2022 Nissan Armada vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Nissan Armada was a large and imposing SUV, with its roots tracing back to the Pathfinder Armada of 2004. It shared its lineage with the Nissan Titan pickup and the internationally sold Nissan Patrol SUV. The Armada's production moved to Japan in 2017, aligning it with the Infiniti QX80 luxury SUV. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 208.9 inches in length, 75.8 inches in height, and 79.9 inches in width, with a ground clearance of 9.1-9.2 inches. The exterior was adorned with sculptural details, standard LED lighting, and chrome accents, giving it a luxurious appearance. The Armada was available in seven colors, with wheel options ranging from 18-inch to 22-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, which complemented its grand stature.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, while not an off-road vehicle, stood out with its unique style and impressive technology. It was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with prices starting at $33,100. The SX Prestige trim, which we tested, featured Astra Blue paint, a Seating Package, and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package, bringing the MSRP to $49,285. The Carnival's design was sophisticated, with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens added a touch of elegance, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials were of high quality, and the transmission shifter's solid action conveyed a sense of durability.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was powered by a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. It came with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive as an option. The Armada's fuel economy was rated at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway for RWD models and slightly lower for 4WD versions. Despite its weight of 5,650 to 6,034 pounds, the Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and accommodate up to eight passengers. Its braking system, featuring 13.8-inch vented disc brakes and a four-wheel anti-lock system, was effective, while the independent suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which could have improved its performance in adverse weather conditions. However, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated seamlessly. The brakes, although initially disappointing during a mountain descent, performed well in other driving scenarios. The Carnival's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, with a softer feel when fully loaded.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was designed to transport seven to eight passengers comfortably. The first row featured power-adjustable bucket seats, while the second row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs. The third-row bench seat was spacious and could be equipped with power folding and reclining functions. The Armada's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 95.4 cubic feet of space available when the second and third rows were folded. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a lower driving position and a center console similar to those found in SUVs. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather available on the SX Prestige trim. The Carnival featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats in the second row added convenience, although they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders for passengers. The Carnival's cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, with the option to remove the second-row seats for a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2022 Nissan Armada came with NissanConnect technology, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen with customizable split-screen options. Standard tech features included a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, navigation, and a rear-view monitor. The audio system varied by trim, with a Bose system available on higher trims. All models included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim offered a Family Entertainment System with dual 8-inch headrest monitors.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The test vehicle's Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, although it was not widely used by passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Armada was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Nissan Safety Shield 360, which offered high beam assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Additional safety systems included adaptive cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, and an intelligent rear-view mirror. The Armada featured multiple airbags and trailer sway control on higher trims. However, safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable additions. Higher trims offered Junction Turning Detection, Highway Driving Assist, and a surround-view camera. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, although the NHTSA had not conducted crash tests.