2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, boasting 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 sense of stability and style with its voluptuous curves similar to those of a Porsche 911. The EV6's headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, complementing the black trim on the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The overall design was both sharp and smooth, with a matte silver paint finish enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, with a big and boxy design that was appealing in its own right. The Execline trim featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that filled out the exaggerated fenders, giving the Atlas an upscale look. The interior was simple yet premium, though some materials felt low-cost, with hard, shiny plastics detracting from the overall quality. Despite this, the Atlas offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, with a focus on practicality and functionality.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, which featured dual 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, providing a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was impressive, with torque being routed quickly and effectively, ensuring smooth 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 driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower than Kia's claims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, but required premium fuel for maximum output. The V6, available on higher trims, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Atlas's performance was adequate, though the V6 lacked refinement and efficiency. The SUV featured multiple driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its handling was hindered by a lack of power and an outdated engine design.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a futuristic interior with innovative features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls were integrated with the stereo and shortcut controls in a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating to use while driving. The EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, though 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 EV6 included an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in interior space and comfort, seating seven people with ample head and legroom, even in the third row. The step-in height was low, making it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. The Atlas offered numerous storage areas, though many were unlined, leading to unwanted noise. Cargo space was exceptional, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. The Atlas's practicality and spaciousness made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed surrounding vehicles and offered live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system, making the EV6's tech impressive without being overwhelming.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard, with an 8-inch display on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The MIB3 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and Car-Net connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by slow loading times and a cumbersome tuning process. Voice recognition was hit-and-miss, making it more practical to use smartphone integration for navigation.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360-degree cameras.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and an adaptive front lighting system. However, the Lane Assist technology had issues with old construction markings, and the Atlas's crash-test ratings were decent but not class-leading.