2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The model was 4 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. The sporty new character lines, contrasted by lower body cladding, gave the Kona a more refined appearance. Inside, the instrument panel and centre console were separated to emphasize a horizontal layout, creating a wider and more spacious look. The addition of ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of elegance. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and rocker panels, and exclusive interior features like black seats with red stitching and alloy sport pedals.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, was designed with a sportier and more svelte aesthetic, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a dynamic look. The wheels were pushed to the corners, creating a sense of stability and style. The EV6 featured voluptuous curves similar to a Porsche 911, with squinting headlights tracing a V-shaped pattern. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating centre console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash, creating a futuristic atmosphere. The EV6's design was both functional and visually striking, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim stepped up the performance with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took it further with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements, such as launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity contributing to its stability and agility.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 horsepower. The EV6's regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65 percent of its estimated range in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied. Despite its performance prowess, the EV6's energy consumption in cold weather was a concern.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants. Headroom and legroom were sufficient, even with the optional sunroof. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges with limited headroom and legroom due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions, thanks to its low floor. The rear seats reclined and featured air vents, creating an airy and open space. However, the cargo space was limited, with 690 litres available behind the seats and 1,322 litres with the seats folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, offering features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the base screen. The Kona N and N Line with the Ultimate Package featured a premium audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive and packed with features, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots, and the 360-degree cameras provided clear visuals. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and the highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo. The remote parking assist system added convenience, making the EV6's tech offerings impressive.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, its child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Kia EV6, while lacking published test results, came equipped with impressive safety tech, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and 360 cameras, enhancing safety and driver confidence.