2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting snugly between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. Its design was characterized by an athletic stance and a generous 7.9 inches of ground clearance, offering a more forgiving ride over soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB boasted a modern and striking interior, with round shapes repeated across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance, while the fit and finish were of the high standard expected from Mercedes-Benz.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, along with a highback tail and voluptuous curves, gave it a distinctive and stable appearance. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and its wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting and digital controls added to the futuristic feel, while the EV6's design prioritized a car-first, computer-second aesthetic, making it an enjoyable drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered front-wheel drive as standard, with an optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the FWD version, and 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the AWD version. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in its most powerful GT-Line e-AWD configuration, featured two electric motors delivering 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the EV6 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 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 EV6's regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In the three-row version, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet in the two-row model to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in the three-row model. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, 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 EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for running equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, with options to upgrade to 10.25 inches. Smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate were standard, while the Premium Package added features like a Burmester Surround Sound System and augmented reality navigation.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. The system included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and fast-charging capabilities. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with local laws.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured standard safety technologies like active brake assist, adaptive braking, and crosswind assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features such as active distance assist, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound, which helped reduce hearing loss in a collision. The GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Kia EV6 included standard safety features like lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control. However, the EV6 had no published safety ratings from U.S. agencies.