2023 Kia Carnival vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize SUV, boasting a modern Lincoln design that was both appealing and luxurious. It came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and offered both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring models enhanced this powertrain with a hybrid system, adding a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, making all-wheel drive standard. The Aviator's price ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, with the top-tier Black Label Grand Touring model reaching $91,225. Despite its luxurious appeal, some design elements, like the plain wheel designs and the lightweight, plastic key fob, detracted from its high-end image. Inside, the Aviator's cabin was a mix of high-end materials and intricate design elements, though some details, like the chrome switchgear, felt less premium.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Carnival stood out with its unique style and upscale image, defying the typical minivan look. It was available in LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims, with prices starting at $33,100 and going up to $46,200, excluding a $1,365 destination charge. The SX Prestige trim, which we tested, featured Astra Blue paint, floor mats, and a Rear Seat Entertainment Package, bringing the total to $49,285. The Carnival's design included high-tech lighting, an intricate grille, and decorative roof pillar trim, though the black alloy wheels were less impressive. Inside, the Carnival offered dual instrumentation and infotainment screens, dual power sunroofs, and quality materials that elevated its interior. The SX Prestige's interior was comfortable and stylish, though the VIP Lounge Seats, while luxurious, limited cargo space and accessibility to the third row.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive performance with its 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. Despite the added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered 21 miles of electric driving range and an average of 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency or performance. During testing, the Aviator achieved an equivalent of 163.4 mpg when relying heavily on electric power. The SUV's handling was enhanced by the Dynamic Handling Package, which included an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension, providing a smooth and predictable ride. However, the Aviator's drivetrain and brake pedal occasionally exhibited unpredictable behavior, and its steering was heavy and numb, making it less engaging to drive.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It was EPA-rated at 22 mpg in combined driving and offered a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The Carnival featured Eco, Normal, Smart, and Sport driving modes, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. While the Carnival lacked all-wheel drive and a hybrid powertrain, it provided ample power and a smooth transmission. During testing, the Carnival averaged 21.1 mpg in Normal mode. The brakes, however, showed signs of fading during a mountain descent, though they performed well in other driving situations. The Carnival's ride quality was firm and sporty with a single occupant but softened with a full load of passengers. Overall, the Carnival was satisfying to drive, though the Honda Odyssey offered a more athletic experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third-row seats in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 77.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2023 Kia Carnival, while not a typical minivan, offered a lower driving position and an SUV-like center console. It featured three types of upholstery, with the SX Prestige offering genuine leather. The Carnival's three-zone automatic climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats added to its comfort. The VIP Lounge Seats in the second row were luxurious but limited cargo space to 86.9 cubic feet and made third-row access challenging. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and the Carnival provided ample cargo capacity with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring was loaded with technology, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were clear and visible, even with polarized sunglasses. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in parking, though the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system was not tested.

The 2023 Kia Carnival SX Prestige featured 12.3-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment touchscreens, offering a sophisticated presentation. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to Kia Connect Ultimate services. The 12-speaker Bose audio system was mediocre, and the voice recognition system was only partly successful. Additional tech 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 not popular with teenagers during testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came equipped with Lincoln's Co-Pilot360 collections of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning. The test vehicle also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways but were less dependable in dense traffic. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and collision avoidance systems, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring standard across all trims. The rear-seat reminder system and Safe Exit System were notable safety features. The Carnival EX added Junction Turning Detection and Highway Driving Assist, while the SX trim included a surround-view camera and Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist technology was particularly impressive, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Carnival was a Top Safety Pick for 2022 from the IIHS, though the NHTSA had not yet rated it.