2022 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Kia EV6

The fifth-generation 2022 Nissan Pathfinder took design cues from the new era of Nissan’s SUV design. It featured a new take on the V-motion grille, matching the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo on its three-slot grille, paying homage to the first-generation Pathfinder. LED headlights flanked the grille, and slim LED daytime running lights led to the bulky, slated C-pillar, another nod to the original design. The Pathfinder was available in 14 paint jobs and color combinations, with a black roof option that extended onto the C-pillar. The side panels and hood gave the SUV a beefier look, more in line with the Kia Telluride than the Toyota Highlander. The sleek, thin taillights wrapped around the large liftgate, accented by bold, gate-wide badging. The Pathfinder was 0.6 inches wider with a track 1.2 inches wider, giving it a planted look. It was 0.2 inches higher and 0.8 inches shorter end-to-end, with more legroom than the previous generation. The design changes aimed to position the vehicle as more capable and rugged, and it worked.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was sportier and svelte, resembling a Ford Mustang Mach-E more than a Tesla Model Y. It was visually lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were stretched to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the body hips similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below on the bumper. The wedgy profile looked blade-sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The EV6’s design was full of style, with recessed lights below the rear spoiler illuminating the body, and a chrome trim below the taillights hanging like a thick platinum necklace. The flush door handles retracted when unlocking, and the rear charge port was hidden beneath the right brake light. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and black and white seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash and circled the rear passengers, creating a futuristic aesthetic.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old CVT. The transmission, sourced from ZF, provided smooth gear transitions. The Pathfinder was available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. FWD models had a five-position drive mode selector, while AWD models offered seven drive and terrain modes. Hill-start assist was standard, and hill descent control was exclusive to AWD models. The FWD Pathfinder had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD models maintained the 23 mpg combined but improved highway mileage by one mpg. The Pathfinder Platinum with AWD had slightly lower fuel efficiency. The Pathfinder had a 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity, with a Class II tow hitch and trailer harness standard on the Platinum grade. The suspension setup provided a stable ride, absorbing most road imperfections, and the steering was reasonably connected. The tight turning radius made the Pathfinder easy to park and maneuver.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested at launch, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, the 4600-pound car accelerated 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 58 kWh battery and a 167 hp motor, which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models paired the larger battery with a 225 hp motor. The dual-motor GT-Line provided instant torque, with the rear motor driving the wheels until full power or cornering was required, activating the front motor. The EV6 offered more than eight settings for regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. The drive modes were easily selectable, and the car’s performance was impressive. However, the driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging stations often provided lower outputs.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior comfort was enhanced by reduced road noise, thanks to improved insulation, acoustic laminated glass, and thicker second-row glass. The design focused on flexibility, with features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain’s chairs, and the ability to fit three car seats across the second-row bench. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology allowed easy third-row access, even with a forward-facing car seat installed. The second-row center console was removable and could be stored in the rear under-floor cargo space. The front center console offered 13.4 liters of storage space. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45.0 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The flush rear cargo space sides made loading large items easy. The Pathfinder’s seats were comfortable, with heated seats standard on all models above base and ventilated seats on the Platinum grade. Tri-zone automatic climate control was standard, and there were 16 cup and bottle holders. The liftgate options included a manual-closing liftgate, a power liftgate, and a motion-activated power liftgate on the Platinum model.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions, such as door handles that popped out when the key was near, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating when driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with rear seats that reclined and had air vents and optional heated cushions. The cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The front trunk on RWD models provided additional space, but AWD models had an electric motor occupying the area. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment or charging another EV.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came loaded with technology that was user-friendly. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Google Assistant Voice Recognition, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice recognition, Bluetooth, satellite radio, hands-free text messaging, a 7-inch digital driver-information display, two 12-volt DC power outlets, and four USB ports. The Pathfinder Platinum featured a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available on the SL and standard on the Platinum grade. Upper trims also included a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, additional USB ports, HomeLink, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and NissanConnect Services.

The 2022 Kia EV6’s infotainment system was simple and quick, with connectivity options except for wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which required a wired connection. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, with a 3D rendering of the car. The head-up display used augmented reality for directional arrows and adaptive cruise control tracking. The EV6 came standard with HDA, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, wireless charger, and 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 with state law.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features included a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and forward-collision warning. A rearview camera was standard, with a surround-view monitor available on upper trims. The Pathfinder had ten airbags, with the Platinum grade adding an eleventh.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech. The HDA system was standard on the base Light trim, including 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. Front parking sensors were available on the Wind RWD trim, while the Wind AWD had automatic rear braking and 360 cameras. The GT-Line added evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise with "machine learning."