2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was slightly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was sportier and more svelte, resembling a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a lower and wider visual stance, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were stretched to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvy, stable look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below on the bumper. The EV6's wedgy profile looked blade-sharp up top with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the lower part was smooth and silken, especially in the test car's matte silver paint. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather, creating a futuristic and luxurious cabin.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, particularly in hot conditions.

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, with a top-power GT trim expected to deliver 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided seamless torque distribution, making it agile and responsive. The regenerative braking system offered 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 its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the car accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The Elite trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats needed to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a low floor, providing generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. The rear seats reclined and had air vents with optional heated cushions, creating an airy and open space. However, the cargo hold was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The RWD models offered a small front trunk, while the AWD models had an electric motor occupying the space. The EV6 also featured an onboard power generator for running 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and more. The Touring trim added a navigation system, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and built-in streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, a 14-speaker Meridian stereo, and a remote parking system. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and more. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking and evasive steering assist.