2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels, among other sporty enhancements.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside traditional color options like Black and Arctic White/Black. The interior's material quality was top-notch, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt dated compared to competitors with all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, though it remained functional. The layout left little room for open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, presented a sportier and more modern aesthetic. It featured a sleek, low, and wide design with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the car a muscular stance reminiscent of a Porsche 911. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp look. The matte silver paint on the test car further accentuated its smooth and silken lower body.

The interior of the EV6 was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and rear passengers, creating a futuristic feel. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the car's modern vibe, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. The ride was generally quiet, though the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD variant had similar city/highway numbers but a combined 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, offered up to 650 instantaneous adjustments for a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the 4600-pound car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller 58 kWh battery and a single motor with 167 hp, which was less recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp with the larger battery.

The dual-motor GT-Line provided a thrilling driving experience, with quick and effective torque distribution. The EV6 handled well on various surfaces and conditions, outperforming Kia's Stinger sedan. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. The drive modes were easily selectable via a button on the steering wheel, and the car's performance was impressive.

However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather. In below-freezing temperatures, the car's range fell short of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate, delivering only 65 percent of the expected range. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the EV6's charging performance was still commendable.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a well-styled and comfortable interior. The front seats provided ample room, and the second-row seats accommodated two adults comfortably. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats featured a 60/40 split-folding design. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were minimal, maintaining the typical Lexus quietness.

Cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This made the NX one of the smallest in its class for storage capacity. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several core functions, including pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a 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, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height contributed to this limitation. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed for remote control of various functions, and the Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

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 instrument panel displayed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots when changing lanes. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display used augmented reality for directional arrows and adaptive cruise control tracking. The tech features were impressive, with many standard on all trims. 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 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional extras included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. The HDA system was standard on the base Light trim, including 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 adaptive cruise control with "machine learning."