2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a visual treat, sporting a sleek and sporty design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, with wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving it a muscular look. The highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and the squinting headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern, added to its aggressive aesthetic. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and ambient lighting that created a futuristic vibe. The EV6's design was all about style and stability, making it a head-turner.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and functionality. The Wilderness trim, with its white paint and dark gray interior, featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and rugged exterior cladding. The interior emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces combining to create a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose. The Forester's design was more about utility, with features like upgraded roof rails and a full-size spare wheel, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, was a powerhouse. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's regenerative braking system provided more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, delivering only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by the charging infrastructure.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, offered adequate performance. The Wilderness model featured a CVT that provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was decent, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing. Its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capabilities, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. 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 when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a three-person roof tent, and the interior offered high comfort levels with ample storage space. The cargo area measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's practical design made it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with dual 12-inch screens, though it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to legal compliance issues.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The Forester's technology was practical and user-friendly, catering to both everyday and adventurous needs.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking and 360 cameras. The GT-Line included evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise with "machine learning."

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.