2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. Imagining an off-road version with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance was intriguing, but the Carnival relied on its distinctive design, upscale interior, and advanced technology to stand out. Available in various trims, the Carnival's SX version, with its Storm Blue paint, showcased a sophisticated appearance with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and stylish roof pillar trim. Inside, the dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, along with dual power sunroofs, added a touch of luxury, while the quality materials and robust transmission shifter enhanced the overall sense of refinement.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX featured a sharp, angular style that was both unique and conventional. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek headlights and deep body creases, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile suggested forward movement, while the rear design was more conventional. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical dashboard layout, with a centre stack dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. The interior, though not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar feel with a digital centre display and analog gauges, appealing to those who preferred a more traditional design.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms and featured Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and a hybrid option, the Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode proved effective on steep inclines. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other conditions. The Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride when lightly loaded, while a full cabin resulted in a softer, smoother experience.

The 2023 Acura RDX, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard all-wheel drive, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" (SH-AWD), provided excellent traction and handling. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, with a responsive throttle and a pleasing engine sound. The transmission efficiently selected gears, and the brakes offered a firm, easy-to-modulate feel. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim. It delivered a sporty yet comfortable ride, smoothing over road imperfections with ease.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan expectations with its SUV-like driving position and centre console layout. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival SX featured a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the placement of seat and steering wheel controls was distracting. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row. The Carnival's third-row seat provided adequate legroom, and the smart power liftgate revealed a deep cargo well with 1,139 litres of space. Removing the second-row seats expanded cargo capacity to 4,110 litres.

The 2023 Acura RDX offered ample front-seat space, with additional power adjustments in the top trim. The seats provided generous cushioning, and standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic moonroof. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres, and remote seatback levers facilitated the transformation. The centre stack's design, however, took up unnecessary space.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a Mercedes-Benz-like presentation. The digital instrumentation impressed with its lush graphics and changing imagery, while the infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the Kia Connect subscription was inactive during testing. Additional tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system used a touchpad controller, which proved challenging to operate, especially while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity improved the experience. The system featured sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard tech included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with 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, while adaptive cruise control and Safe Exit Assist were available from the EX trim. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy for its accuracy and smooth operation. The IIHS named the Carnival a Top Safety Pick, though standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2023 Acura RDX received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star overall rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation, though the lane-keep assist was better suited to straight highways.