2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was a nod to traditional SUV styling, with its tall roof, chunky wheel arches, and prominent grille. It offered a clean and handsome design, though it lacked the personality of some competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. The Traverse's restrained styling allowed for distinct cosmetic elements across different trim levels, such as blacked-out trim on the RS model and chrome accents on the High Country. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, with a standout feature being the optional Dual SkyScape sunroof. While the materials in the RS model were decent, they didn't quite justify the $50,000 price tag, a common issue among midsize three-row crossovers.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte appearance, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design was characterized by a lower and wider stance, with voluptuous curves and a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's headlights traced a V-shaped pattern, and its wedgy profile was accentuated by a smooth, silken finish. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter added to the futuristic feel, making the EV6 a visually striking and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Despite the impressive specs, the Traverse didn't feel as powerful as expected, particularly off the line. However, it provided sufficient power for highway merging and overtaking. The nine-speed transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally delivered rough shifts. The Traverse excelled in highway driving, offering a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, but it lacked agility on twisty roads. Its AWD system, which required manual activation, could send torque to individual wheels but didn't noticeably enhance handling. The Traverse had a 5,000-pound towing capacity, average for its segment.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered a thrilling performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with the upcoming GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, providing an exhilarating driving experience. 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% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds were often lower than advertised.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse offered seating for seven or eight, with above-average headroom and legroom in all three rows. Heated front seats were standard on the RS model, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The Traverse excelled in cargo space, providing 23.0 cubic feet with all seats up, 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down. However, interior storage options were limited, typical of midsize three-row crossovers.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet with them folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Bose audio system available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with analog controls for audio and climate. The Traverse also offered a rearview camera mirror and an optional HD surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was intuitive, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. The EV6's tech was comprehensive, though Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to legal compliance issues.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse received top "Good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. However, it offered less standard driver-assist tech than competitors, with features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking available only on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but came equipped with impressive tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.