2022 Kia EV6 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented 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 corners, giving the body a curvy, stable stance similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive V-shaped pattern, and the wedgy profile was accentuated by an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and futuristic seats, creating a car-first, computer-second aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator was a midsize crossover with a modern Lincoln face and grille. Despite its appealing design, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator featured electric, light-touch door handles and soft-close doors, with ambient lighting enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel. Inside, the cabin was richly appointed with high-end materials, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The Aviator's interior was a mix of Art Deco and high-tech, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD model delivered 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It featured a 77.4 kWh battery and offered a dynamic driving experience with quick torque distribution. The regenerative braking system had over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, in cold weather, the EV6's range was disappointing, achieving only 65% of its estimated range. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times were longer than claimed.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, produced 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for efficient power use, but the drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable. The brake pedal required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive suspension providing a smooth ride, though it lacked the fun factor in spirited driving.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a dual-function touchscreen for climate and stereo controls. It offered generous legroom and headroom, but cargo space was limited to 690 litres behind the seats. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 1,043 kilograms and an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 519 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,200 litres with the third row folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, though the third row was best suited for children.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It featured a 360-degree camera, customizable engine sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The GT-Line Package 2 included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. It included a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and Phone As A Key. The head-up display was effective even with polarized sunglasses, and parking sensors and a surround-view camera aided in parking.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered impressive tech like forward collision avoidance and lane keep assist. Higher trims included blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured a comprehensive suite of safety aids, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It had not been rated for safety, but the standard Aviator received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex, but the driver aids performed well on highways.