2023 Lexus RX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a sense of stability and style. The EV6's voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and wedgy profile contributed to its dynamic aesthetic, while the interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, offering a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX appeared shorter in height but broader in width, with a longer wheelbase, maintaining the same overall length as its predecessor. Its design was characterized by a spindle-style grille, upswept body sides, and a light-blade taillight design, giving it a modern yet conservative look. The RX's interior was modernized with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays, offering a high-quality feel with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and various dashboard trims. The RX was available in multiple trims, including hybrid and performance hybrid options, providing a range of choices for consumers.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, delivered impressive performance with 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided seamless torque distribution, enhancing its handling and driving dynamics. However, its driving range was affected by cold weather, with the EV6 achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging capabilities were strong, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, offered a smooth and comfortable ride. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim provided a more secure and responsive driving experience. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg combined. The RX's adaptive suspension and upgraded brakes in the F Sport Handling trim enhanced its performance, though the turbo engine lacked the refinement of the previous V6.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter, along with a unique climate and stereo control system. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2023 Lexus RX provided a comfortable and sophisticated interior, with the RX 350 Luxury trim offering premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim featured sportier seats and trim options. The RX's back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space was improved over the previous generation, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a range of connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6 included advanced features like a 360-degree camera, head-up display with augmented reality, and Highway Driving Assist, though some features were disabled in Massachusetts due to legal compliance issues.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The system featured an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. The RX also offered a premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional head-up display, though the interface required switching between data panels.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked published test results from safety organizations. The GT-Line trim added advanced features like evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New semi-autonomous driving technologies, such as Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, were introduced, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction function and adaptive cruise control visibility issues with polarized sunglasses.