2021 Acura RDX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a stylish SUV. Its subtle yet effective design changes conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec trim added sporty interior features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, enhancing the overall sporty look and feel. However, the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was sportier and more svelte, resembling a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler, wheels stretched to the chassis corners, and voluptuous curves for style and stability. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile looked sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the option of the SH-AWD system for improved handling. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim included 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, enhancing handling. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport+ mode were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with two electric motors, delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and handled corners like a getaway car. The top-power GT trim promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's torque delivery was smooth and immediate, with the front motor activating only when full power was needed. Regenerative braking offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather significantly reduced driving range, and charging infrastructure in the Boston to New York corridor was found lacking.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need for a low and flat cargo floor. Cargo volume was 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additional storage compartments were available under the cargo floor. Despite the official numbers, the trunk was accommodating and practical for most tasks.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative functions like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The low floor provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo hold was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and an onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. While an improvement over Lexus's approach, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system. The RDX also offered smartphone projection, voice-recognition technology, and Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with connectivity options except for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The instrument panel showed live feeds of blind spots and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. Standard tech included HDA, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, and a wireless charger. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required the Technology Package. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but offered impressive safety tech. Standard features included HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with machine learning.