2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The vehicle was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, featuring revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty new character lines. These sharp body lines were complemented by lower body cladding, a staple for crossover SUVs. New alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. Ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for backseat passengers. The introduction of two new trim levels, the N Line and Kona N, brought unique styling elements and a sportier appearance, with exclusive interior features like black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was designed with a sportier and more svelte appearance, 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 traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash, creating a futuristic atmosphere. The EV6's design was both stylish and functional, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port adding to its appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. For more spirited driving, the N Line and Kona Limited had a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. This setup included exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift, enhancing the driving experience. The Kona N also featured launch control, a variable exhaust system, and high-performance brakes and tires. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, provided ample power and maneuverability, with a composed handling experience.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's torque distribution was seamless, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with our test revealing a lower-than-expected efficiency. Charging was relatively quick, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied. Despite these challenges, the EV6's performance was exhilarating, with quick acceleration and responsive handling.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants. Ample headroom and legroom, even with the optional sunroof, made it easy for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents and optional heated cushions, creating an open and airy space. However, the cargo area was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height restricted space, and the front trunk was only available on RWD models. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a range of tech features. The base SE trim included an 8-inch display with a six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information, and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Kona also offered a Digital Key and Hyundai Blue Link services, providing remote access and control features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy smartphone connectivity.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive and feature-rich, with dual 12-inch screens and a wireless charger. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles, enhancing safety. The 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and rear occupant alert. Available features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, its child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing it from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and automatic rear braking. The EV6's safety tech was impressive, though some features were disabled for Massachusetts residents.