2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and svelte design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvaceous, hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, mirroring the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth, silken finish, especially in matte silver paint. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting that created a futuristic atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged and iconic design, offering both two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could choose from a variety of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. The Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation. Despite its simplicity, the Wrangler offered a unique and immersive driving experience, especially with the top open and the doors removed.

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. The vehicle's handling was sharp, with torque distributed effectively between the front and rear motors. The regenerative braking system offered more than 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 Kia's 441-kilometre estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system provided good traction in slippery conditions. However, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with its open-top design and rugged capabilities offering a sense of adventure. However, it required frequent stops at the gas station and had a rough ride, touchy brakes, and vague steering.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and air vents. 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 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic but functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some adjustment. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded. However, getting in and out of the Wrangler was challenging, especially with a raised suspension.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a simple interface and connectivity options, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a 360-degree surround-view camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The GT-Line Package 2 featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio and a navigation system. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results from U.S. agencies but offered impressive safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. Higher trims included rear cross-traffic alert and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.