2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a striking and sporty design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its design elements, such as the highback tail with a lip spoiler, wheels pushed to the corners, and voluptuous curves akin to a Porsche 911, contributed to both style and stability. The EV6's headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake-like trim added to its aggressive look. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent offered a more traditional SUV appearance, with the new Onyx Edition trim adding a sporty touch through blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch wheels, and unique grille design. The interior featured water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats in a gray two-tone scheme, with metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. While the Ascent's styling was enhanced by the Onyx Edition, it was more about practicality and comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats, making it suitable for families and those seeking a reliable SUV for various weather conditions.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV6 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, offering a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was sharp, with torque distributed effectively between the front and rear motors, providing stability and agility in various driving conditions. However, the EV6's range was a concern, especially in cold weather, where it fell short of its EPA estimate, highlighting the need for frequent charging.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive system provided smooth and responsive acceleration, making it suitable for both urban and off-road driving. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance added to its capability. While the Ascent's performance was commendable, its fuel efficiency was slightly below the EPA rating, and the advanced driver-assistance systems occasionally lacked refinement.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with generous legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats could recline and had air vents, providing comfort for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. The Ascent offered ample cargo space, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Ascent's practicality was further enhanced by its easy-to-access second-row seats and numerous storage options.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with dual 12-inch screens, though it required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV6's tech included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The head-up display used augmented reality for navigation, and higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was easy to use, the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim. Additional tech features, like a digital rearview mirror and front camera, were reserved for the Touring trim.

The 2022 Kia EV6 had not been tested by U.S. safety organizations, but it came equipped with impressive safety tech, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent's EyeSight driver-assistance tech included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering, though it occasionally struggled in direct sunlight. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims.