2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle that combined sporty aesthetics with a futuristic design. It featured a sleek, low, and wide stance reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with voluptuous curves similar to a Porsche 911. The EV6's design elements, such as the lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar and the recessed lights below the rear spoiler, added to its visual appeal. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and ambient lighting that created a sci-fi atmosphere. The EV6's design was a testament to Kia's commitment to style and innovation, making it a captivating choice for those who appreciated bold aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe maintained the brand's iconic design cues while incorporating modern elements. The seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Jeep's heritage, was present, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available in two-row configurations, offering a blend of comfort and capability. The interior featured upscale amenities like leather seats, wood and metal accents, and a customizable digital driver display. Despite some hard plastic materials, the Grand Cherokee 4xe provided a comfortable and spacious environment, making it a practical choice for families seeking a blend of tradition and modernity.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered impressive performance with its GT-Line e-AWD model, featuring 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. The EV6's handling was agile, with torque distributed effectively between the wheels, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, including a strong I-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, delivering only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 17-kWh battery pack, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided a total driving range of 470 miles and an all-electric range of 25 miles. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's powertrain offered three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by two available systems, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, providing excellent traction and control. Despite its impressive fuel economy, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its gas-powered counterparts.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe provided ample space for passengers, with 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The air suspension allowed for easy loading and unloading, and the vehicle's interior offered comfort and convenience for families. Despite not having a third row, the Grand Cherokee 4xe excelled in providing a spacious and practical environment for its occupants.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. The system included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6's tech features were impressive, though some Kia Connect features were disabled in Massachusetts due to legal compliance issues.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering customization options and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. The vehicle included optional rear-seat entertainment screens and a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee 4xe's technology package was comprehensive, providing a personalized and enjoyable user experience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GT-Line trim added evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. However, the EV6 had no published crash test results from U.S. agencies.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist and night vision on higher trims. The Grand Cherokee 4xe had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of review.