2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Lincoln Nautilus

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus was an attractive SUV, boasting a design that was neither awkward nor plain. Lincoln added enough detailing to ensure the Nautilus had plenty of character. Upon approaching the SUV after dark, a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence greeted drivers, adding a touch of elegance. The interior of the test vehicle featured light grey premium leather upholstery, with other colour options available, such as sandstone, dark brown, and black. Despite its overall decadent feel, some elements like the centre console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces appeared somewhat cheap. The Nautilus Reserve model, the only one offered in Canada, had a Manufacturer’s Retail Suggested Price (MSRP) of $59,800, excluding a $2,395 destination charge. The test vehicle was equipped with optional Ultra Comfort 22-way power-adjustable front seats with Active Motion massage, which proved perfect for long drives.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a distinctive sense of style, unique interior fittings, and impressive technology to set itself apart from typical minivans. The Carnival came in various trims, with base prices ranging from $35,795 to $49,595, excluding a $2,549 charge for destination and dealer fees. The test vehicle arrived in SX trim with extra-cost Storm Blue paint. The Carnival SX managed to look good while conveying an upscale image, with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. However, the black alloy wheels were considered boring. Inside, the Carnival’s dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, and the SX trim’s dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, preventing the minivan from looking or feeling cheap, and the robust transmission shifter imparted a sense of quality.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine was available, producing 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque for an additional $4,000. The Nautilus offered Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, which adjusted powertrain behaviour, steering effort, and adaptive suspension. The SUV had a 68-litre fuel tank, with the twin-turbo V6 carrying a fuel consumption rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Over 1,400 kilometres, it averaged 9.4 L/100 km. The Nautilus excelled as a road-tripper, offering a quiet and comfortable ride, enhanced by a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The twin-turbocharged V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission performed well, especially in Sport mode, although the steering lacked engagement.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It had a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving and offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms. The Carnival featured Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. While AWD was unavailable, the V6 engine delivered ample power, and the transmission operated flawlessly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride quality, with a softer ride when fully loaded. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was noted to be more athletic.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive, thanks to Active Noise Control and acoustic glass. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. The optional 22-way power front seats offered exceptional comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed heated outboard seating positions and air conditioning vents, though legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. The Nautilus provided 1,055 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 1,948 litres with the back seat folded. Practical storage space was adequate, though some areas were hard to access.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and SUV-like centre console. Upholstery options included cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather, though the latter felt stiff. The test vehicle had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival SX featured VIP Lounge Seats, which were great for road trips but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat was suitable for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep well with 1,139 litres of cargo volume. The third-row seats could be tumbled into the storage well, though the resulting load floor had numerous cracks and crevices. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the second-row seats could be removed to create a maximum cargo space of 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. It offered over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Lincoln Connect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The test vehicle included a connected navigation system, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive, with separate physical stereo and climate controls. The Phone as a Key feature allowed smartphones to unlock and start the Nautilus.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX had 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens under a single piece of glass, similar to 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 three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was deemed mediocre. Additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera. The Kia Connect subscription was inactive, limiting the voice recognition system’s effectiveness.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus came with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Black Label added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera system, and rear parking sensors. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with standard features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available from the EX trim. The 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 EX+ and SX trims added a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.