2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often likened to a Lexus in terms of its design. Its exterior, from the grille to its elongated profile, closely resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. This design choice blurred the lines between the Toyota and Lexus brands, giving the Venza a more upscale appearance. Available in three trim levels—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a selection of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included dual chrome-tipped exhausts, LED lighting, and 18-inch alloy wheels, with the base LE model boasting amenities like a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE and Limited trims added further luxury touches, such as larger wheels, advanced lighting, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with the Limited trim featuring a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's design was characterized by its voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and a wedgy profile, all contributing to its sporty aesthetic. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements, like a hockey-puck shifter, added to its modern appeal. The EV6's design was not just about aesthetics; it also offered practical features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port, making it a standout in terms of both style and functionality.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid system, featuring an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), provided smooth acceleration, though it was not particularly rapid. The Venza's handling was confident, and its all-wheel-drive system ensured stability. Its standout feature was its fuel efficiency, achieving an impressive 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class. Toyota backed its hybrid powertrain with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, adding to its appeal.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, offered a more exhilarating performance. Our test drive featured the GT-Line e-AWD with dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, with the upcoming GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's handling was impressive, with quick torque delivery and a seamless transition between the rear and front motors. Its regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its estimated range. Charging was efficient, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times were longer than Kia's claims.

Inside the 2021 Toyota Venza, practicality was a key focus. The cabin featured premium appointments, with a unique design that set it apart from other Toyota models. The centre stack housed climate and infotainment controls, while the deep centre console offered ample storage and convenience features. The Venza's seating was comfortable, with enough space for five adults. While it had less cargo space than the RAV4, its 816 litres of cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use, and the quick-flip rear seatbacks made it easy to expand the space when needed.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents and optional heated cushions, providing a comfortable experience for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 690 litres behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height contributed to this limitation. The EV6 also featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter, adding to its modern appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's infotainment system varied by trim, with the LE featuring an 8-inch screen and the XLE and Limited offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system, while improved, was not the most user-friendly, requiring multiple menu trips for certain functions. However, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with a nine-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims. Toyota's connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard, providing additional convenience and safety features.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy adjustments. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a range of connectivity options. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear views. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. The EV6's tech was impressive without being overwhelming, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included eight airbags, a rearview camera, and advanced driver-assist technologies like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Venza received high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star rating.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while lacking published safety ratings, offered a robust set of standard safety features. These included forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring and 360-degree cameras, enhancing safety and driver confidence.