2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth and stylish SUV that stood out with its sleek design, even when stationary. Unlike many competitors with aggressive, chiseled looks, the CX-5 opted for a more refined aesthetic. The base Sport trim featured automatic LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing wipers. The Touring trim added rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. The Touring Preferred SV Package further enhanced the Touring model with a 10-speaker Bose system, leather seats, a power liftgate, and a power moonroof.

The Carbon Edition combined Touring features with the Preferred SV Package, adding a Polymetal Gray paint job, gloss black mirrors, and 19-inch black wheels. Inside, it boasted red leather seats and black honeycomb trim. The Grand Touring model included dual heated mirrors, leatherette upholstery, 19-inch silver wheels, and various LED lights. The Grand Touring Reserve added ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The top-tier Signature model featured Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, offering a premium feel rivaling luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was sportier and more svelte, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners, giving the body a curvy, stable look. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter added to the futuristic feel, making the EV6 enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available. The Carbon Edition offered a choice between the base engine and a 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 320 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims came standard with the turbo engine and AWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD base engine achieving 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while the AWD turbo engine managed 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The CX-5's sporty drive was engaging, but its stiff suspension and less-than-ideal fuel economy were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested at launch, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. With a 77-kWh battery, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The base EV6 Light had a 58-kWh battery and a 167-hp motor, while the single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered 225 hp. The dual-motor GT-Line provided instant torque and smooth power delivery, excelling in various driving conditions. Regenerative braking had multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather significantly reduced the driving range, and charging infrastructure limitations affected the overall experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5's interior design was functional and comfortable, with good headroom but limited legroom for rear passengers. It had two full LATCH connections and a tether connector for child seats. The climate controls were straightforward, but the large shifter and infotainment controls took up passenger space. Cargo space was below average, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The low floor provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the operating system was not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. The lack of tuning knobs and the reliance on a center console knob for controls were drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a 360-degree camera system. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but offered many standard features, including Highway Driving Assist (HDA), blind-spot monitoring, and fast-charging capabilities. Higher trims had a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 had a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda offered a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had not been tested by U.S. safety agencies but came with impressive standard safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking and evasive steering assist.