2022 Nissan Rogue vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design compared to its competitors, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. 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 furthest corners of the chassis, giving the car a hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights had an aggressive squint, tracing a V-shaped pattern that mirrored the black trim below the bumper. The EV6's wedgy profile, with its angled roofline and twin ducts in the rear spoiler, added to its blade-sharp look.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, carried forward its mature and grownup look into 2022. It featured Nissan’s V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and LED fog lamps on higher trims. The Rogue also had active grille shutters and underbody covers to improve airflow, along with an “air curtain” directing airflow around the front of the vehicle. The floating roof illusion, created by dark supporting pillars, and the slightly bulging liftgate added to its sleek appearance. The interior followed a layered dash design trend, with contrasting colors and surfaces in different trims, giving it a sophisticated and detailed look.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD, tested with two electric motors, produced 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It had a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The top-power GT trim, expected in fall 2022, promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The base EV6 Light had a smaller battery and a single motor with 167 hp, 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 one-pedal driving option. However, its driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging performance varied, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW but often limited by available charging infrastructure.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue received a performance boost from its new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This was an 11% increase in horsepower and a 24% increase in torque compared to the 2021 model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed it to adjust the compression ratio for better power or efficiency as needed. The Rogue's new CVT transmission offered a wider range of gear ratios, improving acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth, controlled ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering had good feel. The Rogue achieved impressive fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like 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 to use while driving. The EV6 offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, its cargo space was limited, with 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 for 120-volt equipment.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior storage options, with bottle holders, cupholders, a glove compartment, a center console bin, a tray beneath the console, and various cubbies. Rear-seat passengers had storage in the doors, seatbacks, and center armrest, along with USB-A and USB-C ports. The second-row seat was a 60/40 split reclining bench. The Rogue offered 31.6-36.5 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on configuration, and 74.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens, a 14-speaker Meridian stereo, and a remote parking system. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6 featured Highway Driving Assist (HDA) with lane-keeping, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation and tracking. Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, integrated with the navigation system, offered advanced driver-assist features, including predictive speed control based on road conditions. Nissan’s Intelligent Key allowed for easy access to both front and rear doors.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, rear parking sensors, and safe exit warning. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking, 360 cameras, and evasive steering assist. However, it had no published test results from U.S. safety organizations.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It also had ten airbags and extended crumple zones. ProPilot Assist offered advanced driver-assist features, and the Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.