2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a strikingly sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design elements, such as the highback tail with a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the chassis corners, contributed to its dynamic look. The EV6's voluptuous curves, akin to those of a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake mimicking trim, enhanced its aggressive appearance. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a more traditional SUV aesthetic with a hint of sportiness inspired by the Camaro. The RS trim, in particular, stood out with its 20-inch wheels and unique styling elements, although some design choices, like the black trim on the rear bumper, were less appealing. Inside, the Blazer's cabin was functional and comfortable, with a focus on practicality. The 8-inch touchscreen and climate controls were user-friendly, and the red interior accents in the RS trim added a touch of sophistication. However, the use of hard plastics detracted from the overall quality feel.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was agile, with torque distributed effectively between the motors, ensuring smooth power delivery. The regenerative braking system provided multiple settings for deceleration, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, the EV6's range was a concern, especially in cold weather, where it fell short of Kia's estimates, highlighting the need for frequent charging.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 with 308 horsepower. The V6, available on higher trims, provided satisfying acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,040 kilograms. The Blazer's driving dynamics were firm and sporty, with decent grip from the 20-inch wheels. However, the nine-speed automatic transmission was slow to downshift, and the steering felt artificial in Sport mode. While the Blazer performed well in everyday driving, it lacked the dynamic prowess promised by its styling.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents, creating a comfortable environment for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres with them folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer provided a comfortable and practical interior, with power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control. The rear seats were spacious and could slide to adjust cargo or passenger space. The Blazer's storage solutions were impressive, with ample compartments for small items. The cargo area offered 864 litres of space, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded, although these figures were modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with wired 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 remote parking assist was a standout feature. The tech in the EV6 was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer's technology suite included an 8-inch touchscreen with simple controls and dual-zone climate control. The RS trim featured a sporty interior with red accents, and the rear seats offered USB ports and a power outlet. The Blazer's tech was practical and easy to use, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in the EV6.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360-degree cameras, although no official safety ratings were available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, featuring forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety options included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control. The Blazer's safety systems were effective, though its headlights did not earn high marks from the IIHS.