2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trims in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. The Seltos, particularly in its Nightfall Edition, boasted 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission, although some features were not available in Canada. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, featuring exposed stitching and metallic accents, though it was marred by an abundance of shiny hard plastic. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally appealing. Despite some design quirks, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its competitors.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was a minivan that defied traditional design expectations, offering a distinctive style and impressive technology. Available in various trims, the Carnival's SX model featured a sophisticated look with high-tech lighting and intricate grille design. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added a touch of luxury, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action contributed to a sense of quality. The Carnival's design and features made it stand out in the minivan category, offering a compelling alternative to traditional options.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 175 horsepower. The turbo engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience, although it exhibited some quirks typical of DCTs. The Seltos featured Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less than ideal, leading to a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite some handling issues, the Seltos was easy to park and offered good visibility.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival's powertrain provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Carnival offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with Sport mode proving effective on steep roads. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm yet composed, and it handled speed bumps with ease. While the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic driving experience, the Carnival was more satisfying to drive than the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, although the seatback angle was slightly reclined. The Seltos offered decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down. The interior featured practical storage solutions, although the use of hard plastic was a drawback.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like design, offered a unique driving experience. The interior featured three types of upholstery, with the SX trim offering genuine leather. The Carnival's climate control system and heated seats added to the comfort, although the controls were somewhat distracting. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats provided a luxurious experience but limited cargo capacity. The third-row seat was spacious, and the Carnival offered ample cargo space, with a smart power liftgate revealing 1,139 litres of cargo volume. The Carnival's maximum cargo capacity was 4,110 litres with the second-row seats removed, making it a versatile option for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting from the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose sound system in the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, although it required a cable connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical controls for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's SX trim boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a luxurious presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. The system featured remote engine starting and a Find My Car function. Despite the impressive display, the Bose audio system was mediocre. The Carnival also offered Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with a range of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with top marks for crashworthiness.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a comprehensive suite of safety systems, with standard collision warnings and avoidance features. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and the Safe Exit Assist system warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control and Junction Turning Detection. The Carnival's safety features, including a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor, proved effective during testing. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, although the standard headlights were rated Poor.