2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with dimensions that emphasized its substantial presence. It measured 5,305 millimetres in length, 1,925 mm in height, and 2,030 mm in width, making it a formidable vehicle on the road. The Armada's design featured sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and a tasteful amount of chrome, giving it a luxurious appearance. The exterior was available in five colours, with deep, rich paint and lustrous chrome accents. In Canada, the Armada SL came with standard features like LED fog lights, roof rails, a power moonroof, and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Platinum trim boasted 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels that complemented its large frame.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presented a unique and stylish alternative to the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. The Carnival SX trim, in particular, conveyed an upscale image, with dual instrumentation and infotainment screens that added sophistication to the interior. The SX trim also included dual power sunroofs, providing ample natural light. While the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired, the overall design of the Carnival was attractive and modern, making it stand out in the minivan category.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada. Despite its size and weight, the Armada offered impressive towing capabilities, with a capacity of up to 3,855 kilograms. Fuel consumption ratings were 17.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 12.9 on the highway, and 15.4 combined. The Armada's four-wheel independent suspension provided a smooth and controlled ride, even on rough roads, while its braking system ensured reliable stopping power.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Carnival offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms and had a combined fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The Carnival's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. While the V6 engine provided ample power, the Carnival's brakes showed signs of fading during demanding conditions. However, the overall driving experience was satisfying, with a firm and sporty ride quality.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to accommodate seven to eight passengers comfortably, with spacious seating in all three rows. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a 60/40-split bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was roomy and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's interior boasted dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery. With a maximum cargo capacity of 2,701 litres, the Armada was well-suited for transporting both passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, offered a unique interior layout with three types of upholstery options. The SX trim featured genuine leather upholstery, although it was noted to be stiff. The Carnival's interior included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The SX trim also offered VIP Lounge Seats in the second row, which were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated. However, these seats limited the maximum cargo volume to 2,460 litres. The Carnival's third-row seat provided adequate legroom and included USB ports and cupholders. With a maximum cargo capacity of 4,110 litres (without VIP Lounge Seats), the Carnival offered ample space for various needs.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring NissanConnect technology. This system allowed for customizable split-screen options and included features such as wireless device charging, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Armada also offered a Bose audio system with 13 speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity. Platinum models included a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors and wireless headphones.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz setup. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Kia Connect connected services offered features like remote engine starting and a Find My Car function. However, the Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This package included high beam assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Armada also featured adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and intelligent lane intervention. While the Armada had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it offered a robust set of safety features.

The 2023 Kia Carnival also boasted a range of safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were available from the EX trim. The Carnival was recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, although the standard headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA had not yet performed crash tests on the Carnival.