2021 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received a styling refresh that included new front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights and taillights, and a new grille. These changes added 2.4 inches to the length of the vehicle, giving it a more extroverted look compared to the 2020 model. The R-Line trim package added sportier-looking front and rear bumpers, as well as side skirts. Despite these updates, the Atlas still rode on the same MQB platform as before, which is used by most current VW models. The interior of the Atlas took a minimalist approach, with a standard seating configuration of seven seats across three rows. However, the material quality in the mid-level SE with Technology trim was below average, with cheap-feeling plastics and simulated wood and metal trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was designed to be sportier and more svelte, similar to a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV6 featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and wheels stretched to the furthest corners of the chassis. The headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile looked blade-sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. The EV6's design was car-first, computer-second, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter VR6 engine rated at 276 hp and 266 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The driving experience with the base 2.0-liter engine and AWD was underwhelming, with adequate acceleration but rough shifts. Handling was truck-like, and the ride quality was poor, with every pavement imperfection felt in the cabin. The VR6 models had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the four-cylinder models were rated to tow 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy for the four-cylinder models was 22 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg combined with AWD, while the VR6 models were rated at 19 mpg combined with FWD and 18 mpg combined with AWD.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the EV6 could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, available in fall 2022, would offer 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's driving experience was impressive, with quick and effective torque routing, and the ability to handle various driving conditions with ease. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the charging stations' output.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas was designed as a family hauler, offering 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Atlas provided more third-row legroom than most competitors but had the worst second-row legroom in its class. The second-row bench seat was uncomfortable, with thin, flat cushions. The Atlas featured a tall driving position, but forward visibility was less than optimal. The interior controls were logically laid out, and the Atlas offered up to five USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. The vehicle also had up to 17 cupholders and standard ultrasonic parking sensors.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several core functions, such as door handles that popped out when the key was near, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo controls were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, with rear seats that reclined and had air vents with optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas came with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The base S trim level had a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while other models had an 8-inch screen. Higher trim levels featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital display. The Atlas was set to receive the MIBIII infotainment system later in the model year, which would add multi-phone pairing capability, improved voice recognition, and a redesigned navigation system. The SE with Technology trim had an 8-inch screen, but the displays were plain and text-heavy. A 12-speaker Fender audio system was available on SEL and higher trim levels. The Atlas also featured a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple, quick, and full of connectivity, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and a 3D bar graph of the car's power and speed. The EV6 featured 360-degree surround-view cameras, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display (HUD). The HUD displayed directional arrows and tracked the car in front when using adaptive cruise control. The EV6 came standard with Highway Driving Assist (HDA), blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, a wireless charger, and navigation. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Atlas received top ratings in all Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, except for a “marginal” rating for child-seat anchors and mixed headlight ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 model a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trim levels offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic-jam assist. Later in the model year, SEL and SEL Premium trims would receive Travel Assist and Emergency Assist.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. Standard features included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a 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 adaptive cruise with "machine learning."