2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and the wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, creating a sense of stability and style. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those on a Porsche 911, added to its aesthetic appeal. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake-like trim on the bumper, contributed to its aggressive look. The wedgy profile, with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, combined with the smooth matte silver paint, made the EV6 a head-turner.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Venza offered a more refined and elegant design, fitting comfortably into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, emphasizing power. The tailgate was bisected with a stripe of LED lighting, and the prominent nose gave it a unique look. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments, with standard 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Venza boasted a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display added to the sophisticated feel, while the supportive front seats and spacious rear seats ensured comfort for all passengers.

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 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was agile, with torque distributed effectively between the wheels, providing a seamless power delivery. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of Kia's estimates. Charging was relatively quick, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower than claimed.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, powered by a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, produced a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza's hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for optimal efficiency, with the electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD capability. The Venza offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with agile handling similar to the Camry. Its regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, contributing to its efficiency. The Venza's hybrid setup required no special attention, making it a practical choice for those without access to charging infrastructure.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls were combined with stereo controls 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, its 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 Venza provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with two rows of seating accommodating five passengers. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, making it suitable for three adults. The available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. The Venza's interior featured numerous convenience features, such as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a power liftgate. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, with sound-blocking and absorbing materials used throughout.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy adjustments. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, requiring a wired connection. The EV6 featured a 360-degree surround-view camera system, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The highest trim included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system. Overall, the EV6's tech was impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, making it a practical choice for those without access to charging infrastructure. The Venza featured a Predicted Efficient Drive program that optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a head-up display. The Venza's tech package was comprehensive, with Toyota Connected Services and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of 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 government or independent agencies in the U.S.

The 2022 Toyota Venza boasted a comprehensive safety package, including the Toyota Star Safety System and eight airbags. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.