2022 Kia Sorento 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 was visually lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a distinct, hipped appearance. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. Its headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, mirroring 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 added a smooth and silken finish.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a rugged and stylish presence. It featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing its sport-ute appeal. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with Burgundy leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for comfort and practicality, with features like cupholders, USB ports, and rear climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, and the cargo space was limited with all seats in use. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo capacity significantly, making it more practical for larger loads.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered impressive performance, especially in the GT-Line e-AWD variant, which featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77.4 kWh battery, the EV6 accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds and handled corners with agility. 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 regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the cold weather affected its driving range, delivering only 65 percent of Kia's estimated 441-kilometre range. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which was underwhelming in performance. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available from the X-Line trim, offered a more satisfying 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, making the Sorento feel more energetic. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission contributed to its sporty driving experience. The Sorento's suspension provided a balance of comfort and control, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing, which was above the official estimates.

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, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and the onboard power generator was a practical feature.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and practical, with features like cupholders and USB ports. The third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, and the cargo space was limited with all seats in use. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo capacity to 1,274 litres, and folding the second-row seats increased it to 2,139 litres. The smart power tailgate was a convenient feature for loading cargo.

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 instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear views. 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 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The system offered plenty of features, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, and the 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with impressive safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras. However, there were no published test results from safety organizations.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX trim, enhancing the traditional blind-spot monitoring system. The Highway Driving Assist technology provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.