2023 Mazda CX-50 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 featured a lower and wider stance, with wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving it a muscular look. The highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, and the squinting headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern, added to its aggressive aesthetic. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and ambient lighting that created a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of elegance and ruggedness. Its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield gave it a sophisticated look, while the blistered fender swells and oversized air intakes added a rugged appeal. The interior was a mix of driver-focused design and quality materials, featuring black leather with caramel-colored stitching. The vertical air vents and polished metallic trim added a touch of class, although the off-center vent in the middle of the dash seemed like an afterthought. Overall, the CX-50 was a good-looking compact crossover with a hint of ruggedness.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, was a powerhouse. It could zip to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners like a getaway car. The top-power GT trim promised even more with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. However, the base EV6 Light, with its 167 hp motor, was less impressive. The EV6 excelled in torque delivery, providing a seamless driving experience whether on pavement or snow. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, delivering only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, but the real-world performance fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model had a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo variants offered up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane gas. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50 featured Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, but the differences between them were subtle. The ride quality was firm, and there was a hint of torque steer during tight turns. The CX-50 handled well on pavement, feeling more like a station wagon than an SUV. It also offered decent off-road capability with 8.6 inches of ground clearance, although it lacked a downhill assist control system. The towing capacity was impressive at 3,500 pounds, but fuel efficiency was lower than expected, averaging 23.4 mpg.

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 was neat but 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 just 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 when folded. The towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator was a useful feature.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and heated steering wheel were great for cold climates. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were effective in warmer weather. The driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat were comfortable for long drives, although they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy, and the rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy entry and exit. The cargo space was 31.4 cubic feet, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The load floor was long but narrow, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with dual 12-inch screens, although it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The head-up display (HUD) used augmented reality for directional arrows and adaptive cruise control tracking. The 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 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect historically lacked touchscreen control, but the CX-50 allowed touchscreen use for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display (HUD) projected useful data within the driver’s line of sight, including blind-spot warnings.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. The standard HDA system included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, a 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 control with machine learning.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to excel in safety, like other Mazda models. It offered a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the top trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. However, the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, requiring manual braking.