2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a strikingly sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and the wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's voluptuous curves, akin to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The wedgy profile, with its angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, contributed to its blade-sharp appearance, while the matte silver paint of the test car added a smooth and silken finish.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual stunner, offered a practical and efficient design for transporting up to seven people. Its exterior styling, even with the S Appearance Package, appeared soft and somewhat dated compared to more modern, architectural motifs. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's interior was well-appointed, featuring black Nappa premium leather and a rounded, flowing design. Despite its minivan packaging, the Pacifica Hybrid provided a comfortable and functional space, with features like a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system and a spacious interior that made it a practical choice for families.

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 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was sharp, with torque distributed effectively between the front and rear motors, providing a seamless and responsive drive. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, with the vehicle achieving only 65 percent of its estimated range in below-freezing temperatures. Charging performance was commendable, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, producing a total of 260 horsepower. The Pacifica Hybrid excelled in providing a smooth and efficient driving experience, with the ability to travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system contributed to an average fuel economy of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres. While the Pacifica Hybrid's driving dynamics were not particularly exciting, its powertrain was praised for its efficiency and seamless operation.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a modern and innovative interior, with features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls were cleverly integrated with the stereo and shortcut controls in a thin touchscreen, though this design could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, with a spacious rear cabin that rivalled a midsize SUV. However, its cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and ample cargo space. The interior featured triple-zone automatic climate control, quality leather upholstery, and a range of storage solutions. The second-row seats were more comfortable than those in a standard Pacifica, though they did not offer the same Stow n’ Go functionality. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 2,477 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats allowed for a maximum cargo capacity of 3,978 litres, making it a highly practical choice for families.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, similar to other Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models. It offered connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6's tech included a 360-degree surround-view camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The highest trim GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system, providing a comprehensive suite of technology features.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was equipped with the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with appealing graphics and a simple user interface. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the FamCam overhead camera system. The Pacifica Hybrid's technology package included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system and an available Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system. While the voice recognition technology had some limitations, the overall tech package was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the EV6 had no published test results from any government or independent agency in the U.S.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. While the adaptive cruise control system had some limitations, the Pacifica Hybrid's safety package was robust and well-regarded.