2022 Kia Carnival vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV's design was characterized by its big SUV look, with chrome styling on Luxury trims and blacked-out accents on Sport trims. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spokes depending on the trim. The vehicle boasted luxury features like LED headlights, a panoramic moonroof, and power-extending assist steps, although the interior was criticized for its use of hard plastics and lack of unique dashboard trimmings.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, offered a unique design for each trim level, with the LX trim featuring a standard grille and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The EX trim doubled the available paint colors and added 19-inch wheels and simulated leather. The SX trim introduced a mirrored grid-pattern grille and black wheels, while the SX Prestige focused on cabin enhancements with VIP Lounge Seats and real leather. The Carnival's SUV styling included skid plates, a floating roof design, and a robust roof rack on higher trims. Despite its minivan roots, the Carnival's design was sharp and angular, standing out in its segment. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with a crossover-like dashboard and center console, offering various seating configurations and interior color options.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was available with a choice of a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but it averaged around 18 mpg during testing. The vehicle's weight ranged from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, and while the V8 provided sufficient power, it struggled with low-end torque at higher speeds.

The 2022 Kia Carnival featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain option, but it had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless acceleration, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Carnival averaged 21.7 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 22 mpg. The vehicle felt taut and athletic, with a flat cornering stance, although it could be stiff over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering leatherette seating surfaces with available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone climate control. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with a third row suitable for adults on short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, although it sometimes required manual adjustment. The hands-free power liftgate was innovative but occasionally unreliable.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with an SUV-style dashboard and center console. The LX trim featured individual captain's chairs in the second row, with an optional middle seat for added flexibility. The EX and SX trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration, while the SX Prestige included VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and a rear sunroof. The Carnival's third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the rear cargo area provided 40.2 cubic feet of space. Folding the third-row seats created 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and removing the second-row seats increased capacity to 145.1 cubic feet. The Carnival's smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate were convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was equipped with advanced technology, including a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle featured wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. A standout feature was the 38-inch curved OLED screen, which housed three displays for driver information and infotainment. The Escalade also offered Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system that allowed hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise was generally effective, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain conditions.

The 2022 Kia Carnival's technology varied by trim level. The LX trim included analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and navigation. Features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk enhanced communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Kia provided a comprehensive quick reference guide to help users navigate the Carnival's technology.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a range of safety features, including front automatic braking, park assist, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and night vision. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered an extensive list of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added front parking sensors and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Carnival also featured an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim included a surround-view camera system, while the SX Prestige offered a Blind View Monitor. Crash-test results were not available at the time of review.