second-row seats created a cavernous 4,110 litres of cargo space, rivaling larger SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered a well-thought-out interior with ample storage options. The centre console bin was spacious, and the cupholders were conveniently placed. However, the lack of USB-C ports and small door pockets were minor drawbacks. The GX retained physical controls, which were appreciated by those who preferred tactile buttons over touchscreens. The adjustable centre console lid added versatility for front-seat occupants.

The second-row seats were comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. A three-across bench seat was standard, providing flexibility for passengers. However, the third-row seats were cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded. With both rows down, the GX offered 1,832 litres, less than some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a range of technology features, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim. This system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims, like the EX+, featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with additional features such as HD Radio, SiriusXM, and voice recognition. The Carnival also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Bose audio system on the SX trim.

Kia's technology was generally intuitive, though the extensive features required some time to fully understand. The Carnival's tech package included a Passenger View camera, wireless smartphone charging, and UVO Link connected services, enhancing convenience and connectivity for occupants.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system was an improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind newer systems. The inclusion of a CD player highlighted the GX's outdated tech offerings.

Despite its shortcomings, the GX excelled in off-road technology. It featured a robust 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case, downhill assist, and hill-start assist. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved on-road and off-road performance, while optional features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted an extensive list of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). 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 monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for passengers.

The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated it at the time of review.

The 2023 Lexus GX, while not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Lexus Safety System+ included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.