2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, boasting a sporty and svelte 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 and voluptuous curves similar to those of a Porsche 911. The headlights, with their squinting, V-shaped pattern, added to the car's fierce appearance. The EV6's design was further enhanced by its wedgy profile, smooth lower body, and unique features like recessed lights below the rear spoiler and a hidden rear charge port. Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic interior with dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere that was both car-focused and technologically advanced.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, traditional SUV design, staying true to its roots from the 1980s. It maintained a strong connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper designed for off-road adventures. The interior prioritized function over form, with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. Despite its dated design, the 4Runner offered a range of configurations, including the Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD packages for enhanced off-road capabilities. Standard features included push-button start, remote keyless entry, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 4Runner's design was a testament to its off-road prowess, appealing to those who valued adventure and durability over modern aesthetics.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, which featured two 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, with a top-power GT trim promising even more impressive specs. The EV6's performance was characterized by its quick and effective torque delivery, making it a joy to drive in various conditions. 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, with the car delivering only 65 percent of its estimated range in below-freezing temperatures. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging times fell short of Kia's claims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a single 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt underwhelming in most driving situations, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a rough suspension. However, these characteristics transformed into strengths off-road, where the 4Runner excelled. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 2,268 kilograms, making it more capable than most car-based crossovers.

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, creating an airy and open space. 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 utility.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 2,540 litres of cargo capacity in its two-row version, with 1,337 litres behind the second row. The three-row model offered slightly less space, with 2,514 litres maximum. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner offered ample storage for gear and equipment.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a simple and quick interface. It included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a head-up display with augmented reality. The highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While not the most advanced system, it offered tactile controls, making it easy to use even with gloves on. The 4Runner lacked features like a head-up display but provided a straightforward and functional tech experience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.