2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Kia Carnival

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 Prestige trim, in particular, was noted for its attractive Astra Blue paint and stylish pedestal-style roof rails. Inside, the Carnival boasted dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and flashy dashboard trim, all of which added to its sophisticated feel. The interior materials were of high quality, and the robust transmission shifter provided a sense of durability and precision.

In contrast, the 2024 Acura MDX was praised for its modern and refined exterior design, highlighted by a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. The interior was high-tech but busy, with a center console filled with numerous controls that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered several trim levels, each with unique features, such as the sporty A-Spec Package and the luxurious Type-S Advance package. The Type-S Advance included a top-end 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, which were particularly appreciated for their comfort and effectiveness. Despite its busy interior, the MDX maintained a luxurious and sporty presence.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and was EPA-rated for 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival offered four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. While it lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, the V6 engine provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The transmission operated smoothly, and Sport mode was particularly effective on steep inclines. However, the brakes showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, although they performed well in other driving conditions. The Carnival's ride quality was firm yet sporty, with a softer feel when fully loaded.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes. The Integrated Dynamics System provided multiple driving modes, including Sport+ and Lift mode, enhancing the MDX's versatility. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, while FWD models maxed out at 3,500 pounds.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a visible hood and a lower driving position. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated steering wheel added to its comfort. The smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats in the second row provided luxury, but they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the cargo area behind it offered 40.2 cubic feet of space. The Carnival's maximum cargo capacity reached 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows offering comfort and support. The third row was smaller, suitable for children. Cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The maximum cargo capacity was 71.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available. The Type-S Advance's second-row bench had a fold-down center console, providing a captain's chair experience. The center console offered ample storage, but the center stack of controls was cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige 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, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate services. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, but teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by a touchpad that was unintuitive and frustrating. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The center console cleverly integrated charging ports and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable features. 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 was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick, but its standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered a robust set of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology Package added parking sensors and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Advance package included a 360-degree camera system and head-up display. The 2022 MDX received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. However, the infotainment system remained a distraction for drivers.