2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to sleek and understated design. Unlike many of its competitors, which favoured aggressive lines and bold grilles, the CX-5 presented a smooth and elegant silhouette that appeared aerodynamic even at a standstill. While it didn't boast the flashiest exterior, it took the familiar Mazda design language in a refined direction, offering a stylish alternative to the more angular designs prevalent in the market. The CX-5's exterior features varied slightly across trim levels, with the base model offering practical elements like LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while higher trims added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and auto-leveling LED headlights.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 embraced a sportier and more dynamic aesthetic, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design was characterized by a low and wide stance, with wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving it a muscular and stable appearance. The EV6's exterior was marked by distinctive features like a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, squinting headlights, and a wedgy profile that exuded a sense of speed and agility. The interior continued this theme with a futuristic design, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting that created a sci-fi atmosphere. The EV6's design was not only about aesthetics but also about functionality, with elements like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port adding to its modern appeal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering commendable performance. The base engine was a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine was available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing a balanced driving experience. For those seeking more power, the GT and Signature trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with the CX-5's engaging driving dynamics, offered a spirited performance, especially in Sport mode. However, the CX-5's fuel efficiency was average for its class, with the turbocharged engine consuming slightly more fuel than its naturally aspirated counterpart.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, delivered impressive performance with its electric powertrain. Our test model, the GT-Line e-AWD, featured dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The EV6's handling was agile and responsive, with torque distributed effectively between the front and rear motors. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal mode. However, the EV6's driving range was affected by cold weather, with our test revealing a range significantly lower than Kia's estimates. Despite this, the EV6's charging capabilities were impressive, accepting up to 240 kW for fast charging, although real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and functional interior, suitable for family use. The seating position and comfort level were typical for an SUV of its size, with good headroom in both rows. However, rear legroom was limited, especially with taller passengers in the front seats. The CX-5's cargo space was below average for its class, offering 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The interior featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter, which took up more space than modern electronic shifters. The infotainment system controls were positioned in a way that was not intuitive for shorter drivers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious and airy interior, with generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's interior featured innovative elements like a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls, although this could be frustrating to use while driving. The low floor and lack of a panoramic moonroof contributed to the open feel of the cabin, while the cargo hold was more akin to a subcompact SUV.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which, while large, was let down by Mazda's operating system. The interface was uncluttered but lacked modern design elements, making it feel less premium. The system was controlled via a knob in the centre console, which was not the most intuitive setup. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard helped mitigate some of these issues, allowing users to bypass the native system for smartphone integration.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured an infotainment system that was simple and quick to use, similar to other models from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system was full of connectivity options. The EV6 offered advanced features like a 360-degree surround-view camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system, showcasing the EV6's impressive tech offerings.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. Additional features like a head-up display and a surround-view camera system were available as options. The CX-5 earned high safety ratings, being named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and receiving a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Mazda backed the CX-5 with a three-year/unlimited kilometre new vehicle warranty and a five-year/unlimited kilometre powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while lacking published test results from safety organizations, offered a robust set of standard safety features. These included forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The EV6's safety tech was complemented by a driver's knee airbag, enhancing its safety credentials.