2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle with its bold black accents, including shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings. The extensive use of black cladding gave it a unique floating appearance, setting it apart from its Mazda3 hatchback roots. The elevated stance of the CX-30 was immediately noticeable, offering a higher driving position that was both practical and stylish. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3's upscale vibe with quality materials and a sophisticated design, featuring stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more futuristic design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic presence. The EV6's design was further enhanced by its voluptuous curves and sharp, V-shaped headlights. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. The ambient lighting and futuristic design elements created a modern and inviting atmosphere, making the EV6 a standout in terms of style and innovation.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel used. It offered a torque range of 310 to 320 lb-ft, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system contributed to its dynamic performance, although its fuel economy was modest at 25 mpg combined. The vehicle's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and AWD system ensured stability and traction, especially in off-road conditions, despite some torque steer under hard acceleration.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, boasted a powerful dual-motor setup producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering thrilling performance. The EV6's regenerative braking system provided customizable deceleration, and its adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist enhanced the driving experience. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, delivering only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior with eight-way power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel. While the front seats were supportive, the rear seats were cramped for adults. The CX-30 provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the placement of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console limited storage options.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a multifunctional touchscreen for climate and stereo controls. It provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. The cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet, expanding to 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. The EV6 also offered a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display controlled via physical controls and voice commands. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of a touchscreen and complex menu navigation were drawbacks. Premium trims offered a Bose audio system and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging capability, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS features. Premium trims added advanced lighting and parking systems, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including HDA, lane-keeping, and cross-traffic alerts. Higher trims added advanced features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.