2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a strikingly sporty and svelte vehicle, 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 furthest corners of the chassis, giving the car a hip-like appearance similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its blade-sharp look. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded rugged elegance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing its already attractive design. The interior of the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line was luxurious, featuring Rust-colored leather, a 14-way power driver’s seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with kids in mind, offering comfort and convenience, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. The cargo space was versatile, expanding from 12.6 cubic feet to 75.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a less powerful motor, which was not recommended. The EV6 offered multiple regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal driving mode. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the car accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, was more satisfying, producing 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, made the Sorento feel energetic, despite its 7.5-second 0-60 mph time. The Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent suspension tuning and responsive brakes. The X-Line package increased ground clearance but was more for show than serious off-roading. Fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging around 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a touchscreen interface, which could be confusing while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior was luxurious, with Rust-colored leather seats and a 14-way power driver’s seat. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and designed for kids, while the third-row seat was less suitable for adults. The cargo space expanded from 12.6 cubic feet to 75.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Sorento also featured a “smart” power tailgate that opened when the key fob was nearby, making loading easier.

The 2022 Kia EV6’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and had a 3D bar graph for power and speed. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. 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 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique font style and color scheme. The SX Prestige X-Line had a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Voice recognition was less effective compared to Hyundai’s system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. However, there were no published test results from U.S. safety organizations.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s Kia Drive Wise package included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also featured Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.