2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often seen as a vehicle that blended into the crowd of compact crossovers. Its design was similar to many of its competitors, with a few distinguishing features like the grille and some chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a few more vibrant options like blue and red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. However, it faced stiff competition from models like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which offered more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more dynamic appearance. It was visually striking with its low and wide stance, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. The EV6 featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler, voluptuous curves, and aggressive headlights. Its design was both stylish and functional, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a futuristic aesthetic. The EV6's design was a testament to the importance of industrial design in the automotive world.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. It was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. All trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provided a consistent driving experience but lacked the engagement of conventional transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup was typical for the class, providing decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, delivered a more exhilarating performance. The GT-Line e-AWD model featured dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, providing a thrilling driving experience. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of Kia's estimates. Charging was relatively quick, but the EV6's energy consumption in cold conditions was a concern.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious and airy interior, with generous legroom and headroom for all passengers. However, its cargo space was limited compared to the CR-V, with 690 litres behind the rear seats and 1,322 litres with them folded. The EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a unique climate control system integrated with the stereo controls. It also offered a towing capacity of 1,043 kilograms and an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also provided multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly and packed with features, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a 360-degree surround-view camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system. The EV6's technology was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard on all trims. These features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had not been tested by safety organizations, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard features included forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras. The EV6's safety technology was impressive, even without official ratings.