2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, featuring a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. The illuminated lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, with a silver D-pillar creating a floating roof effect. At the rear, the Tucson sported LED-illuminated toothy taillights, adding a unique touch to its design. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models featuring premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, with standard stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, and higher trims offering leather-trimmed seats and a spacious, uncluttered dashboard design.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, presented a sportier and more svelte design, akin to a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It was visually lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the chassis's corners, giving the body a curvaceous appearance similar to a Porsche 911. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting added to the futuristic feel, while the hockey-puck shifter and digital controls emphasized the car's modern aesthetic. The EV6's design was a testament to industrial design, capturing attention with its unique features and sporty appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid powertrain delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, making it more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid was also more fuel-efficient, with a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson PHEV, yet to be road-tested, promised an estimated 261 horsepower and 224 pound-feet of torque, with an expected electric range of around 40 kilometres.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in its most powerful GT-Line e-AWD variant, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77.4 kWh battery, it accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided impressive torque distribution, ensuring smooth power delivery in various driving conditions. The regenerative braking system offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its estimated 441-kilometre range. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied based on available infrastructure.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was a budget-friendly compact SUV with a well-appointed interior, comparable to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It featured a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, with higher trims offering an eight-way version with lumbar support. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available. The Tucson's new platform provided more passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo space and a 60-40 split-folding rear bench seat. The cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four, offering more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with features like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height contributed to this limitation. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were responsive, though the lack of physical differences made them challenging to use while driving. Steering wheel controls and voice commands were more heavily relied upon.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with connectivity options requiring a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and a 3D bar graph of power and speed. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system. Overall, the EV6's tech was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson had not been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it featured the Hyundai SmartSense Safety Feature suite, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Additional safety features were available, such as blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai offered a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2022 Kia EV6 also lacked published test results but came equipped with standard safety features like forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras.