2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee retained its classic Jeep design, echoing the brand's heritage while introducing a sportier two-row version. It shared many features with the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of trims from Laredo to Summit Reserve. Each trim catered to different needs, from off-roading capabilities to luxurious comfort. The exterior design paid homage to the original 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a blend of basic quality in lower trims and opulent luxury in the Summit Reserve, though some controls suffered from reflective finishes.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique take on the minivan, with SUV-like styling and a lower driving position. It offered trims from LX to SX Prestige, with prices starting at $33,100. The Carnival focused on style, technology, and interior comfort, featuring dual screens and sophisticated lighting. The SX Prestige trim included upscale features like VIP Lounge Seats, though these came with some practical compromises. The Carnival's interior materials were generally high quality, though the genuine leather felt less luxurious than expected.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the V8 increased it to 7,200 pounds. Three 4WD systems were available, catering to different off-roading needs. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-road conditions, featuring Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and was rated at 22 mpg in combined driving. The Carnival lacked AWD and hybrid options, which could have improved its performance in adverse weather. Despite this, the V6 engine delivered ample power, and the transmission performed smoothly. The Carnival's brakes were generally reliable, though they showed signs of fading during a mountain descent.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for front passengers, with options for heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. However, rear-seat space was limited, and the cargo capacity was smaller than the three-row Grand Cherokee L, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 70.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a spacious and versatile interior, with a driving position reminiscent of an SUV. It featured three types of upholstery, with genuine leather in the SX Prestige trim. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added luxury but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without these seats, the Carnival could accommodate up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space behind it.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for a McIntosh audio system and a front passenger interactive display. The system was user-friendly, though not flawless.

The 2023 Kia Carnival impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The Carnival included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming, and the voice recognition system had limitations.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured a robust safety structure and a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. A hands-free version of this system was expected to debut in 2022, enhancing semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which performed exceptionally well. The Carnival was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, though its standard headlights received a Poor rating.