2021 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a somewhat dated appearance, largely carrying over from its previous generation. The most noticeable change was the distinctive cross-shaped taillights. Subaru seemed to follow the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," maintaining the boxy, upright shape that appealed to many SUV shoppers. The Base trim level appeared plain with 17-inch steel wheels, but the Forester's clean and unpretentious look stood out among compact crossovers. The Sport model added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, which made a significant visual impact, especially with complementary paint colors like Dark Blue Pearl. The Forester shared its Subaru Global Platform with other models, ensuring a rugged yet familiar feel.

Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense mix of materials promised durability over aesthetics, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Sport trim added orange accents to the interior, enhancing its sporty appeal. Cloth upholstery was standard on Base, Premium, and Sport models, while Limited and Touring trims offered leather. The All-Weather Package, standard on Premium and higher trims, included heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer, adding to the Forester's practicality.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, boasted a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the chassis's corners, giving the EV6 a muscular stance. The headlights featured an aggressive 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 accentuated its smooth, silken lower body.

The EV6's interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and rear passengers, creating a futuristic ambiance. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls further distinguished the EV6 from basic Kia models, making it a car-first, computer-second experience that was enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine's boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. Subaru quoted a 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option meant the Forester's power felt adequate but not thrilling, especially when merging onto highways or overtaking. The suspension tuning prioritized comfort over handling, resulting in significant body roll in corners and a bouncy ride on uneven pavement.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was standard, a hallmark of Subaru's identity, with a sophisticated drivetrain featuring X-Mode for different surfaces. Sport models had Dual X-Mode with "Snow/Dirt" and "Snow/Mud" modes. Premium and higher trims included hill-descent control, and all models offered 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capability. However, for serious off-roading, alternatives like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk or Ford Bronco Sport were better suited.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors, delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim promised 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a 167 hp motor, which was less impressive. The dual-motor GT-Line offered thrilling acceleration and seamless torque distribution, making it a joy to drive in various conditions.

The EV6's regenerative braking had over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. The drive modes were easily selectable, and the car's performance was exhilarating. However, cold weather significantly reduced the driving range, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds often fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2021 Subaru Forester offered above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, flat roof. This design also provided excellent outward visibility and a roomy feel. Cargo space was generous, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, it lacked the sliding second-row bench found in some competitors. The Forester's cupholders and center console were practical, but the phone-storage cubby was too small, and wireless charging was not available. A power-adjustable driver's seat was only standard on the Premium trim and above.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be confusing while driving. The EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted space. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, front-row USB ports, and a CD player. Sport models added an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio system, while Limited and Touring trims included navigation and rear USB ports. The system was user-friendly but slow to boot up. Additional screens displayed secondary information, but the setup felt overly complex.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. Standard tech included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, and a wireless charger. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to legal compliance issues.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but offered impressive standard safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and advanced adaptive cruise control.