2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its attractive design came with a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival relied on distinctive style, unique interior fittings, and impressive technology to stand out in the minivan segment. The Carnival SX trim, with its extra-cost Storm Blue paint, conveyed an upscale image. Its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim made it attractive, although the black alloy wheels were less imaginative. Inside, the Carnival's dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added sophistication, while dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of good quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap. The robust transmission shifter's solid action imparted a sense of quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Our test model, equipped with the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty, refined ride featured well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-litre 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 1,587 kilograms. The Carnival's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. While AWD was unavailable, the V6 engine provided ample power even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated flawlessly, and Sport mode kept the drivetrain in its power band on steep roads. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softer and smoother with a full load. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was satisfying to drive.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, enhancing convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable due to limited headroom compared to the larger CX-5.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like driving position and centre console, didn't feel like a typical minivan. It offered three types of upholstery: cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather. The SX trim featured heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, the controls for these features were distracting to use while driving. The Carnival's second-row VIP Lounge Seats, available in the SX trim, were luxurious but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with adequate legroom and USB ports. The smart power liftgate revealed a deep well with 1,139 litres of cargo volume, ideal for sports equipment. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. Controlled by a rotary dial/joystick, the system lacked touch functionality, which was a drawback. Inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems, the setup was not user-friendly, especially when navigating Apple CarPlay. The system's usability issues persisted even after setting up presets, making it distracting for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens under a single piece of glass, 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, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing convenience and communication.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades added traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trims. 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, alerting the owner if a child or pet was left inside. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist. The EX+ and SX trims featured a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though standard headlights received a Poor rating.