2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried forward the significant updates from its 2021 model, with only minor modifications. It was available in four trim levels in Canada: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The pricing ranged from $41,595 to $57,695, excluding a $1,950 destination charge. The Execline trim, which was the top of the Canadian lineup, featured standard R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold styling, the interior of the Atlas was a mix of simplicity and premium flair, though it was let down by low-cost materials and an abundance of hard, shiny plastics. The storage areas lacked linings, leading to unwanted noise and vibration.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival distinguished itself with a unique sense of style, impressive technology, and distinctive interior fittings. It was available in LX, LX+, EX, EX+, and SX trims in Canada, with prices ranging from $35,795 to $49,595, plus a $2,549 destination and dealer fee. The SX trim, with its Storm Blue paint, presented an upscale image with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim. The interior featured dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, adding sophistication, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The materials used in the Carnival's interior were of good quality, preventing it from feeling cheap, and the transmission shifter's solid action imparted a sense of quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kg and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The optional 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, produced 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kg. The V6's fuel consumption was 12.2 L/100 km, and while it provided adequate power, it lacked refinement and efficiency. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was affected by the 21-inch wheels, leading to a busy ride and road noise.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It had a towing capacity of 1,587 kg and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 L/100 km. The Carnival lacked AWD and a hybrid powertrain, which would have been beneficial in wet conditions. Despite this, the V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. The Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride quality, with a softer ride when fully loaded. Overall, it was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was noted to be more athletic.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a spacious interior with comfortable seating for seven, including sufficient head and legroom for adults in the third row. The step-in height was low, making entry and exit easy. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to noise from items sliding around. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, while not resembling a typical minivan, offered a lower driving position and an SUV-like centre console. It featured three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival's interior included a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats were luxurious but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival offered 1,139 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable by tumbling the seats into a storage well. Without the VIP Lounge Seats, the maximum cargo space was 4,110 litres.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas featured the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The Trendline trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender audio system on the Execline trim. The user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome process for tuning the radio.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a presentation similar to a Mercedes-Benz. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was deemed mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera. The native voice recognition system was only partly successful due to an inactive Kia Connect subscription.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, receiving four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were standard from the EX trim. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.