2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a classic and robust exterior design that resonated with the adage "good taste never goes out of style." Its modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines gave it a timeless appeal. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, however, the Sequoia's age was more apparent. The interior design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place compared to the larger screens found in newer SUVs. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it suitable for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a modern and stylish appearance that set it apart from traditional minivans. Its design elements, such as high-tech lighting and intricate grille, contributed to its upscale image. The Carnival's interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, adding a touch of sophistication. The SX trim offered luxurious features like dual power sunroofs and high-quality materials, enhancing the overall driving experience. The Carnival's design cleverly blended minivan practicality with SUV-like aesthetics, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kg and a combined fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The Carnival's front-wheel-drive setup and multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport, provided versatility for different driving conditions. While it lacked AWD and hybrid options, the Carnival's V6 engine delivered ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during demanding conditions, although they performed well in regular driving scenarios.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured a three-zone climate control system and a standard power moonroof. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage compartments and power outlets for convenience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival provided a unique driving experience, with an SUV-like driving position and a well-arranged centre console. It offered various upholstery options, with the SX trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's interior was equipped with a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats added luxury but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 4,110 litres. The Carnival's third-row seat was spacious, and the smart power liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a JBL premium audio system and navigation. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, and it featured standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Kia Carnival impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a modern and visually appealing interface. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Carnival's tech features, such as Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera, enhanced convenience and communication. However, the Bose audio system was considered mediocre, and the voice recognition system had limitations.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive set of airbags and safety systems.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy for its accuracy and reliability. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, although the standard headlights received a Poor rating.