2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. Imagining an off-road version with AWD and increased ground clearance was intriguing, but the Carnival focused on its distinctive design, upscale interior, and advanced technology. Available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, the Carnival offered a range of features, with prices starting at $33,100. The SX Prestige trim, priced at $49,285, included luxurious touches like Astra Blue paint and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package. The Carnival's exterior boasted high-tech lighting and intricate grille designs, while the interior featured dual screens and quality materials, enhancing its upscale image.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, aimed to deliver a luxury SUV experience. The TX's styling was more conservative, appealing to those who found previous Lexus designs too bold. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, prices ranged from $55,050 to $69,350. Our test model, the TX 350 Luxury, featured a dark Peppercorn interior with premium materials, though it felt a bit too dark even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite this, the TX's interior was luxurious enough to justify its Lexus badge.

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 satisfying driving experience with modes like Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. The Carnival's V6 provided ample power, even with a full load, and achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of AWD and hybrid options was a drawback, especially in adverse weather. The brakes performed well except for a single instance of fade, and the ride quality varied depending on passenger load.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in about eight seconds, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg. The TX's ride and handling were well-balanced, offering a comfortable and quiet experience on the highway. However, the engine's noise and occasional torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. The AWD option improved traction and slightly enhanced acceleration, though it came at an additional cost.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior defied typical minivan expectations, offering an SUV-like driving position and a well-organized center console. It provided three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. Without these seats, the Carnival offered a maximum cargo capacity of 145.1 cubic feet, surpassing many SUVs. The third-row seat was adult-friendly, and the cargo area was spacious, with a smart power liftgate for easy access.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less accommodating, but the third row was surprisingly spacious for adults. The TX provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The TX's utility and comfort made it a strong contender in its class.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured dual 12.3-inch digital screens, offering impressive graphics and functionality. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year Kia Connect subscription. However, the Bose audio system was underwhelming, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Additional tech features like Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View added convenience, while the rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though it was underutilized by teenagers.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System added unique safety measures. The EX trim introduced Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, which proved effective and reliable. The Carnival earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2022, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist and traffic jam assist added convenience, though the former was less transparent in operation. The TX's safety systems were generally smooth and effective, though the SUV's response to vehicles cutting in was overly cautious. Overall, the TX provided a robust safety package.