2022 Kia EV6 vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements that set them apart. The base LS and popular LT models featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was dominated by its grille, with standard LED headlights and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, highback tail with a lip spoiler, and wheels pushed to the chassis corners gave it a dynamic appearance. The EV6's voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and sealed air intake trim added to its stylish and stable look. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and a mix of suede and leather seats. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements created a car-first, computer-second aesthetic. The EV6's design was both functional and visually striking, with features like recessed lights and a hidden rear charge port adding to its appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was also available, providing 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, except for the Z71 trim. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim came with standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Tahoe Z71 impressed with its smooth ride, adaptive damping, and air suspension upgrades, making it capable both on and off-road.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD featured two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. With a 77-kWh battery, it accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised 576 hp and a 0-60 time of under 3.5 seconds. The EV6's dual-motor setup provided quick torque delivery, making it agile and responsive. The regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65% of its 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging rates varied. Despite its performance, the EV6's energy consumption in cold weather was disappointing.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's new independent rear suspension improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel. The power sliding storage console provided additional storage options. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded, surpassing most full-size SUVs.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. The climate and stereo controls were combined in a touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The EV6 provided 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 offered a small front trunk, while the AWD models had reduced space due to the front motor. The EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was user-friendly, though some controls were hard to access. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system provided versatility, though it was not fully tested. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was simple and quick, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument panel displayed live feeds of blind spots and surrounding vehicles. The 360-degree cameras were sharp, and the head-up display used augmented reality for navigation. The EV6 came with standard tech features like HDA, blind-spot monitoring, and dual 12-inch screens. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features like Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash test results were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published test results but offered impressive standard safety tech, including HDA, lane-keeping, and pedestrian detection. Higher trims added features like automatic rear braking and evasive steering assist. The EV6's safety features were comprehensive, though some functions, like lane-change assist, were inconsistent in testing.