2022 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, complementing the black trim below the bumper, while the wedgy profile and matte silver paint added to its sharp and smooth aesthetic. The interior boasted 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 Land Rover Defender maintained its distinctive boxy profile, tailgate-mounted spare tire, and flat hood, paying homage to its original version and classic Series Land Rovers. Despite these retro elements, the Defender's design was thoroughly modern, with rounded corners for improved aerodynamics and recessed LED headlights that gave it a unique personality. The interior offered more space and comfort than its predecessor, with a rugged yet refined design that included bare metal and exposed screws, alongside leather and suede upholstery. The Defender's design emphasized functionality without sacrificing its rugged character.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, thanks to its 77-kilowatt-hour battery and low-mounted chassis. The EV6's handling was sharp, with torque distributed effectively between the motors, providing a seamless driving experience. However, its range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender offered a range of powertrains, including a new V8 engine producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Defender 90 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The V8 model featured an electronic active rear differential and sportier suspension tuning, though it felt less poised than the six-cylinder model. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender was comfortable on pavement, with a suspension that absorbed bumps effectively and minimized noise from its large tires. The Defender's off-road prowess was supported by a 4WD system with low range and impressive ground clearance, making it a versatile choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as door handles that popped out when approached with the key and a rotary shifter that returned to center. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with only 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 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender provided 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which were comfortable but challenging to access in the two-door Defender 90. The four-door Defender 110 offered more versatility, with two-row and three-row configurations and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized functionality, with a large center-console storage bin and optional refrigeration. The Defender also offered optional exterior cargo solutions, such as a basket-style roof rack and side-mounted cargo boxes.

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

The 2022 Land Rover Defender came with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a 10-inch central touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster was standard on most trims, with an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen available. The system's graphics and menu layouts were well-designed, though the screen required a firm touch to operate. Optional features included a 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a surround-view camera system for off-roading.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. The GT-Line trim added evasive steering assist and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Land Rover Defender included standard driver-assist tech like lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking, with optional blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available, which is common for luxury vehicles.