2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a luxurious sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. After a week in a rented Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and roomy Expedition promised comfort. However, it quickly became apparent that the standard-length model couldn't accommodate all their luggage, forcing one passenger to hold a suitcase on her lap for the 40-mile ride home. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and second-row captain’s chairs, bringing the total cost to $80,510. Despite its inability to fit all the luggage, the Expedition Platinum impressed with its intricate chrome grille, massive 22-inch wheels, and overall good looks. The extended-length MAX version would have solved the cargo issue, offering more space for passengers and luggage. Inside, the leather-lined cabin, sourced from the F-150 parts bin, provided comfort, though the hard plastic reminded passengers of its origins. For a more refined interior, the Lincoln Navigator, a close relative of the Expedition, was a better option.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, was a sportier and more svelte vehicle, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design featured a lower and wider stance, a highback tail with a lip spoiler, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving it a curvy, stable look. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp appearance. The matte silver paint of the test car enhanced its smooth and silken look. The EV6's interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting circled the rear passengers, and the hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the futuristic feel. The EV6 prioritized a car-first, computer-second aesthetic, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, except for the Platinum trim, which boasted 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and the Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology made maneuvering trailers easier. The Expedition's acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, and the twin-turbo V6 emitted a pleasant engine note. The transmission was smooth, and the steering and brakes performed as expected. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension. The Expedition's four-wheel independent suspension kept it stable on the road. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, added off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle did not have this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, offered a thrilling performance. The 77-kilowatt-hour battery allowed the 4600-pound car to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and less power, which was not recommended. The dual-motor GT-Line provided a seamless and powerful driving experience, with the rear motor driving the wheels until full power or cornering was needed, activating the front motor. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. The EV6's drive modes were easily adjustable, and the car's performance was impressive. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging stations often provided less power. Despite the charging challenges, the EV6's performance remained strong.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's primary shortcoming was its inability to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX was recommended for those needing more space. The Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers and a massage function for the front seats. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and the maximum volume was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, the cargo floor's high liftover height was a consideration.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions, such as door handles that popped out when the key was near, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. The cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. RWD models had a small front trunk, but AWD models had an electric motor taking up space. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen was small and sometimes slow to respond. Sync 3 included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a navigation system. Amazon Alexa compatibility and enhanced voice recognition were also part of the system. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging but lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system available on other trims.

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 vehicles in surrounding lanes and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The EV6 featured live feeds of blind spots, a 360-degree surround-view camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality HUD. The tech included HDA, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, a wireless charger, and navigation. Higher trims had a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a safety advantage due to its weight but lacked IIHS crash-test results. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with a three-star rollover-resistance rating for RWD and four stars for 4WD. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Limited trim and above offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping technology was helpful on narrow freeways, but more advanced driving systems were not available.

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, a 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."