2023 Kia Carnival vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Kia Carnival presented a unique blend of style and functionality, setting itself apart from the typical minivan. It featured a distinctive design with high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, which contributed to its upscale image. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, offered a sophisticated interior with dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that enhanced the overall aesthetic. Despite its stylish appearance, the Carnival maintained practicality with features like pedestal-style roof rails, although the black alloy wheels were considered uninspired.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a rugged and tough exterior, though it didn't quite match its appearance with performance. The TRD Off-Road model, with its Army Green color and aggressive styling, included features like robust roof racks and fake skid plates. However, the RAV4's interior focused on utility, with practical storage solutions and easy-clean surfaces. The TRD Off-Road trim added off-road suspension tuning and all-terrain tires, enhancing its capability for light off-roading. Despite its utilitarian focus, the RAV4's interior lacked the upscale feel of the Carnival, emphasizing function over form.

The 2023 Kia Carnival was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel-drive minivan offered a satisfying driving experience, with multiple driving modes including Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport. It achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. While the V6 engine provided ample power, the absence of all-wheel drive and a hybrid option was notable, especially in wet conditions. The Carnival's brakes performed well in most situations, though they showed signs of fading during a steep mountain descent.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. It offered driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt, but its ground clearance and approach angles were similar to other RAV4 models. The RAV4's engine required high revs to access maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was noisy and unrefined. The eight-speed automatic transmission was reliable, and the RAV4 achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle averaging 26.6 mpg.

The 2023 Kia Carnival's interior was designed to resemble an SUV, with a visible hood and a lower driving position. It offered three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige trim featuring genuine leather. The Carnival's interior included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The smart sliding doors and VIP Lounge Seats added convenience, though they limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet. The third-row seat was spacious, with USB ports and cupholders, and the cargo area offered 40.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 emphasized practicality, with storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The optional Weather package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The RAV4's rear seat provided good legroom and footroom, though it lacked leg support. The cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it competitive for its segment.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige boasted 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the 12-speaker Bose audio system was considered mediocre. Additional tech features included Quiet Mode, Passenger Talk, and Passenger View with Night Vision. The optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered streaming capabilities, though it was underutilized by teenagers.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services plans. The system offered cloud-based navigation, a digital voice assistant, and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and the light font on the display were drawbacks. The test vehicle had a digital rear-view mirror, but not the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2023 Kia Carnival came with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable features. 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 was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for 2022, though the NHTSA had not performed crash tests.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and other safety features. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring. The TSS 2.5 system performed adequately, though it struggled on winding roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to its design and engineering age, receiving a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.