2022 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a fresh addition to the market, showcased distinct design elements across its various trims. The LX and LX+ trims featured a standard black grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels, while the EX trim offered a more refined look with a mirrored grid-pattern grille, 19-inch machined-finish wheels, and simulated leather. The SX trim added black wheels, textured metal dashboard trim, and luxurious VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV-inspired design included features like a floating roof and roof rails, though the sliding door tracks were visible. Its sharp, angular design stood out against competitors, offering a more upscale and stylish interior reminiscent of a crossover.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a sleeker, more compact appearance. It maintained the same length as its predecessor but offered more cargo space. The RX's design featured a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design. Its exterior was recognizable as a Lexus RX, yet fresh and conservative compared to the previous model. Inside, the RX boasted a modern, button-minimalist interior with digital instrumentation and a choice of touchscreen displays. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with pricing starting at $58,650 in Canada.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive or electrified options. The Carnival's towing capacity was 1,587.5 kilograms. The V6 engine provided smooth acceleration, and the automatic transmission operated seamlessly. Driving modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart, with Sport mode improving downshift response. Fuel consumption 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, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard in Canada. The turbo-four engine offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure ride. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with fuel economy estimates at 9.9 L/100 km, though testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, a practical minivan, offered eight-passenger seating with a versatile second-row bench. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and leg rests. These seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space as they couldn't be removed or folded flat. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Carnival's cargo area was spacious, with 1,139 litres behind the third row and up to 4,110 litres with seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package offering sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive trim featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered improved cargo space over its predecessor, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded. Storage areas were practical, though cargo capacity remained modest for the segment.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim. The LX trim included analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, like the EX+, featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, wireless charging, and a Passenger View camera. The SX trim added a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The technology was generally intuitive, though a comprehensive guide was recommended for setup.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect, with Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, was available for three years on certain models. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming, though it lacked multi-panel viewing. The RX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2022 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance features like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available. The system was generally effective, though some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive.