2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe initially seemed like it would be another overpriced vehicle. However, after experiencing its interior, materials, controls, and driving dynamics, the price tag felt surprisingly reasonable. The Santa Fe offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trim levels ranging from SE to Calligraphy. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD available for an additional $1,700 on gas models and standard on hybrids. The exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and textures, elevating the SUV's overall feel.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, presented a sportier and more svelte design compared to the Tesla Model Y. It featured a lower and wider stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the chassis, giving the EV6 a muscular look. The interior was equally impressive, with dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and a hockey-puck shifter added to the futuristic feel. The EV6's design and features made it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid model featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, producing a combined 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims boasted a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe also offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing a fuel economy of 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque, with a 77-kilowatt-hour battery. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, arriving in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of less than 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller 58 kWh battery and a 167 hp motor. The EV6 excelled in Sport mode, with quick torque delivery and impressive handling. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room and comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control, stain-resistant fabric, and available leather seats. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The SUV offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, USB ports, and sunshades. The cargo space measured 36.4 cubic feet, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The RWD models had a small front trunk, while the AWD models did not. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch screen required a wired connection but included upgraded voice-recognition technology and enhanced Blue Link connected services. The Santa Fe also featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system and Hyundai's Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HUD used augmented reality for navigation and adaptive cruise control. The EV6 offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to the SUV's safety credentials. The Santa Fe earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.