2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of many reviews. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather with open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic moonroof was available for the first time. The F Sport trim stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a distinctive steering wheel. The minimalist interior design, however, was a departure from the previous model, with many functions integrated into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. Despite some minor drawbacks, the NX maintained high-quality standards, although some components, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was a minivan that defied traditional design expectations, offering a distinctive style and upscale image. Available in LX, LX+, EX, EX+, and SX trims, the Carnival's base prices ranged from $35,795 to $49,595, excluding a $2,549 destination and dealer fee. The SX trim, with its Storm Blue paint, was particularly eye-catching, featuring high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the Carnival boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, standard on EX+ and SX trims, and dual power sunroofs. The interior materials were of high quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action added to the sense of refinement. However, the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired. The Carnival's interior was designed to feel more like an SUV, with a lower driving position and a centre console similar to those found in SUVs. The SX trim offered genuine leather upholstery, though it felt stiff. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort, but the controls were somewhat distracting to use while driving. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim were luxurious but limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h, a hybrid with 239 horsepower and an estimated 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and the NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer driving character. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, and observed fuel consumption was 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 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. The Carnival's powertrain was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms. The Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, which would have been beneficial in wet weather and for improved fuel economy. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Carnival's brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The minivan offered a firm, sporty ride quality when lightly loaded, but the ride softened with more passengers. The Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was considered more athletic. The Carnival's performance was better than that of the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats, and thoughtful padding on the driver's door panel and centre console added to the comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the cargo space increased by 14% to 643 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to feel more like an SUV, with a visible hood and a lower driving position. The Carnival offered three types of upholstery: cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather, with the latter feeling stiff. The SX trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, though the controls were distracting to use. The Carnival's second-row VIP Lounge Seats were luxurious but limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival offered 1,139 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with the VIP Lounge Seats. Without these seats, the maximum cargo space was 4,110 litres, surpassing that of a Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and there was no tuning knob.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, with lush graphics and changing imagery. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a complimentary three-year subscription to Kia Connect. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. The Carnival's native voice recognition system was only partly successful, and the climate control system was overly aggressive. Additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were standard from the EX trim. The Carnival also had a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was highly effective. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.