2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained a design that had been largely unchanged for over a decade, offering a rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches provided a timeless style that emphasized functionality over form. Despite its somewhat aggressive front-end design, the 4Runner's overall appearance was more about practicality, with a focus on durability and utility. The interior was straightforward, featuring hard plastics and an old-school dashboard with large knobs and buttons, reflecting its mission as a reliable and easy-to-maintain SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a modern and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a sleek, low, and wide stance with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's design was characterized by its voluptuous curves and sharp, angular lines, giving it a dynamic and futuristic look. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather upholstery, creating a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere. The EV6's design was not only about aesthetics but also about enhancing stability and performance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system and optional features like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing, with a range of about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, offered a thrilling performance with its dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. The EV6's regenerative braking system provided multiple settings for deceleration, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated 441-kilometre range. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats. It provided up to 1,337 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,540 litres with the seats folded down. The high ground clearance made entry challenging for shorter individuals, but the overall interior was practical and well-suited for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom, although the cargo space was limited to 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres with them folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it offered an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology was basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included a windshield wiper de-icer and a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo area. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a sophisticated infotainment system with a 360-degree camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. It lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but offered a remote parking assist system. The tech features were impressive and enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and had mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. It also included a driver's knee airbag and rear occupant alert.