2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

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 increased 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, the dual screens and sunroofs added sophistication, while the quality materials and robust transmission shifter enhanced the overall sense of luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its 2017 debut. The new Suna trim, exclusive with Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, added a touch of exclusivity. Mazda improved fuel economy for the base engine and introduced wireless charging and connectivity features. The CX-5 offered a range of trims with prices from $35,476 to $48,276, including fees. Despite being a compact crossover, the CX-5 felt upscale, thanks to continuous upgrades in interior materials, technology, and suspension, providing a premium experience at a mainstream price.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was powered by 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 1,587 kilograms and featured driving modes like Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. However, the absence of all-wheel drive and a hybrid option was notable, especially in adverse weather conditions. The Carnival's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed an average of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite some brake fade during mountain descents, the Carnival provided a firm, sporty ride, with a softer feel when fully loaded.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, with its 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, offered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, though it wasn't particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The CX-5's suspension improvements and standard all-wheel drive contributed to a smooth, responsive ride. It featured Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus for enhanced cornering and stability, making it enjoyable on twisty roads. The CX-5 could tow up to 900 kilograms, suitable for light loads.

The 2023 Kia Carnival defied minivan conventions with its SUV-like driving position and centre console design. It offered various upholstery options, with the SX trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and heated steering wheel added comfort, though some controls were inconveniently placed. The SX trim's VIP Lounge Seats provided luxury but limited cargo space to 2,460 litres. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 4,110 litres, surpassing many SUVs. The third-row seat was adult-friendly, and the smart power liftgate revealed a generous 1,139 litres of cargo space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, though smaller in interior space, provided comfort for four adults. The redesigned seats were supportive, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Leather upholstery was available on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The rear seat offered good support and amenities like air vents and a centre armrest. The CX-5's cabin design and quality rivalled luxury brands, though cargo space was limited to 871 litres behind the rear seat and 1,680 litres with the seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX featured dual 12.3-inch digital screens for instrumentation and infotainment, reminiscent of luxury brands. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year Kia Connect subscription. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a passenger view camera enhanced convenience and safety.

Mazda's approach in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction with traditional controls for essential functions. While the infotainment system wasn't touchscreen-based, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a console-mounted knob, similar to luxury brands. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while the Bose sound system in higher trims provided quality audio.

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. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and reliable assistance. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included advanced driving assistance systems across all trims, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously been a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it didn't receive the accolade in 2024. The NHTSA awarded it five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.