2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embodied the adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” As car shoppers flocked to crossovers for their rugged looks, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and tall driving positions, Subaru imbued its Impreza hatchback with those same characteristics. This strategy allowed the Crosstrek to do a reasonably good impression of an SUV, giving it more character than the base Impreza hatch. The Crosstrek featured black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height, affording 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The vibrant colors, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal.

Underneath, the Crosstrek rode on the Subaru Global Platform, shared with models like the Legacy/Outback, Ascent, and Forester. This platform provided a greater level of polish and refinement. The interior, virtually unchanged from the Impreza hatchback, was functional but somewhat plain-looking. The Sport trim level added Plasma Yellow Pearl accents and simulated carbon-fiber trim pieces, which looked cheap but included water-repellant StarTex upholstery, useful for trips to the beach.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, was sportier and svelte, resembling a Ford Mustang Mach-E more than a traditional sedan. It featured a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were stretched to the chassis's corners, giving the body hips similar to a Porsche 911. The EV6 had voluptuous curves for both style and stability, with headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern. The wedgy profile, matte silver paint, and sealed air intakes added to its sleek appearance.

The EV6's interior boasted 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 rear passengers, creating an airy, open space. The hockey-puck shifter and digital controls further separated the EV6 from basic Kia models. The overall aesthetic was car-first, computer-second, making the EV6 enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims continued with the 2.0-liter boxer-four, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims were CVT-only. All trims came with standard AWD, including torque vectoring and X-Mode for loose surfaces and bad weather.

Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek's handling was predictable, with noticeable body roll due to the higher center of gravity. The ride was comfortable, with low wind noise even at highway speeds. The new 2.5-liter engine provided adequate acceleration but was accompanied by droning from the CVT.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with two electric motors, delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and cornered like a getaway car. 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 single motor, producing 167 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered 225 hp with the larger battery.

The EV6's torque delivery was smooth and immediate, with no lurch or interruption in power. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. 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 often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered the same front and rear legroom as the Impreza hatchback, with slightly more rear headroom. Cargo space was 20.8 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While competitive against other small crossovers in passenger space, the Crosstrek lagged in cargo space compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder to prevent leaving children or pets unattended. Up front, a cubby hole with USB and auxiliary ports provided storage, but rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. Cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The high load floor and low roof height restricted space, and AWD models had less front trunk space due to the electric motor. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator could run 120-volt equipment or charge another EV.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek used Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a single-disc CD player. The top Limited trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. A second screen above the main touchscreen displayed redundant information. The 8-inch touchscreen was easy to navigate, with large analog knobs and buttons for audio volume and climate control. Steering wheel controls managed EyeSight driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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. Standard tech included HDA, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, and a wireless charger. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests. The 2020 model, virtually identical to the 2021 version, earned the IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award. EyeSight driver-assist features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system's cameras were protected behind the windshield but could be blocked by wipers or direct sunlight.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from U.S. agencies but offered impressive standard tech. The HDA system included lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. The adaptive cruise control with "machine learning" aimed to drive as the driver would.