Lexus TX vs Kia Carnival Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant design transformation, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento midsize crossover SUV. The front fascia featured a larger grille, pushing the headlights aside to create a more SUV-like aesthetic. Daytime running lights extended from the corners of the front end onto the hood, adding a unique touch. Despite these changes, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than the pre-refresh version. The rear end was cleaned up by relocating the license plate housing to the lower tailgate, and LED taillights became standard on higher trims. The interior largely carried over from the 2024 model, offering a premium feel with high-quality materials and a distinctive cross-hatch pattern for the Bose audio system's speaker grilles.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The exterior design retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. The interior offered three colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles added a modern touch, but some found them unnecessary. The TX provided a spacious third row with ample headroom and a recline function, while the front seats offered comfort but lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a powertrain similar to the Kia Sorento Hybrid, combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive, with the Carnival Hybrid offering three levels of regenerative braking. The driving experience was enhanced by excellent steering and minimal body roll, while the suspension handled rough roads well. The Carnival Hybrid's quiet cabin and smooth ride made it a comfortable choice, although the four-cylinder engine's exhaust note was less pleasant than the V6.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 offered electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. Overall, the TX provided a balanced driving experience, though it wasn't designed for aggressive performance.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid maintained its eight-passenger seating configuration, with sliding and removable second-row seats and fold-flat third-row seats. VIP Lounge Seats were available, offering reclining captain's chairs with leg rests, but they were not removable, making access to the third row challenging. The interior dimensions remained consistent with the non-hybrid model, providing ample 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 centre console and dashboard layout were functional, with easy-to-reach controls and a rotary shifter for hybrid models.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats as standard. Ventilated second-row seats were available on the TX 500h. The third row provided ample space and comfort, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seat, though folding the second row flat required multiple steps. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, while the centre console offered limited access due to its dual-opening lid. Cargo space was impressive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

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 rows, and notable tech options included an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch colour touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. Subscription services were required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. The TX included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not updated at the time of publication, but the 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS and was not rated by the NHTSA. The Carnival Hybrid retained its comprehensive array of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX+ trim featured a 360-degree camera system and blind-spot camera system, enhancing safety.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was a feature some found intrusive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in traffic. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.