2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Acura MDX was a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior appearance. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant design. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, modern look. Inside, the MDX boasted a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system, creating a luxurious and functional cabin environment. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, although not a touchscreen, was strategically placed for safety and ease of use.

The 2022 Kia EV6, in contrast, presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its low and wide stance, along with a highback tail and voluptuous curves, gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's design was both stylish and functional, with features like recessed lights and a hidden rear charge port. Inside, the EV6 offered a futuristic cabin with dual 12-inch screens, ambient lighting, and a floating center console. The interior was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, although cargo space was somewhat limited. The EV6's design emphasized a car-first, computer-second approach, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX impressed during test drives, showcasing improved stiffness and rigidity, and a smooth transmission that worked well with the engine.

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. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's torque was effectively managed, providing a seamless driving experience. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, falling short of its EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, but the EV6's energy consumption was a concern.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable center section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers. The MDX provided ample cargo space, with up to 95 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available to suit different moods.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles and a twisting rotary shifter. The interior was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom, although cargo space was limited to 24 cubic feet behind the seats. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility. The interior design was modern and airy, providing a comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System, offering exceptional sound quality with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument panel, both configurable for a personalized experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. Higher trims included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a 360-degree surround-view camera. It offered features like blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display with augmented reality. The EV6's tech package included Highway Driving Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Acura MDX was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. It featured a low-speed braking control system and the AcuraWatch suite of safety technologies, including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Although crash-test ratings were not available, Acura aimed for improved safety ratings.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and 360 cameras. While no crash-test ratings were available, the EV6's safety tech was impressive.