2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 had a sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It was visually 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. The EV6 had voluptuous curves similar to a Porsche 911, enhancing both style and stability. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below the bumper. The wedgy profile looked sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the matte silver paint added a smooth and silken finish.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim level and featured retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, and bronze 17-inch wheels. The 40 ASE had a strong SoCal vibe, with yellow, orange, and red stripes that gave it a groovy look. The bronze wheels and badges added to its nostalgic appeal. The 4Runner had a truck-based SUV look and stance, with a purposeful interior that included plenty of plastic but felt solid and of quality. The controls were easy to locate and use, even with gloves on, making it a practical choice for off-roading and daily errands.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD was the most powerful model available at launch, featuring two electric motors that produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, this 4600-pound car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a less powerful motor, which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp with the larger battery. The EV6 excelled in torque delivery, handling, and braking, with multiple settings for regenerative braking and drive modes. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and two 4WD systems: a part-time 4WD and a full-time 4WD available on the Limited trim. The 4Runner had a minimum ground clearance of nine inches and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD trims offered specific ride and handling enhancements for off-road performance. During testing, the 4Runner handled thick mud and standing water with ease but struggled with acceleration, braking, and steering on slippery streets. It performed well on elevation gains and gentle bends but lacked tire grip and steering response on curvier roads.

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 EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The RWD models had a small front trunk, while the AWD models had an electric motor occupying that space. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a unique power-down back window in the tailgate, providing excellent flow-through ventilation. Climbing into the 4Runner required some effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable, with heated front cushions in the 40 ASE. The 4Runner offered numerous storage locations, though many lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom, headroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and took up cargo space. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 89.7 cubic feet behind the front seats. The tailgate bumper doubled as a seat, and the cargo area included storage cubbies and a 120-volt AC power outlet.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, wireless charging, and navigation. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed surrounding vehicles and a 3D bar graph of power and speed but had limited customization. The EV6 featured sharp 360-degree cameras, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality HUD. 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 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Connected services plans were available, and the 4Runner could be transformed into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, though it had limitations with certain commands. The infotainment system's home screen displayed multiple functions simultaneously, unlike newer Toyota models.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies but came equipped with impressive safety tech. Standard features included 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 front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with "machine learning."

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with three-star ratings for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.