2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a strikingly sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design elements, such as the highback tail with a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, contributed to its dynamic look. The EV6's voluptuous curves, akin to those of a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The aggressive V-shaped headlights and sealed air intake-like trim on the bumper further enhanced its sporty aesthetic. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 trim, embraced a retro vibe with its heritage grille design, bronze wheels, and retro body stripes. This special edition added a nostalgic touch to the fifth-generation 4Runner, which maintained the rugged look and stance of traditional truck-based SUVs. The interior, while functional and solid, was dominated by plastic materials, yet it offered easy-to-use controls. The 4Runner's design was purposeful, with a focus on durability and practicality, appealing to those who appreciated a classic SUV aesthetic.

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 from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was sharp, with torque distributed effectively between the motors, ensuring smooth power delivery. The regenerative braking system provided extensive control, with multiple settings for deceleration, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, the EV6's range was affected by cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of expectations. Charging capabilities were strong, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often limited by available infrastructure.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, offered a more traditional SUV performance. Its five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive provided a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Crawl Control enhancing its capabilities. On-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration and heavy steering. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres, reflecting its focus on ruggedness over efficiency.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter, along with a unique touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with 690 litres available behind the seats and 1,322 litres with them folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it included an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's standout feature was its power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. The interior offered comfortable seating, with dual-zone climate control and ample storage, though some lacked rubber liners. The second-row seating was spacious, with good legroom and USB charging ports. The optional third-row seat was less practical, reducing cargo space to 254 litres. Without it, the 4Runner offered 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a user-friendly infotainment system, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included features like a 360-degree camera, customizable "engine" sounds, and an augmented reality head-up display. The highest trim offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking assist, providing a tech-savvy experience.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was more traditional, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with available upgrades like navigation and a JBL sound system. Despite its dated graphics, the system was functional and easy to use, with effective voice recognition.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered additional features like blind spot monitoring and 360-degree cameras, though no official safety ratings were available.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included Toyota Safety Sense features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS for driver protection.