2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look that was popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a softer character line that swooped over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall appearance felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid featured an unconventional yet less jarring interior with an asymmetrical dash and a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a distinctive style that set it apart from typical minivans. The Carnival SX trim, with its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, conveyed an upscale image. The interior featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding sophistication, while dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The dashboard trim mirrored the exterior's flashy appearance, and the interior materials were of good quality, preventing the minivan from feeling cheap. The robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality, although the black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. Toyota estimated a 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, especially on hills. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with a suspension that smoothed over road bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on highways, contributing to a quieter driving experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission operated flawlessly. However, the lack of AWD and a hybrid powertrain limited its performance in wet weather and fuel efficiency. The Carnival averaged 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The brakes performed well in most situations, but a one-time fade occurred during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, while a full load softened the ride. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, offering a better experience than the Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned, leaving the elbow unsupported. The interior provided plenty of storage options, including a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers with ease, and offered sliding and reclining capabilities. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children or smaller adults. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, meanwhile, offered a unique driving experience that didn't feel like a typical minivan. The driver’s seat provided a lower driving position, and the centre console was arranged like those in SUVs. The Carnival offered three types of upholstery: cloth, artificial leather, and genuine leather, with the latter feeling stiff and dry. The SX trim featured heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The Carnival's second-row VIP Lounge Seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, but they limited cargo volume to 2,460 litres and made third-row access challenging. The third-row seat offered adequate legroom and included USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival provided 1,139 litres of cargo space behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate for easy access. Removing the second-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option available on top trims. The infotainment system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for common features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, mounted side-by-side under a single piece of glass. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems required some fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and excessive steering resistance noted.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring was available from the EX trim. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting the owner if a child or pet was left inside. Adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were standard from the EX grade, with additional features like Junction Turning Detection and a surround-view camera available on higher trims. The Highway Driving Assist technology was praised for its accuracy and smooth operation. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, although standard headlights received a Poor rating.