2023 Acura MDX 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 had a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, giving the car a muscular look with hips similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, and the black trim on the bumper mimicked air intakes, although they were sealed. The overall design was both stylish and functional, with a wedgy profile and smooth, silken surfaces, especially in matte silver paint.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX Type S had a more subtle yet luxurious appearance. It featured chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, along with LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. The Type S had minor front styling modifications and muted badges, maintaining a subdued look. The 21-inch wheels gave it a proper stance, and quad exhaust outlets framed a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and stainless steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD was a powerhouse, featuring two electric motors that produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, this 4600-pound car could accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, expected 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 less powerful motor, which we didn't recommend. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models were more acceptable, offering 225 hp and the larger battery.

The EV6 excelled in handling, with torque routed quickly and effectively, making it feel like a getaway car. It offered more than eight settings for regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was relatively quick, with the car accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging stations often fell short of this capability.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase over the standard V6 was not substantial, making its dismal fuel economy harder to accept. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of its EPA rating.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 when folded. The towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather. The second-row seat was comfortable and supportive, with heating in the outboard positions. The third row was best for children due to its tight space. The cargo area was spacious, with 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Type S Advance also had a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and a head-up display with augmented reality. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system was standard, with features like blind-spot monitoring 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 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, operated via a True Touchpad Interface (TTI). The TTI design was not user-friendly, robbing the center console of storage space and partially blocking the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, although it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and collision warnings.