2021 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda HR-V had a softer, friendlier appearance compared to Honda’s larger SUVs like the CR-V, Passport, and Pilot. It featured distinctive styling elements such as upper and lower window lines converging near the taillights, which also housed the rear door handles. Most trim levels came with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Sport models boasted matte-black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim. The interior was plain but functional, with good material quality and fit and finish. Higher trims like the EX and EX-L included features such as push-button start, automatic climate control, a moonroof, and heated front seats.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, had a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It was visually lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvy, stable look. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior was futuristic, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and digital controls added to the high-tech feel, making the EV6 enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Honda HR-V was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While front-wheel drive was standard, all-wheel drive was available on all trim levels. However, the HR-V felt underpowered for highway driving, and the CVT was not very effective. Despite this, the HR-V’s chassis provided a rewarding driving experience on twisty roads, living up to Honda’s reputation for fun cars. The HR-V’s AWD system was suitable for slippery roads but not for rougher terrains, and it was not rated for towing.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, it could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. 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, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6’s driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 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 Honda HR-V offered impressive cargo space for its size, thanks to the “Magic Seat” 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat. With the seat folded down, it provided 58.8 cubic feet of cargo space (57.6 for AWD models), and 24.3 cubic feet (23.2 with AWD) with the seat up. This surpassed many competitors, though the Kia Seltos and Toyota Corolla Cross offered more cargo space. The HR-V also excelled in rear-seat legroom, leading the segment, though front-seat legroom and headroom were average. The interior featured sensibly-designed controls, including large knobs for climate control and an audio volume knob.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several 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 to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, with rear seats that reclined and had air vents and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 when folded. The RWD models offered a small front trunk, but the AWD models did not. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Honda HR-V’s base LX trim came with standard Bluetooth, a 5-inch display screen, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim and higher levels featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while the EX and EX-L models added SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was plain but functional, with two USB ports located in a convenient cubbyhole. However, the 7-inch touchscreen was relatively small, and many competitors offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features.

The 2022 Kia EV6’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD) that used augmented reality. The system included Highway Driving Assist (HDA), blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, and a wireless charger. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. The EV6’s tech was impressive and not overwhelming, though Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Honda HR-V received top “Good” scores in all IIHS crash tests and a “Superior” rating for its optional front-crash prevention tech. However, it got “Marginal” and “Poor” headlight ratings and an “Acceptable” rating for LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use. The NHTSA gave the HR-V a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing. Honda Sensing safety features were available on the EX and EX-L trims, including forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. Standard features included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. The EV6 also featured a driver’s knee airbag and “machine learning” for adaptive cruise control.