2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech front and rear lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX trim, in particular, was noted for its dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality interior materials, all of which added to the vehicle's sophisticated feel. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival maintained practicality with its spacious interior and robust transmission shifter, although the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 was a testament to luxury and design excellence. Its styling drew connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan, with split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a showcase of top-notch materials and impeccable fit and finish, blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. The dashboard featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70's interior was both luxurious and functional, with thoughtful design elements like climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash.

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 satisfying driving experience with its firm, sporty ride quality and multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. However, the absence of all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain was a drawback, especially in wet conditions. The Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, though they showed signs of fading during a steep mountain descent. Despite some wind noise at higher speeds, the Carnival was generally satisfying to drive, offering a balance of power and comfort.

The Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 excelled in blending comfort and handling, providing a refined driving experience. The Electrified GV70, with its 77.4-kWh battery and dual electric motors, delivered 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. Despite its shorter range of 383 kilometres, the electric GV70 offered smooth acceleration and well-rounded handling.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and centre console arrangement. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's interior was spacious, with a three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim limited cargo capacity to 2,460 litres and posed challenges for accessing the third row. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 4,110 litres, surpassing even the Chevrolet Suburban.

The Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use, which was above average for its class. It featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with large cupholders and a centre console tray. While the front seats were comfortable and easily adjustable, the rear seats offered less legroom, requiring front-row occupants to adjust their seats for rear passenger comfort. The rear bench's reclining feature helped improve seating comfort.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually impressive and user-friendly interface. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 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, enhancing convenience and communication within the vehicle.

The Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis also provided a rotary dial and helpful buttons for easy control. The GV70 came equipped with four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the EX+ and SX trims featured a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy for its accuracy and reliability. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights were rated Poor.

The Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5T Advance Plus trim added a blind-spot camera system and a 360-degree parking camera system, while the Prestige grade included reverse automatic emergency braking. The Electrified GV70 came standard with much of this equipment. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest honour.