2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing interest in crossovers. It featured rugged aesthetics, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a higher driving position, which were key attractions for buyers. The Crosstrek stood out with its black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, giving it a more SUV-like appearance. Despite its SUV mimicry, the Crosstrek retained the Impreza's functional yet plain interior, with some vibrant colour options like Plasma Yellow Pearl adding a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was a strikingly sporty and sleek electric vehicle, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It boasted a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's design was characterized by its voluptuous curves, aggressive headlights, and a wedgy profile, all contributing to its dynamic appearance. The interior was futuristic, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting, creating a car-first, computer-second aesthetic that was both wild and enjoyable.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrains. The Outdoor and Limited trims featured a 2.5-litre boxer-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while other trims retained the 2.0-litre engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. However, the SUV-like ride height somewhat negated this benefit. The Crosstrek's AWD was standard across all trims, with X-Mode and hill descent control enhancing its capability on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek was more suited to pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though the higher centre of gravity resulted in noticeable body roll.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors generating 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, thanks to its 77.4 kWh battery and low-mounted chassis. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, providing exhilarating acceleration and cornering capabilities. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the 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 times were longer than Kia's claims.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,565 litres with them folded, it lagged behind some competitors. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system and a practical front cubby with USB ports, though rear passengers had limited access to charging ports. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility, but it didn't offer the commanding view of traditional SUVs.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor, creating an airy and open cabin. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, enhancing passenger comfort. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted cargo capacity. The EV6's towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for running equipment or charging other EVs.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via chunky steering wheel buttons, ensuring ease of use.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive and quick, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles, enhancing safety. The 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals, 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, adding to the EV6's impressive tech suite.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS. It featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, lane centring, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, the system's cameras were susceptible to obstruction and washout in direct sunlight.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 360 cameras, enhancing safety.