2023 Kia Carnival vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a somewhat dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival offered a fresh take on the minivan segment with its SUV-like design and upscale image. The Carnival's exterior featured high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and stylish roof pillar trim, making it stand out. Inside, the Carnival SX Prestige trim boasted dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, adding sophistication. The interior materials were of good quality, and the dual power sunroofs provided ample natural light. The Carnival's design cleverly combined practicality with style, making it an attractive option for those seeking a modern and versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck-based roots provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, produced 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offered a more fuel-efficient option with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. The Carnival's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. While the Carnival lacked AWD and hybrid options, its V6 engine provided ample power, and the transmission operated smoothly. The Carnival's brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, but overall, the minivan delivered a satisfying driving experience with a firm, sporty ride quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured a three-zone climate control system and a standard power moonroof. The Sequoia's cargo space was versatile, offering 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The interior provided ample storage options, including a large center console and door pockets.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like design, offered a unique driving experience. It featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim offering genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats added to passenger comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the SX Prestige trim provided a luxurious experience but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo space of 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and third-row legroom made it a practical choice for families, with plenty of cargo capacity behind the third row.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and a rear backup camera.

The 2023 Kia Carnival impressed with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a high-tech experience. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect Ultimate connected services. Additional features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision enhanced the Carnival's appeal. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system provided streaming capabilities, although it was not widely used by teenagers during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and other safety features ensured passenger protection.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came equipped with a range of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features added as you moved up the trim levels. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Carnival's rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System added unique safety elements. The EX trim introduced Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim added a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, although the NHTSA had not performed crash tests at the time of review.