2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a bold and distinctive front styling, characterized by the automaker’s “Dynamic Shield” grille and lighting concept. Despite its striking front, the design from the front wheels to the rear bumper was balanced and appealing. In Canada, the Outlander was available in several trims, with 18-inch alloy wheels on the lower trims and 20-inch wheels standard on the higher ones. The interior of the GT Premium trim was luxurious, featuring premium semi-aniline leather with quilting and contrast stitching, a head-up display, and a premium sound system. The minimalist interior design was executed with black and aluminum accents, though some plastics reminded occupants of its compact crossover SUV status.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, stood out with its distinctive style and upscale image, making it a compelling choice in the minivan segment. The SX trim, in particular, featured high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, contributing to its attractive appearance. Inside, the Carnival boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and a flashy dashboard trim. The interior materials were of high quality, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality. The Carnival’s design and features made it an appealing option for those seeking a stylish and technologically advanced minivan.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) powering the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) AWD system. Despite the availability of multiple driving modes, the Outlander’s performance was underwhelming, especially at higher speeds or when accelerating onto highways. The steering felt vague and disconnected, and the suspension was too firm, resulting in a brittle ride on imperfect roads. The Outlander returned 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly missing the official fuel consumption rating.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms and was rated to consume 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Carnival’s 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 was firm yet composed, and it handled speed bumps well. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, offering a better experience than some of its competitors.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats, intuitive controls, and impressive displays. However, the centre console had wasted space, limiting storage options. The rear seat offered generous room and comfort, but the third-row seat was cramped and not suitable for adults. Cargo capacity was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased the available space significantly.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, offered a unique driving experience with a lower driving position and SUV-like centre console. The SX trim featured genuine leather upholstery, though it felt stiff. The Carnival’s three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim were luxurious but limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row. The Carnival provided ample cargo capacity behind the third row, and removing the second-row seats created a vast cargo area.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay. The GT Premium trim included a 10-speaker Bose audio system, though voice recognition technology needed improvement due to road noise.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering lush graphics and changing imagery. The infotainment system included 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 like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera added convenience.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander was equipped with a driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, offering smooth and accurate performance. It included standard safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The Outlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard collision warnings and avoidance systems. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit Assist were notable features. The Carnival’s Highway Driving Assist technology was excellent, providing smooth and accurate performance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.