2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and sleek design reminiscent of the 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 farthest corners of the chassis, giving the car a distinctive, hipped look. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those of a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. Its headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile, with its angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, contributed to its sharp appearance. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the appearance of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, and its slight curve could distort the view for taller drivers. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its functionality was hindered by a steep learning curve. The CX-30's interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, offering a solid and refined 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. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, thanks to its 77.4 kWh battery mounted low in the chassis. The EV6's torque was routed quickly and effectively, providing a seamless driving experience. It offered more than eight settings for regenerative braking, allowing for one-pedal driving in the 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 car accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre engine producing 186 horsepower. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93 octane fuel. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's ride was sporty and refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in. However, the suspension could be rough over potholes and imperfections on the road.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented several core functions, such as door handles that popped out when approached with the key, paddle shifters, 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 air vents. 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 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom, but longer drives might be a tight fit for adults.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy settings adjustments. However, it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree surround-view 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, allowing the car to be moved forward and backward from outside.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. However, it lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the system was challenging, even after setting up presets. The elegant dash design was a highlight, but the usability of the infotainment system left much to be desired.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. However, there were no published test results from government or independent agencies in the U.S.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. The adaptive front headlights and 360-degree parking camera were notable features, enhancing safety and convenience.