2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model, finished in Nordic Forest Pearl, showcased one of the two new color options. The HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural center console. The EX-L trim, with its perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offered a comfortable and premium cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival presented a distinctive style that set it apart from typical minivans. The SX Prestige trim, with its Astra Blue paint and decorative roof pillar trim, conveyed an upscale image. The Carnival's interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, adding sophistication. The SX Prestige's interior materials were of high quality, and the robust transmission shifter provided a sense of quality. The Carnival's design, with its high-tech lighting and intricate grille, made it an attractive choice. However, the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired. The Carnival's interior offered a lower driving position and an SUV-like center console arrangement, making it feel less like a traditional minivan.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport drive modes, with Snow mode adjusting transmission and throttle response for better traction. The HR-V was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The new suspension and widened tracks contributed to a fun driving experience, though the HR-V was not overpowered compared to competitors with multiple powertrain options.

The 2023 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The Carnival's powertrain provided ample power, even with a full load of passengers. The minivan offered Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes. While AWD was not available, the Carnival's V6 engine performed well, though better fuel economy from a hybrid powertrain would have been beneficial. The brakes, while generally effective, experienced fade during a mountain descent. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant, but softened with a full load. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey was noted for being more athletic.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive, with 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. The rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier entry and egress, and the front seats offered improved legroom.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, with its SUV-like driving position and center console, offered a unique minivan experience. The Carnival's interior featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige offering genuine leather. The test vehicle had a three-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats provided comfort but limited cargo capacity to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders. The Carnival offered 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, with a smart power liftgate for easy access. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo space to 145.1 cubic feet.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display with a physical knob for power and volume control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's technology package included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and Smart Shortcuts for personalized user preferences.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted dual 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, reminiscent of a Mercedes-Benz. The digital instrumentation featured lush graphics and changed appearance based on the time of day. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The Carnival's tech package included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though teenagers preferred their own devices.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V's safety features were generally unobtrusive and provided peace of mind. The 2023 model had not been crash-tested, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard collision warnings and avoidance systems. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, while the Safe Exit System warned occupants of approaching vehicles. The EX trim added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Carnival's safety features were effective, with Highway Driving Assist proving particularly impressive. The IIHS named the 2023 Carnival a Top Safety Pick for 2022, though the NHTSA had not yet performed crash tests.