2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold new design that drew inspiration from Nissan's latest SUV styling trends. It featured a reimagined V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the bulky C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 11 paint options and a distinctive black roof, the Pathfinder exuded a robust and rugged aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and increased height contributed to its commanding presence on the road, positioning it as a capable and adventurous choice for buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique blend of style and sophistication, setting it apart from traditional minivans. Its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim gave it an upscale appearance. The Carnival's interior featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding a touch of luxury. The SX trim's dual power sunroofs and flashy dashboard trim further enhanced its appeal. While the black alloy wheels lacked imagination, the overall design of the Carnival was both attractive and distinctive, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and modern minivan.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, the Pathfinder offered smooth gear transitions and a stable ride. Its all-wheel-drive system, standard in Canada, provided versatility with seven drive and terrain modes. The Pathfinder's towing capacity of 2,720 kilograms was impressive, and its tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver in various settings. While the transmission occasionally struggled at high speeds, the Pathfinder's overall performance was reliable and capable.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its front-wheel-drive setup offered four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, with a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. While the lack of all-wheel drive and hybrid options was a drawback, the Carnival's engine provided ample power, and the transmission performed flawlessly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they generally performed well in other conditions. The Carnival's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, making it a satisfying choice for drivers.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and flexibility. Enhanced insulation and acoustic laminated glass reduced road noise, creating a quieter cabin. The Pathfinder's design focused on family-friendly features, such as wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to accommodate up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide system allowed easy access to the third row, while the removable second-row centre console added convenience. With 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 2,421 litres with seats folded, the Pathfinder offered ample storage. The interior was spacious, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and centre console layout. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival's three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added to its comfort. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge Seats, providing luxury but limiting cargo space to 2,460 litres. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 4,110 litres. The third-row seat was spacious, and the smart power liftgate revealed 1,139 litres of cargo volume. While the Carnival's interior was well-equipped, the placement of controls and the VIP Lounge Seats' limitations were notable considerations.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a range of user-friendly technology. Standard features included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display. With multiple USB ports and NissanConnect Services, the Pathfinder provided a comprehensive tech package without overwhelming users.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of luxury brands. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year Kia Connect subscription. While the 12-speaker Bose audio system was underwhelming, features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera added convenience. The Carnival's digital displays offered stunning graphics and adaptive themes, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on higher trims. The Pathfinder Platinum offered 11 airbags, while other trims had 10. However, crash test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available for this model.

The 2023 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting owners if a child or pet was left inside. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, though standard headlights received a Poor rating.