2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-style symmetry in the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, making it a compelling choice in the minivan segment. The Carnival SX trim, with its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, was particularly attractive. However, the black alloy wheels were less imaginative. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding sophistication to the cabin. The SX trim's dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light, and the interior materials were of high quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap. The robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality to the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more powerful engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a strong contender in the compact crossover segment. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all grades except the entry-level LX FWD. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The suspension tuning offered a smooth and compliant ride, though the steering could have been sharper.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Carnival's powertrain provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms. While the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, it offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The brakes performed well in most situations, though they showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty, with a softer feel when fully loaded, making it a satisfying vehicle to drive.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's maximum cargo volume of 1,703 litres fell short of segment leaders. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like driving position and centre console arrangement, defied typical minivan expectations. The Carnival offered three types of upholstery, with the SX trim featuring genuine leather. The test vehicle included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim were luxurious but limited maximum cargo volume to 2,460 litres. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, and the smart power liftgate revealed a deep well with 1,139 litres of cargo volume. Removing the second-row seats expanded cargo space to 4,110 litres, surpassing even a Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation impressed with its lush graphics and changing imagery based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect connected services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were standard from the EX grade. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.