2021 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a design that some might have likened to a frog, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. However, Kia described its styling as "Euro-focused." This two-row crossover SUV had a short wheelbase and overhangs, making it well-suited for urban environments. The headlights were carried over from the previous year, and the Sportage offered wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen served as the focal point, surrounded by air vents and physical controls for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most advanced, provided a comfortable and pleasant experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte appearance, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the body a curvaceous look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the overall design was sleek and modern. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements added to the EV6's appeal, making it a standout in terms of aesthetics and driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX Turbo, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models used a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD 2.4-liter engine achieving 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the AWD version saw slightly lower numbers. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, was a powerhouse with two electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 horsepower. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and excellent handling. Regenerative braking offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, though not as fast as Kia's claims, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while compact, provided good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 introduced innovative features like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, but cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6 also offered a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It offered features like blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6's tech was impressive, though some features were disabled in Massachusetts due to legal compliance issues.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control and received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while lacking published test results, came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and 360-degree cameras, making it a well-equipped vehicle in terms of safety.