2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 exuded a sporty and svelte character, much like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, rather than the puffed-up bubble roof appearance of a Tesla Model Y. With its lower and wider stance, at least visually, the EV6 commanded attention with a highback tail that featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar. Its wheels stretched to the furthest corners of the chassis, creating hips similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911, providing both style and stability. The squinting headlights traced a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below on the bumper, designed to imitate gas car air intakes despite being sealed due to electric motors needing less air intake.

The EV6's design strived for a sporty aesthetic, highlighted by recessed lights below the rear spoiler that illuminated the body. Chrome trim below the taillights gleamed like a thick platinum necklace, and the reverse light resembled an architectural model made of acrylic blocks. Hidden features such as retractable door handles and a rear charge port beneath the right brake light, which powered open with a magnet to keep it closed, added to its allure. Inside, the EV6 possessed a curved section of dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, floating center console, and black and white seats covered in convincing faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and back seats, encircling rear passengers who stared at futuristic front seat backrests. The inclusion of a hockey-puck shifter and digital controls reinforced the vehicle's advanced yet user-friendly design, making the EV6 a pleasure to drive.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride refreshed its front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and introduced new wheel designs. New paint colors including Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, and Jungle Green, along with interior colors like Terracotta, Navy, and Sage Green, amplified its appeal. The X-Line and X-Pro models brought distinct updates, replacing the Nightfall Edition, with features like a raised suspension, unique grille design, raised roof rails, body-color door handles, and black 20-inch wheels on the X-Line. The X-Pro further enhanced this with 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an aggressive off-roader look.

The Telluride’s interior updates included a new digital instrumentation panel and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system housed under a curved 24-inch piece of glass, pushing it towards a more futuristic appeal. Minor trim changes and a redesigned steering wheel, along with modifications to the center console for added functionality, rounded out the updates. Embossed trim names on the upper portion of the front seatbacks in the X-Line and X-Pro models offered a touch of elegance.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided a thrilling performance with the GT-Line e-AWD variant, propelling 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque through two electric motors. Featuring a 77-kilowatt-hour battery positioned low in the chassis, the 4600-pound EV6 claimed to achieve 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, navigating corners with agility. The top-tier GT trim promised even more with 576 horsepower and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 mph time. The base EV6 Light, in contrast, offered lackluster performance with a 58 kWh battery and a single 167 hp motor. However, single-motor Wind and GT-Line models provided a balance with 225 hp and higher output.

The dual-motor GT-Line excelled in delivering seamless torque distribution and maintaining power without any noticeable lurches, performing well on varied terrains and driving conditions. The EV6 also featured extensive regenerative braking settings and selectable drive modes, allowing it to adapt quickly to driver preferences. However, the EV6 struggled with driving range in cold conditions, delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate.

Fast-charging capabilities were a highlight, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging often fell short of Kia’s claims. Despite long charging times in the Boston to New York corridor during winter, the EV6 freewheeled energy into an estimated 148 miles within 35 minutes at top charging stations.

The 2023 Kia Telluride maintained drivetrain consistency with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power, achieving an average of 24.1 mpg in the X-Line under mixed driving conditions. The Telluride offered driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, and an AWD system with a low-speed Lock setting for balanced power distribution between front and rear wheels.

The Telluride’s X-Pro variant demonstrated off-road capability, achieving 20.4 mpg despite half an hour of rigorous off-roading. Enhancements like a raised suspension, improved ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and a new Downhill Brake Control system augmented its performance. Towing capacity increased to 5,500 pounds in the X-Pro, aided by 18-inch all-terrain tires and a self-leveling rear suspension.

The 2022 Kia EV6 innovated several functions with its features such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter that returned to center. A unique thin touchscreen combined climate controls with stereo settings, though it could be frustrating when driving. The EV6's interior offered generous legroom and headroom, making it an airy and open space for all occupants. Rear seats reclined and optional heated cushions were available, although the panoramic moonroof did not extend to the rear. Cargo capacity lagged behind at just 24 cubic feet and expanded to 50 cubic feet with seats folded, constrained by a high load floor and low roof height. AWD models further sacrificed space with a front electric motor occupying the front trunk. Towing capacity was limited to 2,300 pounds with a useful onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2023 Kia Telluride provided versatile seating for seven or eight passengers, with luxuries such as premium Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs in SX Prestige trim. New power lumbar stimulation kept drivers refreshed on long trips. Second-row amenities included manual sunshades, USB ports, storage pockets, and adjustable climate controls. The third-row seats were more accessible and comfortable than many competitors, though still fell short compared to the Volkswagen Atlas.

Cargo space was abundant, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with it folded down, and a total of 87 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Convenience features like a “smart” power tailgate with an automatic closing function enhanced functionality for users loading cargo with full hands.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was well-equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen that included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a omission for a vehicle of its class. Key connectivity features included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, a 10-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Qi wireless charging was available on most trims.

Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup on base models to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. An optional rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch 1080p display, adding to the family-friendly technology suite. Higher trims included advanced features like a 10-inch head-up display and a digital rearview mirror, making driving safer and more convenient.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or a 14-inch touchscreen. This new system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect plan, free for three years, included Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant, facilitating natural voice recognition for commands and queries.

The RX’s infotainment technology supported user profiles for different drivers, streaming apps like Apple Music or Amazon Music, and a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Advanced digital features like digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key were available, enhancing the luxurious and futuristic feel. The RX also offered a color head-up display, although it had visibility issues under certain conditions.

The 2022 Kia EV6 boasted advanced safety tech without U.S. crash-test results. Standard HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert were impressive safety features. Higher trims added automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2023 Kia Telluride packed an extended roster of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction turning sensor, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping, and lane-centering assist were included across all trims. Advanced features like safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control with navigation-based speed reduction, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and collision avoidance systems enhanced the Telluride’s safety profile. Highway Drive Assist 2.0 added semi-autonomous driving assistance and lane-change functionality, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor showed live video feeds within the digital cluster.