2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like style while retaining its minivan identity, evident from its sliding side doors. The design featured a bold front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with integrated styling details. The interior was designed to avoid the typical minivan feel, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third row that could be easily stowed away.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival aimed to redefine the minivan experience by presenting itself as a "Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)." The Carnival's design was distinct, with a sophisticated exterior and upscale interior fittings. It offered a range of trims, with the SX Prestige trim showcasing high-tech lighting, intricate grille design, and stylish roof pillar trim. Inside, the Carnival featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that elevated its appeal. The Carnival's interior was designed to provide a comfortable and stylish experience, with features like VIP Lounge Seats adding a touch of luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provided smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Its EPA fuel economy ratings were impressive, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg in all categories and AWD models slightly lower at 35 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Carnival's powertrain was FWD only, with no hybrid or AWD options available. It offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined. The Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed to be a versatile family vehicle, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo space measuring 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna's third-row bench could be easily stowed away, and power-operated sliding doors and tailgate added convenience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a unique driving experience, with a lower driving position and SUV-like center console. It featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim offering genuine leather. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats provided comfort and luxury, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without the VIP seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders, and the smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 40.2 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It offered a range of telematics services, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional features like a 12-speaker JBL audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The Sienna's technology package included a head-up display and digital rearview mirror on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering a high-tech and visually appealing experience. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though it was not widely used by passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring standard across all trims. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System added extra layers of safety. Higher trims offered additional features like Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Carnival was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.