2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2023 Kia Carnival

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. While it lacked an off-road package, its distinctive design, upscale interior, and advanced technology made it a compelling choice. The Carnival was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with prices ranging from $33,100 to $46,200, plus a destination charge. The SX Prestige trim, which we tested, featured a striking Astra Blue paint and a host of premium features, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and touchscreen infotainment system. The Carnival's exterior boasted high-tech lighting and intricate grille design, while the interior offered dual screens, dual sunroofs, and quality materials that elevated its appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more aerodynamic rear bumper design. Despite its EV identity, the ID.4 didn't quite capture the traditional SUV look, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its minimalist interior design with other VW models, offering a sense of quality. The interior featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibers, and the base ID.4 Standard model provided a comfortable experience. The ID.4's design changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, enhancing its practicality.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive and various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers, and the transmission operated smoothly. However, the lack of all-wheel drive and hybrid options was a drawback, especially in wet conditions. The Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, but a one-time fade issue was noted during a mountain descent. Overall, the Carnival offered a satisfying driving experience, with a firm ride quality that softened when fully loaded.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two battery options: a 62-kWh pack for the base Standard and S models with rear-wheel drive, and an 82-kWh pack for the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus models, available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The ID.4's smaller battery pack reduced curb weight, enhancing acceleration and handling. While the ID.4 excelled in acceleration, it allowed too much body roll for spirited driving. The regenerative braking system offered a familiar experience, but lacked one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and center console layout. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's interior boasted 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 Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without the VIP seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet, rivaling large SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front and rear legroom. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in interior space, it excelled among entry-level EVs. The ID.4's towing capacity ranged from 2,200 pounds for RWD models to 2,700 pounds for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional center console lid and improved phone storage, enhancing functionality.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation impressed with its dynamic graphics, while the infotainment system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming. The Carnival's tech included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, but teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.4's user interface featured sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were distracting. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, but was easily overlooked.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, alerting the owner if a child or pet was left inside. The Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles when parked on busy streets. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2022, but NHTSA crash tests were pending.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS' Top Safety Pick+ rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.