2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, exclusive 20-inch wheels, upgraded interior detailing, and a simulated suede interior headliner. These features made the Calligraphy trim look more upscale compared to other Palisade models. The Limited trim, which previously had some of these features, adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with the Convenience or Premium option packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that didn't have them previously.

Inside, the Calligraphy trim was equally impressive. The Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, combined with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner, made the cabin feel luxurious. The Calligraphy trim's interior was so well-appointed that it seemed like a genuine bargain at its sticker price, rivaling even the Kia Telluride SX Prestige in terms of luxury.

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 stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvy, stable look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sporty aesthetic. The matte silver paint on the test car enhanced its smooth and sleek appearance.

Inside, the EV6 featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and circled the rear passengers. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the futuristic feel. The overall design prioritized the car's sporty and high-tech aesthetic, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved low-speed traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would return 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg with Smart mode engaged.

The Palisade's suspension tuning provided excellent body-motion control, making it more communicative about road conditions compared to the softer Kia Telluride. It was sure-footed and confidence-inspiring on twisty roads, though it didn't encourage aggressive driving. The Palisade was undemanding to drive in typical scenarios, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. It also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, could accelerate 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 base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a less powerful motor, which we didn't recommend. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models were more acceptable, with 225 hp and the larger battery.

The EV6's torque delivery was immediate and smooth, making it feel like a high-performance vehicle. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a strong I-Pedal setting for one-pedal driving. The drive modes were easily selectable, and the car's performance was impressive. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with our test vehicle delivering only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, seating, and accessibility. The driver and front passenger enjoyed eight-way power-adjustable seats, with the driver also getting an adjustable thigh support cushion and a heated steering wheel. The front seats and second-row captain’s chairs were heated and ventilated, and third-row passengers had separate climate controls and rear side-window sunshades. The seats provided good support for long drives, and the second-row captain’s chairs offered plenty of legroom and support.

The Palisade's third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class, and the captain’s chairs could tilt and slide forward for easy access. In-cabin storage was plentiful, with a large front center console and door panel storage. Cargo space measured 18 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down, and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several core functions, such as the door handles that popped out when the key was near, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The low floor provided generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, and the rear seats reclined with optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The front trunk offered additional space on RWD models, but the AWD models had an electric motor taking up the space.

The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for running 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both could pair two smartphones to Bluetooth simultaneously, but only the 8-inch setup offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. The instrument panel showed live feeds of blind spots when changing lanes, and the 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear. The EV6 also had customizable "engine" sounds and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping systems, and a rear occupant alert system. Limited and Calligraphy trims had a more sophisticated ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist was a standout feature, providing smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and included three free years of Blue Link services.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including 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 features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.