2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and sophistication, setting itself 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 added a touch of modernity, while the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The interior materials, though not luxurious, were of sufficient quality to avoid a cheap feel, and the robust transmission shifter added a sense of quality. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival's black alloy wheels were considered unimaginative.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a design that emphasized simplicity and substance. The Premier trim, with its appealing 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was the best-looking of the lineup. The Forester's design was practical, with robust roof rails and a high static-weight rating, making it suitable for outdoor adventures. Inside, the Forester Premier featured exclusive brown leather and trim, with a traditional Subaru design that included analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While the interior was easy to clean, the mix of grey and silver cladding gave it a busy appearance. The control layout, however, was user-friendly, relying on traditional buttons and knobs.

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 driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. Despite its power, the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, which could have improved its performance in wet conditions and fuel economy. The V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly, though the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a firm, sporty ride, with a softer feel when fully loaded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester's CVT had eight programmed ratios, and the SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its X-Mode traction control system and hill descent control. Despite its adequate power, the engine was louder than expected, but the Forester's excellent driving dynamics compensated for this. The SUV provided a comfortable and communicative ride, with responsive steering and effective brakes. However, a turbocharged engine or hybrid option would have been welcome for improved performance and efficiency.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied the typical minivan design, offering 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 SX included heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a three-zone automatic climate control system. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX trim were luxurious but limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row. The Carnival offered ample cargo capacity, with a smart power liftgate and a deep storage well. However, the load floor had numerous cracks and crevices, making it easy to lose items.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized practicality, with features like a panoramic glass sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats available from the Touring trim. The Forester offered excellent outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof lacked sufficient tinting, leading to solar heating in the cabin. The Forester's back seats provided ample space but lacked comfort for longer trips. Interior storage was plentiful, and the cargo area was usefully shaped, with hidden storage under the load floor. The Forester offered 762 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 1,957 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a visually appealing 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 mediocre, and the voice recognition system was only partly successful. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's user interface was simple and appealing, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use volume and tuning knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better option for navigation and other functions.

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

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of collision avoidance and driver assist technologies, with updated software and cameras. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Forester's Rear Automatic Braking system was overly sensitive, and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System seemed unnecessary. The IIHS rated the Forester as a Top Safety Pick, a step down from the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ award. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings.