2022 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a strikingly sporty and svelte vehicle, reminiscent of the 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 the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below the bumper. The wedgy profile, with its 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 suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet car-first aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end was restyled with an Audi-esque grille, which some felt reduced its elegance. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring Lincoln’s Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The new Sync 4 infotainment system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen display added to its tech-savvy appeal. The Navigator continued to offer standard and long-wheelbase styles with various trim levels, starting at $78,405.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its two 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 ease. 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 167 hp motor, which was less impressive. The dual-motor GT-Line offered a thrilling driving experience with quick torque distribution and multiple regenerative braking settings. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, but the real-world performance fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It offered a towing capacity between 8,100 and 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration. The adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview and the new electronic brake booster improved ride quality and braking response. The Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its 4WD system and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the 4WD model achieving 18.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative functions like 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 only 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 Lincoln Navigator's interior was exceptionally comfortable, with 30-way power-adjustable front seats and newly massaging, heated, and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat remained roomy and supportive. Storage and cargo space were generous, with the long-wheelbase Navigator L offering even more capacity. The Navigator carried 19.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third-row seat, expanding to 103.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats collapsed.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, 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 (HDA) system and 360-degree surround-view cameras were impressive, but the lane-change feature was inconsistent. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen display, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved but not perfect. The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV provided access to popular streaming services. The 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range 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 and evasive steering assist. However, there were no published test results from any government or independent agency in the U.S.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system was newly standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln’s semi-autonomous driving technology, performed well on approved highways but required constant driver attention.