2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a blend of rugged styling and practical design. Despite its fully loaded status, it maintained a rental car appearance, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not suited for off-road Trail trim levels, yet its tough exterior was complemented by a stylish and functional interior. The cabin featured a mix of quality materials and hard plastics, with a notable rattle from the license plate. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a practical and stylish interior, though it could benefit from bolder wheel designs.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's design was further enhanced by its voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and sealed air intake mimicking trim. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving experience. The EV6's industrial design and attention to detail made it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided a standard AWD drivetrain, with the rear motor generating 89 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 Hybrid offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV, with a fuel efficiency of 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. However, the SUV's P225/60R18 all-season tires lacked grip, affecting its cornering performance. Despite this, the RAV4 Hybrid delivered a comfortable and agreeable driving experience, with a sport-tuned suspension available in the XSE trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. With a 77.4 kWh battery, the EV6 accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and offered impressive cornering capabilities. The dual-motor setup provided seamless torque distribution, enhancing its performance on various terrains. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold temperatures, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. The EV6 excelled in charging capabilities, accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times were longer than claimed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests, with dual-zone climate control enhancing comfort. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate and stereo knobs for easy use. The RAV4 Hybrid offered ample storage, including a 1,059-litre cargo area, expandable to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it included an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition technology. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive, with connectivity options requiring a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. The EV6's tech features were impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but included standard features like forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.