2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, contrasting with the more utilitarian look of a Tesla Model Y. Its lower and wider stance gave it a visually appealing presence, enhanced by a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, added to the aggressive look, while the wedgy profile and smooth lower body contributed to its aerodynamic appearance. The interior was equally striking, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was a practical minivan that prioritized functionality over style. Despite its minivan image, it offered the convenience of sliding side doors and a spacious interior, making it ideal for families. The Pacifica Hybrid was not designed to hide its minivan identity, and its rounded, flowing exterior and interior styling appeared soft and somewhat dated. However, it provided a comfortable and efficient package for transporting up to seven people, with a focus on practicality and utility rather than sporty aesthetics.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was sharp, with quick torque distribution and a variety of regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate during testing. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower than advertised.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid could travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone, making it suitable for short commutes and errands. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were unremarkable, its powertrain was efficient, achieving an average fuel economy of 37.1 mpg during testing. However, the driving experience was described as dull, with light steering and limited cornering grip.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, providing comfort for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three rows of comfortable seating and ample cargo space. The interior featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, but they did not fold into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 32.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 140.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It offered a range of connectivity options, although wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6 included advanced driver assistance features, such as Highway Driving Assist and blind-spot monitoring. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen with appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Pacifica Hybrid offered a FamCam overhead camera system for monitoring rear passengers and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was deemed unnecessary by some passengers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked published test results from U.S. safety organizations. The GT-Line trim added advanced features like evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, its adaptive cruise control system required refinement, as it was slow to respond to changing traffic conditions.