2023 Mazda CX-50 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 gave it a visually appealing presence, enhanced by a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the far corners of the chassis, creating a sense of stability and style with its voluptuous curves akin to a Porsche 911. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, added an aggressive touch, while the sealed air intakes on the bumper highlighted its electric nature. The EV6's profile was sharp and smooth, especially in matte silver paint, making it a standout in terms of design.

Inside, the EV6 featured a futuristic interior with dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting added to the sci-fi feel, and the digital controls, along with a hockey-puck shifter, set it apart from more basic models. The design prioritized the car's aesthetic, making it a joy to drive with its car-first, computer-second approach.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and a cabin positioned towards the rear wheels, maintaining Mazda's signature style. The CX-50 introduced rugged elements like blistered fender swells and lower body cladding, giving it a more adventurous look. The oversized air intakes and vent designs added a performance-oriented touch without being overwhelming.

The CX-50's exterior design was complemented by a standard black grille and mirror caps, with available 20-inch alloy wheels enhancing its appeal. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition brought exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, catering to outdoor enthusiasts. Inside, the CX-50 offered a driver-focused design with quality materials, polished metallic trim, and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a powerhouse, especially in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, boasting 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque from its dual electric motors. With a 77.4 kWh battery, it accelerated to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering thrilling performance and agile handling. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The EV6's regenerative braking system provided extensive control, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of Kia's estimated range.

Charging the EV6 was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were lower due to network limitations. Despite this, the EV6 managed to charge from 15% to 80% in 35 minutes at a 150 kW station, showcasing its fast-charging capabilities.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with the base GT model featuring a 187 hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version, delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The CX-50's fuel economy was respectable, with the turbo engine averaging 10.1 L/100 km. The SUV's driving experience was smooth, with Mazda's Mi-Drive modes ensuring consistent performance across different conditions. The CX-50 excelled in handling, feeling more like a sporty wagon than an SUV, though it exhibited some torque steer during acceleration.

The CX-50's off-road capabilities were commendable, with ground clearance nearly matching that of Subaru's Forester and Outback. It handled moderate off-road situations well, though it lacked a downhill assist control system. The CX-50's towing capacity was impressive, managing up to 3,500 pounds with ease, though it might struggle on steep grades.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter, but its dual-function climate and stereo controls could be frustrating. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, though cargo space was limited to 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres with them folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 provided a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a spacious back seat. The cargo area offered 889 litres of space, expanding to 1,595 litres with the seats folded. While storage options were limited, the CX-50's design facilitated easy entry and exit, and its power rear liftgate added convenience.

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 system, 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, enhancing the EV6's tech offerings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked touchscreen functionality for native controls, it allowed touch input for smartphone integration. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the head-up display offered useful driving information.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation. It offered a robust package of driving assistance systems, including active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize vehicles cutting in, highlighting a need for improvement.