2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment screen and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, presented a unique design approach for a minivan, with SUV styling cues that set it apart from its competitors. Each trim level offered distinct design elements, from the standard grille on the LX to the mirrored grid-pattern grille on the SX. The Carnival's interior continued the SUV theme, with a dashboard and center console that resembled a crossover more than a traditional minivan. The Carnival's practicality was evident in its seating configurations, with options for VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim, offering a luxurious experience for passengers. Despite some compromises in cargo space with the VIP seats, the Carnival's design was both attention-grabbing and functional.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model featuring a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This engine allowed the G550 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, impressive for a vehicle weighing 5,551 pounds. The G-Class offered a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Despite its size, the G-Class handled well on and off-road, though its fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The Carnival offered Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode being the most commonly used. However, some drivers experienced delayed downshifts in this mode, particularly on inclines. The Carnival's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 21.7 mpg during testing. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when not fully loaded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The G550 had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The cabin was roomy, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. However, some luxury features, like ventilated front seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class's spare tire was mounted on the tailgate, adding to its rugged aesthetic.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with various seating configurations and ample cargo space. The LX trim offered captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims featured the Slide Flex seat configuration for eight passengers. The SX Prestige trim included VIP Lounge Seats, though they limited cargo space when in use. The Carnival's cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats in certain trims increased cargo volume to 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing many SUVs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system, offering a customizable and immersive experience. The COMAND system was intuitive, with Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class included a Burmester Surround Sound system, WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, wireless device charging was not available.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim, with the LX featuring analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired connectivity, navigation, and wireless charging. The Carnival offered features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk for enhanced communication. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a Bose audio system.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. However, its active lane-keeping assist could be intrusive. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a robust array of ADAS, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and rear parking sensors. The EX trim added features like cyclist detection and Highway Driving Assist, though some drivers found the latter intrusive. The Carnival also included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. Crash-test results were not available at the time of review.