2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the furthest corners of the chassis, giving the car a hipped look similar to a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in anger, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below on the bumper. The wedgy profile looked sharp with an angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, while the matte silver paint added a smooth and silken finish.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, introduced as Hyundai's SUV flagship, replaced the Santa Fe XL. It featured an elegant and striking exterior design with distinctive lines and shapes, from its prominent grille to its crisp shoulder lines and tasteful tailgate. The SUV's profile was highlighted by sculpted wheel arches and a continuous strip of glass surfaces running from C-pillar to C-pillar, giving the impression of a floating rear roof. Pronounced taillights and expressive LED headlights provided a signature look, while 18-inch alloy wheels were standard on SE and SEL models. The Palisade's design was so refined that it could easily fit into the Infiniti lineup.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, with its two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, allowing the 4600-pound car to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 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 battery and a 167 hp motor, which was not recommended. The single-motor Wind and GT-Line models offered a more acceptable 225 hp. The EV6 excelled in torque delivery, handling, and braking, with multiple regenerative braking settings and a quick drive mode selector.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, with gasoline direct injection and dual variable valve timing, offered a baritone rumble and no turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was estimated at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined for FWD models and 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway/21 mpg combined for AWD models. Weighing between 4,127 and 4,387 pounds, the Palisade handled well with its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Kia EV6 reinvented core functions with pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a twisting rotary shifter. The climate controls and stereo shortcuts were combined in a thin 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 2022 Hyundai Palisade provided comfortable seating throughout the cabin, with easy access to the third row and ample storage in the second and front rows. The luggage space measured 18.0 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. An underfloor storage compartment added extra space, and the roof rails could hold up to 220 pounds of cargo. The Palisade featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, intuitive mode selector, and well-placed controls. Higher trims offered luxury features like a dual-panel sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel showed vehicles in surrounding lanes and live feeds of blind spots. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality. Standard tech included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, fast-charging, dual 12-inch screens, and a wireless charger. Higher trims had a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased advanced technology, with a standard display audio system on S and SEL models and a premium system on Limited and Calligraphy models. The infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Multiple USB ports, a Qi wireless charging pad, and several power outlets were available. The Palisade featured a rear-view monitor, surround view function, and a head-up display on higher trims. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system offered remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had no published test results but offered impressive safety tech, including 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 front parking sensors, automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, evasive steering assist, and adaptive cruise with machine learning.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA. It featured seven airbags, three-point seat belts, LATCH anchors, active head restraints, and a front crumple zone. Standard active safety features included anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance, forward collision-avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added forward-looking parking sensors, ultrasonic rear occupant alert, and Highway Driving Assist.