2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Subaru Outback was redesigned for the 2020 model year, but it retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior was fresher compared to the smaller 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright, sharp, and integrated with polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the overall aesthetic. The Onyx Edition XT, in particular, stood out with its gray and black StarTex upholstery and lime green contrast stitching, giving it a unique and slightly wild appearance. Externally, the Outback maintained its smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding on its wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, making it a practical alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was sportier and more svelte, akin to a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and its wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving it a wide and stable stance. The EV6's design included voluptuous curves similar to a Porsche 911, with squinting headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern. The wedgy profile and smooth lower body, especially in matte silver paint, added to its sleek appearance. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter further enhanced its futuristic and sporty feel, making it an enjoyable car to drive.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. However, the XT trims offered a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving acceleration and overall driving experience. The turbo engine was quieter, smoother, and more powerful, though it slightly reduced fuel economy to 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was squishy, but its ride comfort and off-road capability were excellent, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode for tougher conditions.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing a combined 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 horsepower and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick and smooth torque delivery, excellent handling, and multiple regenerative braking settings for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower due to station limitations. Despite these drawbacks, the EV6's performance and driving experience were highly engaging.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, surpassing many larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford F-150. It provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The interior was spacious, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions, and excellent outward visibility. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted cargo capacity. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for running 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional navigation system was more contemporary. Subaru EyeSight was standard on all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system relied on forward-looking cameras, which could be less effective in certain conditions compared to systems that also use radar.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy adjustments and extensive connectivity options. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and offered a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. The EV6 included advanced features like a 360-degree camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking were available on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a "Top Safety Pick+" award and an overall five-star rating.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had not been tested by U.S. safety organizations, but it included a comprehensive suite of safety features. The HDA system was standard, offering lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist.