2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a strikingly sporty and svelte electric vehicle, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, with wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving it a muscular appearance. The highback tail with a lip spoiler, squinting headlights, and voluptuous curves added to its aggressive yet stylish look. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and ambient lighting, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was an elegant and recognizable SUV, extended by 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design retained classic Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, but with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, making it feel like a high-end vehicle. The spacious cabin and thoughtful design details ensured comfort and visual appeal for all passengers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, delivered impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's handling was sharp, and its regenerative braking system offered extensive control. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the fastest sessions taking 35 minutes to go from 15% to 80% battery.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, while the V8, with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft, provided a more satisfying performance. The chassis was stellar, with excellent ride composure and steering feel. The optional air suspension offered five ride height settings, enhancing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 17 mpg combined.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate and stereo controls were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, but the cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator was a useful feature.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all three rows. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, and a 60/40 split bench seat was optional. The panoramic roof and large windows added to the airy feel, but the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a variety of storage options, including a large bin for wireless phone charging and a big central cubby.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highway Driving Assist system was effective, but the lane-change feature was inconsistent. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the remote parking system was a standout feature. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered premium features like multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The navigation system was integrated with the instrument panel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. New for 2022 were optional touchscreens for the front passenger and rear-seat passengers. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other driver aids were standard, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Higher trims offered additional driver aids like automatic parking and traffic sign recognition.