2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners, creating a dynamic and stable look. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those of a Porsche 911, added to its stylish and stable appearance. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake-like trim on the bumper, contributed to its aggressive look. The EV6's wedgy profile, with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, was complemented by a smooth lower body, especially in matte silver paint. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting, creating a futuristic and enjoyable driving environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent subtle styling changes for the model year, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights. The grille appeared more upright, flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look compared to its predecessor. While it didn't adopt the rugged styling of some competitors, the Equinox's tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia made it less car-like than some rivals. The dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents at the centre, and the materials and fit and finish were decent for its price range. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, giving it a bit more personality, although the interior felt subdued.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a range of powertrain options, with the most powerful being the GT-Line e-AWD, featuring two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This configuration allowed the EV6 to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a 77.4 kWh battery providing a low centre of gravity for agile handling. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power, with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided seamless torque delivery, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. However, the cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65 percent of its estimated range in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it offered more torque than some rivals, the Equinox's horsepower was lower. The engine provided good torque for city driving, but at higher speeds, it felt coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were also a bit rough. The Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the agility of some competitors. However, it offered decent comfort on poorly maintained roads.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as 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. Towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and the onboard power generator was a useful feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox provided seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position challenging. The Equinox offered a tall seating position and good forward visibility, although rear visibility was hampered by the small rear window. The climate controls were prominently placed, and keyless entry and start were standard. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 847 litres with the rear seats up and 1,809 litres with them folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick settings adjustments and connectivity options, although wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras were sharp and clear. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. The remote parking assist system was a standout feature.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The MyLink infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons. The addition of wireless connectivity was a significant advantage, and the Equinox offered ample USB ports and power outlets.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from safety organizations, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist, with optional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.