2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic styling, characterized by circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders. Depending on the trim level, the Wrangler could take on different looks with painted or exposed fenders, soft top or hardtop, and other individual styling touches. However, it always maintained its core elements, making it unmistakable on the road. Inside, the Wrangler was not built for comfort but for charm, with upright seating, limited legroom, and somewhat awkward ripcord seat adjustments. The trims ranged from the bare-bones Sport to the luxurious High Altitude, each offering varying levels of features and creature comforts.

The 2022 Kia EV6, on the other hand, presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar, wheels stretched to the furthest corners of the chassis, and voluptuous curves for both style and stability. The headlights squinted in anger, and the wedgy profile looked blade-sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting flowed around the dash, creating an airy and open space for passengers.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and a Hemi V8. The standard 3.6-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other powertrains included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the 3.6-liter V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar. The Wrangler also offered three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, each catering to different off-roading needs.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested at launch, featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, it could accelerate 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, which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered 225 hp. The EV6 excelled in handling, with quick torque distribution and multiple regenerative braking settings. However, its driving range in cold weather was disappointing, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging times varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and classic tan soft top. The Freedom top was a three-piece hardtop with removable panels, available in black or body color. The Sky one-touch power top on the Rubicon 392 provided a convenient way to enjoy the open-air experience. The cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shared a thin touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The low floor provided generous legroom and headroom in all seating positions. The rear seats reclined and had air vents with optional heated cushions. However, the cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The RWD models offered a small front trunk, while the AWD models had an electric motor occupying the space. The EV6 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport came with a basic 5-inch screen, while the 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was optional on the Sport S and standard on other trims. The 8.4-inch Uconnect screen was also available, offering crisp graphics and easy-to-read layouts. The Rubicon 392 featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled between the front grille slats, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple, quick, and full of connectivity, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots when changing lanes. The 360-degree surround-view cameras were sharp and clear, with a 3D rendering of the car. The head-up display used augmented reality for directional arrows and adaptive cruise control tracking. The tech came standard with features like HDA, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, and a wireless charger. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results from government or independent agencies in the U.S. However, it came equipped with impressive safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with machine learning.