2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels. The SUV's styling, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker, was complemented by polished brightwork. Inside, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, especially in the SX trim with Storm Blue paint. The minivan's design elements, such as high-tech lighting and intricate grille, contributed to its attractive appearance. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, enhancing its sophistication. The SX trim's dual power sunroofs and flashy dashboard trim added to the upscale feel, while the interior materials ensured the minivan did not appear cheap. However, the black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system provided additional power and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, while the speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering facilitated urban manoeuvrability. The SUV excelled in Sport+ mode, showcasing its performance capabilities on challenging roads.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It consumed 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing and offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The Carnival's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. While lacking AWD and a hybrid powertrain, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality varied with passenger load, offering a firm ride with a single occupant and a softer experience with a full load.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments and features like heating, ventilation, and massage. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Comfort upgrades included a four-zone climate control system and an Air Balance fragrance system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's design and driving position resembled an SUV more than a minivan. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival SX featured a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim limited cargo space to 2,460 litres but provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seat offered adequate legroom, and the cargo area behind it provided 1,139 litres of space. The Carnival's maximum cargo volume reached 4,110 litres without the VIP Lounge Seats.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and optional features like gesture recognition and augmented video navigation. The touchpad on the centre console was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The digital instrumentation impressed with its graphics and changing imagery. The infotainment system included features like Quiet Mode and Passenger Talk. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming, and the voice recognition system had limitations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, enhancing safety. The GLE's lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control were well-tuned, though the route-based speed adaptation function was irritating. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of safety features, with standard collision warnings and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit Assist were notable features. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control and Junction Turning Detection. The EX+ and SX trims included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.