2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. With its robust bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding, the Sorento exuded a sense of purpose and presence. The interior of the Sorento was equally impressive, offering a sense of quality with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin was well-constructed, with attention to detail evident even in the most affordable models. Despite its traditional cable-operated transmission shifter, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking style and functionality.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, especially in the SX trim. The Carnival's exterior featured high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, contributing to its attractive appearance. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, ensuring the minivan did not feel cheap. However, the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired. Overall, the Carnival offered a unique blend of style and practicality, appealing to those seeking a minivan with a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, was the recommended choice for a more satisfying driving experience. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a lively performance, making the Sorento feel more like a sports sedan. Despite its energetic drive, the Sorento's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. While the Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, it offered a smooth and powerful drive, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated flawlessly, and the Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, though they showed signs of fade during a mountain descent. The Carnival's fuel economy averaged 11.1 L/100 km, slightly higher than its rating, but the minivan remained satisfying to drive, offering a firm and sporty ride quality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding the seats expanded the capacity significantly. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience, though it could be inadvertently triggered.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and SUV-like centre console. The interior featured three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival's three-zone climate control and heated and ventilated front seats added comfort, though the controls were somewhat distracting. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim provided luxury but limited cargo space and accessibility. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, and the smart power liftgate revealed ample cargo capacity. Removing the second-row seats expanded the cargo space to a generous 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation and smartphone integration. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a luxurious and modern interface. The digital instrumentation impressed with its dynamic graphics, while the infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. Despite the advanced tech, the Bose audio system was underwhelming. Additional features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera enhanced the Carnival's technology package.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to the SUV's safety credentials. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit Assist added to the minivan's safety offerings. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.