2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design compared to the Tesla Model Y, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive squint, 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 sharp, sleek look.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, take-no-prisoners design with a boxy shape and minimal curves. Available in both two-door and four-door models, the Wrangler allowed for door removal and offered half doors for better visibility. The windshield could fold down, and various top options were available for open-air exploring. The iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches added to its classic Jeep aesthetic. The tailgate swung out, and the rear glass lifted up for easy cargo access, making it a functional yet simple design.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, allowing the 4600-pound car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, expected in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a 167 hp motor, which was less impressive. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp. The EV6 excelled in torque distribution, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. However, its driving range in cold weather was disappointing, 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 available charging infrastructure.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of engine options, including a standard V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 provided 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, while the high-performance Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range. Our tester, the Rubicon 392, excelled in off-road performance with its full-time 4WD, Off-Road Plus button, and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. However, its on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering. Other Wrangler models had better-suited brakes and more precise steering.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements 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, cargo space was limited to 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with heated options available in the 392 or with a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. Larger cargo space was also restricted, with 72.4 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The hard top could be removed in one piece, and the soft top was fairly easy to remove, though the Sky One-Touch power soft top was the most convenient option. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, including USB-A and USB-C ports, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree cameras and head-up display with augmented reality were impressive, though some features like Kia Connect were disabled in Massachusetts due to legal issues.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running Uconnect, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Jeep’s off-road pages with detailed information about the vehicle's performance. The Wrangler also featured a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. However, it lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or over-the-air updates for vehicle performance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies 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 automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control were standard only on the top 392 model. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.