Lexus NX Hybrid vs Kia Carnival Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant redesign, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento. The front fascia featured a larger grille, giving it an SUV-like look, complemented by unique daytime running lights that extended onto the hood. Despite these changes, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than its predecessor. The rear end was tidied up with a relocated license plate housing and an optional skid plate trim, enhancing the SUV theme. Inside, the Carnival Hybrid maintained the premium feel of the 2024 model, with high-quality materials and a distinctive cross-hatch pattern on the Bose audio system's speaker grilles. The cabin was mostly free of shiny plastic trim, offering a glare-free and fingerprint-resistant environment.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, showcased an over-stylized design typical of modern Lexus models. Its front featured a large, intricately patterned spindle grille, flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes, creating an aggressive and complex face. The profile was sporty yet understated, with smooth, rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, enhancing its sporty appeal.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid shared its powertrain with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor and a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, compared to the non-hybrid Carnival's 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque from a 3.5-litre V6 engine. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive, with the Carnival Hybrid offering a similar driving experience to the V6 model, albeit with a less linear power delivery. The electric motor provided strong initial torque, but acceleration dipped before the turbocharger boost kicked in. The Carnival Hybrid featured three levels of regenerative braking, allowing for energy recovery on long downhills. The vehicle's steering and suspension provided a nimble feel, and it remained quiet at all speeds, though the four-cylinder engine's exhaust note was less pleasant than the V6's.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive. This setup delivered 240 horsepower, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. Despite its sporty name, the NX 350h wasn't built for aggressive cornering, with 18.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a firmer suspension that leaned in bends. The steering was weighty but lacked feedback, and the ride was firm yet comfortable, even with 20-inch wheels. The hybrid powertrain felt slushy, with a droning engine under hard acceleration. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but they didn't replicate the feel of a regular automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the Lexus NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered 340 horsepower.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats, and fold-flat third-row seats as standard. VIP Lounge Seats were available, providing reclining captain's chairs with leg rests, but they weren't removable, making third-row access challenging. Interior dimensions remained unchanged from the non-hybrid model, offering competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows. Cargo space was generous, with 1,138 litres behind the third row and 4,108 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a rotary shifter and a functional centre console with easy-to-reach controls for drive modes and seat heating and ventilation.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered well-bolstered front seats with ample room for tall adults. Power seat and steering wheel adjustments ensured comfort, complemented by heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. Heated rear seats were standard on higher trims. The rear seat accommodated two average-sized adults comfortably, with 950 millimetres of headroom and 917 millimetres of legroom. Cargo space was limited for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The coupe-like roof shape contributed to the reduced cargo capacity, but the NX remained practical for everyday use.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was easy to navigate, though the switchgear's changing functions could be confusing. SX+ models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. USB ports were available in all three rows, and tech options included an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A programmable head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were optional. The NX included a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was responsive, with a volume dial and embedded temperature controls for easy access.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were unavailable at the time of publication, but the 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX+ trim added a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot camera system, enhancing safety despite the oversensitive blind-spot monitoring.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. The NX 350h included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, featuring blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system, all of which performed well during testing.