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 mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and clear instrumentation. The SX Turbo trim featured metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, or beige interiors, enhancing its upscale feel. The interior controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy adjustments, and the transmission shifter's smooth operation added to the sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique style and impressive technology. Although it lacked an off-road package, the Carnival differentiated itself from typical minivans with its distinctive design and upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, showcased high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and stylish roof pillar trim. The interior featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and flashy dashboard trim, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The Carnival's interior materials were of high quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action contributed to a sense of refinement. Despite some uninspired black alloy wheels, the Carnival's overall design and features made it an attractive and upscale choice.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, boasted a more robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, giving it a lively character, especially in Sport mode. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, with a hint of body roll and lateral rocking over uneven surfaces. While it felt athletic and sporty in turns, the steering could have been sharper, and the tires offered limited grip.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode kept the drivetrain in its power band during steep climbs. The Carnival's brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations. The minivan offered a firm, sporty ride with a softer feel when fully loaded. While the Honda Odyssey felt more athletic, the Carnival was more enjoyable to drive than the Pacifica or Sienna.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front 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 60.1 cubic feet fell short of segment leaders, though the 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat was adequate. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan expectations with its SUV-like driving position and center console arrangement. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The test vehicle included a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience and luxury, though they limited maximum cargo volume to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 40.2 cubic feet of space, and the third-row seats could be tumbled into the well for additional cargo capacity. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet, comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system was only partly successful. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with additional features on higher trims. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet tested it.