2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and svelte design reminiscent of a 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 distinct, hip-like appearance. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those of a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. Its headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, mirroring the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The wedgy profile, with its angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, contributed to its blade-sharp appearance, while the matte silver paint of the test car added a smooth and silken finish.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered door hinges that concealed the slider channel below the rear side window frame. The rear doors had integrated styling details, and the overall profile was assertive with a nice stance. The Sienna's interior avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and abundant storage options. It offered comfortable seating for second- and third-row passengers, with available captain's chairs and a spacious three-across bench in the third row. The third row could be easily stored away into the floor, and the second-row seats slid up to 25 inches for easy access to the third row.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, which boasted two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, it could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim promised even more with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. However, the base EV6 Light model was less impressive with a smaller battery and a 167 hp motor. The dual-motor GT-Line offered exhilarating performance, with quick torque delivery and seamless power distribution. The regenerative braking system provided extensive control, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. Despite its performance prowess, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both FWD and AWD options, with the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) delivered smooth and efficient power. Its handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The hybrid system's battery pack was tucked under the front seats, contributing to its impressive fuel economy.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features, such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. Its climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna had a 3,500-pound towing capacity and a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that stored away easily. It featured power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a 360-degree surround-view camera. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6's 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 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It offered a range of telematics services, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna's head-up display and digital rearview mirror enhanced safety and convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published safety ratings but came equipped with impressive tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. The GT-Line added evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise with "machine learning."

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. It featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also had 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system.