2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 had a rugged-looking exterior that mimicked a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with many other Toyota models, making it mechanically similar to a Camry. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models offered additional styling options, such as unique wheels, LED fog lights, and interior accents, enhancing its rugged appeal.

Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles, which distinguished its cabin from other Toyota models. Material quality was decent on lower trims but didn't improve significantly on higher trims. The TRD Off-Road model had SofTex upholstery, which Toyota claimed was lighter and more durable than leather, but real leather wasn't available even on the top-tier RAV4 Limited trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, had a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvy, stable look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights had a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp appearance. The EV6's interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and faux leather, creating a futuristic and stylish cabin.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and high revs, the transmission often hesitated to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models focused on off-road capability, with features like a torque-vectoring rear axle, 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity. However, the RAV4's off-road performance was limited by its suspension articulation and approach angles.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 horsepower and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided quick and smooth torque delivery, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, including a strong I-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of its EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing good headroom and outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. The RAV4 had 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, which was above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the center-console storage was limited.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a touchscreen interface, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the 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 reduced practicality. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for running 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly flashy. The RAV4 lacked advanced features like a head-up display, which was available on the RAV4 Prime.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though not wireless). The instrument panel displayed surrounding vehicles and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The EV6 featured a 360-degree camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies but came equipped with impressive safety tech. Standard features included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with "machine learning."