2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

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 enhanced 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 pricing ranged from $35,795 to $49,595, excluding additional fees. The SX trim, with its Storm Blue paint, showcased high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and stylish roof pillar trim, although the black alloy wheels were less inspiring. Inside, dual screens and sunroofs added sophistication, while quality materials and a robust transmission shifter enhanced the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe maintained a more conservative exterior design, yet it remained an attractive SUV. The model continued with the same look as the previous year, available in four trims in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim, with its Stormy Sea paint, was priced at $51,606, including destination charges. The Santa Fe's wide grilles and thin LED headlights provided some distinction, but the overall design was more subdued. Inside, the black leather seats in the Calligraphy trim offered comfort, though the dark interior could benefit from a lighter colour for contrast. The Nappa leather seats were particularly comfortable, and the inclusion of heated and cooled front seats, along with heated second-row seats, added to the vehicle's appeal.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque through a front-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms and featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. Despite lacking all-wheel drive and a hybrid option, the V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission performed smoothly, and Sport mode enhanced the driving experience on challenging roads. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other conditions. The Carnival's ride quality varied depending on the load, with a firm ride when lightly loaded and a softer experience with more passengers.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine, available in the Urban and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, provided immediate acceleration and passing power, especially in Sport mode. The eight-speed "wet" dual-clutch automatic transmission contributed to a smooth driving experience, with no noticeable turbo lag or harshness. The Santa Fe's handling was composed, with minimal body lean during cornering. While the vehicle's off-road capabilities were not tested, the turbocharged version offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, matching the Carnival's capability.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied typical minivan expectations with its SUV-like driving position and centre console design. It offered three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX trim. The Carnival's interior featured a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the placement of controls for these features was distracting. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats provided luxury but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area offered 1,139 litres of space behind it, with additional storage compartments.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, with its two-row configuration, provided ample rear-seat legroom and competitive cargo space. The rear seats offered 1,060 millimetres of legroom, and the cargo area provided 1,032 litres of space, expandable to 2,041 litres with the seats folded. The Santa Fe's interior featured an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim added a hands-free smart liftgate, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. The panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting enhanced the cabin's appeal, though the wide centre console limited driver leg space.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering impressive graphics and a dynamic display that changed with the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect services. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in technology, with a 4.2-inch display in lower trims and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims. All models featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and BlueLink connected services. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and wireless device charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition had mixed results. The Santa Fe's technology package offered extensive customization options.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a range 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, adaptive cruise control, and a Safe Exit Assist system. The Carnival's Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The IIHS rated the Carnival as a Top Safety Pick, though the standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience. The Santa Fe received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high marks in crashworthiness tests.