2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, mirroring the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth lower body, especially in the matte silver paint of the test car.

The EV6's interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and rear passengers, who faced futuristic front seat backrests. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the car's modern aesthetic. Despite its wild design, the EV6 prioritized driving enjoyment, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of testing.

Driving the Wrangler was a unique and immersive experience, engaging all senses. The rough-and-tumble ride, frequent fuel stops, and loud cabin were part of its charm. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-top design provided a sense of freedom and adventure, making it a beloved choice for enthusiasts. However, the driving experience could be challenging, with vague steering, touchy brakes, and a need for constant adjustments.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, delivered impressive performance. The 77-kilowatt-hour battery allowed the 4600-pound car to accelerate from 0 to 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 base EV6 Light, with a 58 kWh battery and 167 hp motor, was less impressive. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp.

The dual-motor GT-Line provided a thrilling driving experience, with quick torque delivery and seamless power distribution. The regenerative braking system offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the car accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, with its 3.6-liter V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were optional features. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, but the Xtreme Recon Package modifications resulted in an average of 16.8 mpg over a week of testing.

Driving the Wrangler was a unique and immersive experience, engaging all senses. The rough-and-tumble ride, frequent fuel stops, and loud cabin were part of its charm. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and open-top design provided a sense of freedom and adventure, making it a beloved choice for enthusiasts. However, the driving experience could be challenging, with vague steering, touchy brakes, and a need for constant adjustments.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. 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 towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some soft, padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was mixed, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. The cargo space offered 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, a wireless charger, and navigation. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and offered a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, and the head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for directional arrows. 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 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

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

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact test. Headlight performance was rated Poor for standard lights and Marginal for LED upgrades.