2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye traveled from the front to the sides and rear. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica differentiated itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model featured a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, providing a luxurious feel without compromising on practicality.

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sportier and more svelte design compared to the Tesla Model Y, with a lower and wider stance reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its highback tail with a lip spoiler and lightbar, along with wheels pushed to the chassis corners, gave it a dynamic look. The EV6's voluptuous curves and V-shaped headlights added to its sporty appeal. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens on a linear dash, a floating center console, and seats covered in suede and leather. Ambient lighting and futuristic design elements, like the hockey-puck shifter, enhanced the driving experience. The EV6's design was both stylish and functional, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, reintroduced after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica delivered 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures.

The 2022 Kia EV6, tested in its GT-Line e-AWD variant, featured dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. With a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, it accelerated to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The upcoming GT trim promised 576 horsepower and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and seamless power transitions. Its regenerative braking system offered over eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving. However, cold weather affected its driving range, with the EV6 achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate in winter conditions. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, though real-world charging speeds varied based on station availability.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for personal items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements like pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its interior 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 EV6's towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's technology suite included hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional in-seat entertainment for the second row. The Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique functionalities. Audio options ranged from a six-speaker system to a 20-speaker Harman Kardon setup.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and connectivity options, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The EV6 featured Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking capabilities. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety ratings but offered impressive standard safety tech, including lane-keeping, pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like evasive steering assist and machine learning for adaptive cruise control.