2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance ruggedness with a family-friendly design. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of the 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its minivan-like front seat design and drab exterior did not win universal praise.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV6's lower and wider stance, combined with its highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic appearance. The car's voluptuous curves and aggressive headlights added to its sporty aesthetic. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements further enhanced the EV6's appeal, making it a standout in terms of style and design.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power delivery. The Pilot's torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model. The Pilot's suspension offered a comfortable ride and surprisingly athletic handling, though its off-road capabilities were limited by its modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The car's low-mounted 77-kilowatt-hour battery contributed to its agile handling. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the car delivering only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate during testing. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle's leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats were comfortable, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. Second-row captain's chairs were available, providing nearly as much comfort as the front seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low and flat bottom cushion. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo area. With the third-row seat folded, the Pilot offered 46.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for running 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims added features like wireless phone charging, navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some modern conveniences, such as a tuning knob and intuitive voice-recognition technology. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options, though many kids preferred using their own devices with the WiFi.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a range of connectivity options. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6 featured advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist, which showed live feeds of blind spots and offered lane-change assistance. The 360-degree surround-view cameras and customizable "engine" sounds added to the tech appeal. Higher trims included 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 Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though it had some areas for improvement.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had not been tested by U.S. safety organizations at the time of writing. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist.