2021 Audi Q3 vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Audi Q3 showcased a postmodern automotive styling with its massive corporate grille, which complemented its stout and chunky design. This design suggested utility and dynamic handling, primarily delivering on the latter. Inside, the cabin echoed a mechanical, modern aesthetic with a dash design that framed the center touchscreen, highlighting one of the Q3’s standout features. Although initially a standout design, the Q3's interior began to feel less unique as Volkswagen's non-luxury models caught up in design sophistication.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival offered unique design elements across its trims. The LX trim featured a standard grille and silver-painted 17-inch wheels, while the EX trim doubled the paint color options and added 19-inch machined-finish wheels. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, while the SX Prestige focused on cabin enhancements with real leather and VIP Lounge Seats. The Carnival's SUV styling included simulated skid plates and a floating roof design, making it appealing and distinct in its segment.

The 2021 Audi Q3 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro AWD. The S-Line trim offered a more powerful version with 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Q3 provided lively performance, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping. Despite some turbo lag in the base engine, the Q3 delivered nimble handling and a comfortable ride, striking a balance between engagement and refinement.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. While Smart mode occasionally delayed downshifts, Sport mode improved responsiveness. The Carnival averaged 21.7 mpg in testing, close to the EPA's 22 mpg estimate. It felt athletic with a flat cornering stance, though it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Audi Q3 offered 48 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 23.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. While the space behind the seats was decent for a subcompact luxury SUV, the overall cargo capacity was subpar. However, the Q3 compensated with comfortable front seats and impressive rear seat headroom and legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably for road trips.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with SUV-style design limiting some storage space. The LX trim featured captain’s chairs with a center pass-through, while the LX Seat Package added a middle seat for flexible configurations. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, and the SX Prestige included VIP Lounge Seats with luxurious features. The Carnival provided 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded, and up to 145.1 cubic feet with second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Audi Q3 came standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Audi’s MMI system, featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. An upgraded 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation was available, along with wireless charging, satellite radio, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit offered a customizable digital display, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's LX trim included analog gauges with a digital driver information center and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen system with wired connectivity, navigation, and UVO Link services. Features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk enhanced communication, while the SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system. The SX Prestige offered a 12.3-inch digital display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, though it lacked some depth compared to previous systems.

The 2021 Audi Q3 featured standard Audi Pre Sense and Pre Sense Front, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning was also standard, with optional features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control available.

The 2022 Kia Carnival boasted a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and active blind-spot monitoring. The EX trim added front parking sensors and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for families. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, with the SX Prestige offering a Blind View Monitor.