2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, designed with a sporty and svelte aesthetic reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a lower and wider stance, visually enhanced by its short highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvaceous, hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in an aggressive V-shaped pattern, complemented by black trim on the bumper that mimicked air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth lower body, especially noticeable in the matte silver paint of the test car.

The interior of the EV6 was equally impressive, featuring 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 passenger area, creating a futuristic ambiance. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls added to the high-tech feel, while the overall design prioritized a car-first, computer-second approach, making the EV6 enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, had evolved significantly since its debut in 1996. Initially a unique offering in the market, the RAV4 had grown in size and sophistication over five generations, becoming a mature crossover SUV. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped the SUV sales charts in the United States. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the organic shapes in the body-side bends. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia gave the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive look, enhanced by Toyota's renowned fit-and-finish.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for minimal driver distraction, and the interior design featured a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle included 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive look.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a range of powertrains, with the most powerful being the GT-Line e-AWD, featuring two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This 4600-pound car could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim expected in fall 2022 boasting 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 not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models were more acceptable, with a 225 hp motor paired with a larger battery.

The dual-motor GT-Line provided a thrilling driving experience, with quick and effective torque distribution, making it feel like a getaway car. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the car delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate during a weeklong test in below-freezing temperatures. Charging performance was better, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models were slightly less efficient. The RAV4 Hybrid used a similar engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net hp and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was the most powerful, with 302 hp and an EPA rating of 94 MPGe combined, capable of running up to 42 miles on electricity alone.

Our test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, delivered smooth and immediate power without turbo lag, thanks to its naturally aspirated engine. The eight-speed transmission provided familiar sensations and quick kickdowns during demanding acceleration. The RAV4's car-like handling was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and AWD models' Multi-Terrain Select tuning and dynamic torque vectoring.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as door handles that popped out when the key was near, 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 EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with just 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 could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown in size, offering 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. It had a healthy payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. Towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable for four, with plenty of storage options and cupholders throughout the cabin. The front row offered ample space for two adults, while the second row could accommodate three passengers in a pinch.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. The EV6 also featured a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a remote parking system on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration on base trims. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including five USB ports, two auxiliary power outlets, an available 120-volt AC power outlet, and a 10-inch color head-up display. The top trim also featured a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and a bird’s-eye view camera system.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and safe exit warning. Higher trims added front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. However, there were no published test results from any government or independent agency in the U.S.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, with features like enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. It also had LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 was standard, offering a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.