2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and sophistication, setting it apart from the typical minivan. With its high-tech front and rear lighting, intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, the Carnival SX trim exuded an upscale image. The dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, standard on the EX+ and SX trims, added a touch of sophistication to the interior. The dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light, while the flashy dashboard trim mirrored the exterior's stylish appearance. Despite its upscale look, the Carnival's black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatically drawn flanks, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive grey body cladding. The GT Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower-body cladding. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and a chocolate brown centre console in the GT Turbo trim. The interior exuded an entry-level luxury SUV feel, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a towing capacity of up to 1,587 kilograms. Despite its powerful engine, the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved its performance in wet or winter conditions. The brakes, while generally reliable, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, with the GT Turbo trim featuring a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The CX-30's fuel economy improved to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and standard all-wheel drive contributed to its performance. The CX-30's suspension provided a soft ride, but its handling on twisty roads was enjoyable, thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive steering.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a spacious and versatile interior, with three types of upholstery available. The SX trim featured genuine leather upholstery, though it felt stiff. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added to its comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim provided a luxurious experience but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 4,110 litres, surpassing even the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driver's seat with an eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat had only four-way manual adjustment. The dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The CX-30's cargo space was limited, with 572 litres behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,280 litres with the seats folded. The lack of underfloor storage and nooks in the cargo area was a drawback.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured impressive 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation offered lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Kia Connect. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen display, non-conversational voice recognition, and the absence of a tuning knob. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard, offering pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The system included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The GT Turbo trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped 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 EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the EX+ and SX trims included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly noteworthy for its accuracy and smooth operation. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its standard headlights were rated Poor.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 also prioritized safety, with improvements in side-impact crash protection. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating. The GX trim included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the GS trim added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT and GT Turbo trims featured an adaptive front lighting system, surround-view camera, and head-up display. The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system worked effectively, though it could be overly sensitive.