2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the same design as the previous year, featuring "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The LED fog lights and rear bumper had a more sophisticated design, but otherwise, it looked similar to the gas-only variants. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid had unique instrumentation to show battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Pricing ranged from $30,560 to $36,350, with the Touring trim offering additional features like larger wheels, navigation, and a premium sound system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 sported a sleek and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the car a stable and stylish look. The headlights had a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by the matte silver paint. Inside, the EV6 featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter added to the futuristic feel. The EV6 was designed to be both stylish and functional, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid used a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. Additionally, there were three driver-selected modes—Econ, Sport, and EV. The CR-V Hybrid had a slightly better weight distribution and retained the standard CR-V AWD model's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. It returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 38 mpg.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6 offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a strong I-Pedal setting for one-pedal driving. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, delivering only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid provided ample interior space, with supportive front seats offering 12-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The rear seat room was remarkable, with plenty of legroom and comfort. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger took up space on the center console. Cargo space was 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the standard CR-V due to the battery pack.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height reduced practicality. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system felt outdated, with a seven-inch touchscreen and slow startup. The voice-recognition technology was limited, and the navigation map display was cluttered. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, but the wireless smartphone charger seemed like an afterthought. The system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD) with augmented reality. The system included Highway Driving Assist (HDA), blind-spot monitoring, and fast-charging capabilities. Higher trims featured 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but offered impressive safety tech. Standard features included 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 automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with "machine learning."