2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle tougher terrains, resembling more of a Jeep than a station wagon. The vehicle featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all contributing to its bold appearance. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a robust and functional interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a stylish and upscale image, defying the typical minivan stereotype. Its design was marked by high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a sophisticated look. The Carnival SX trim featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding a touch of luxury to the interior. The minivan's interior materials were of high quality, and the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. Despite its minivan classification, the Carnival's design and features made it feel more like an upscale SUV, appealing to those who valued both style and functionality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the CVT's droning and soft gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim stood out with its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and enhanced suspension and traction systems, making it the most capable Outback for off-road adventures. It featured a dual-function X-Mode traction system and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It provided a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms and featured Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, the Carnival's V6 engine delivered ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode enhanced performance on steep inclines. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving conditions. The Carnival's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, with a sporty feel when lightly loaded and a smoother ride when fully occupied.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, and the driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided generous head and legroom, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed with SUV-like elements, offering a lower driving position and a centre console similar to those found in SUVs. The SX trim featured genuine leather upholstery, though it felt stiff. The Carnival included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim were luxurious but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat provided adequate legroom and USB ports. The Carnival's cargo area offered 1,139 litres of space behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate for easy access.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrated with climate control. While physical knobs were available for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was limited, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, enhancing the interior's upscale feel. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was underwhelming. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, adding convenience and functionality for passengers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness trim also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard collision warnings and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting owners if a child or pet was left inside. The Carnival also included adaptive cruise control and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the standard headlights were rated poorly.