2021 Audi Q5 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that carried the Audi design language well while maintaining its individual character within the lineup. It had an expressive face with LED headlights flanking the big Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body featured crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold, large taillights. The plug-in Q5 wore S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels, giving it an even more refined look. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, with an uncluttered appearance despite being packed with technology. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was perfectly positioned, and the second row featured standard leather seating surfaces, ensuring a high level of comfort and sophistication.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, was sportier and more svelte, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvaceous, stable look. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp appearance. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash, and the hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the futuristic feel. The EV6 was designed to be both stylish and functional, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took an already fun crossover and made it better by adding an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque with a 14.1-kWh battery. This brought the total combined output to 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, which was impressive for its 4,665-lb curb weight. The Q5 PHEV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieved a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. In gasoline-only mode, it was rated at 27 mpg combined. The battery pack could be recharged overnight with household current or in 2.4 hours with Level 2 service. The Q5 PHEV used a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro all-wheel drive and offered various driving modes to optimize battery usage. Handling was good, with minimal body roll and powerful, predictable braking.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It had a 77-kilowatt-hour battery and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, expected in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6 offered a thrilling driving experience with quick torque delivery and excellent handling. The regenerative braking system had more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered a well-balanced interior with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, making it comfortable for two adults and manageable for a third on shorter rides. The front seats were highly adjustable, heated, and ventilated on the Prestige trim. The interior featured smartly laid-out storage options, including cupholders, cubbies, and a center-console storage bin.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several core functions, such as door handles that popped out when the key was near and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted space, and the front trunk was only available on RWD models. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was easy to use and master. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster offered three customizable views. The Prestige Package included the Navigation Package, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was standard on all Q5 models, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system was available on Premium Plus models and standard on the Prestige trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay was included and worked seamlessly.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with full connectivity except for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which required a wired connection. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots when changing lanes. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for directional arrows and adaptive cruise control tracking. The tech features were impressive and mostly standard, with higher trims offering a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2020 Q5 gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with brake assist, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, power child safety locks, electronic stability control, and more. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Advanced Key, Audi Pre Sense rear, Audi Side Assist with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a top-view camera system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech. The HDA system was standard on the base Light trim, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.