2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and sleek design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, combined with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, gave it a distinctive and aggressive look. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, creating a body with pronounced hips, similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, complementing the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth lower body, especially in the matte silver paint of the test car. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent offered a more traditional SUV appearance, with the new Onyx Edition trim adding a sporty touch through blacked-out exterior trim and badges. The Ascent's design was more about practicality, with wide rear doors and a spacious interior that could accommodate up to eight passengers, albeit with the third row best suited for children. The Onyx Edition featured water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats and a unique grille design, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the Ascent provided a comfortable and commanding driving position, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats, making it well-suited for Canadian winters.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in the GT-Line e-AWD configuration, which boasted 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more performance. The EV6's handling was impressive, with torque distributed effectively between the motors, providing a seamless driving experience. However, the cold Canadian winter temperatures affected its driving range, with the EV6 delivering only 65 percent of its estimated range in real-world conditions. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance made it capable of handling various terrains, while its suspension provided a comfortable ride in urban and rural settings.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents, providing a comfortable environment for passengers. 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 featured an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was designed to accommodate up to eight passengers, with a second-row bench seat or available captain's chairs. The third row was best suited for children, but the Ascent provided ample storage and cargo space, with 458 litres behind the third row and up to 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The Ascent's interior was practical, with features like a panoramic sunroof, rear-side window shades, and a useful dashboard shelf for storage.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, 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 an augmented reality head-up display. The GT-Line Package 2 offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system, providing a high-tech driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was easy to use, its voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, with the Harman Kardon premium sound system reserved for higher trims.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but came equipped with impressive safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent's EyeSight driver-assist technology provided numerous collision avoidance features, though it had limitations in direct sunlight and with its adaptive cruise control system. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.