2022 Kia EV6 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a sporty and svelte design, 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 car a hipped look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler added to its sharp appearance. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet car-first aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its huge spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The front end looked ready to dominate the road, framed by massive headlights. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards functionality, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it look engineered for off-road adventures. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its high price tag. The GX offered heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery, but it lacked the modern design flair of the EV6.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured 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 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim 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 dual-motor GT-Line offered a thrilling driving experience with quick torque delivery and multiple regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging stations often fell short of this capability.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a 6,500-pound towing capacity but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but its predictable handling and strong brakes made it manageable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system with a 40:60 front:rear split enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

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 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, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 when folded. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, a deep center console bin, and conveniently placed cupholders. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open, and the cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, but lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel showed live feeds of blind spots and had a 3D bar graph for power and speed. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. Higher trims featured 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 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability with a real 4WD system, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and an Off-Road Package with various terrain-focused features.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with machine learning.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.