2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 presented a sporty and sleek design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, with a lower and wider stance that gave it a visually appealing presence. Its short highback tail featured a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and the wheels were pushed to the chassis's corners, creating a body with pronounced hips. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those on a Porsche 911, added both style and stability. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, mirrored the black trim below, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The car's profile was sharp and smooth, especially in matte silver paint, with recessed lights and chrome trim adding to its aesthetic appeal. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet car-first experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a supersized appearance. The Suburban offered six trims, allowing for customization, and our RST test vehicle featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior with 22-inch wheels. The monochromatic black grille and RST-specific badging contributed to its sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin, ranging from comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. Our RST model had Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, but the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark despite chrome accents and red stitching.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly the GT-Line e-AWD model, delivered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, thanks to its 77-kilowatt-hour battery. The upcoming GT trim promised even more power with 576 hp and a sub-3.5-second 0-60 time. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, and its regenerative braking offered multiple settings for precise control. However, cold weather affected its driving range, with our test revealing only 65% of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging stations often fell short of this capability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 hp, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Our RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, providing effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's towing capacity reached 8,300 pounds, and it excelled in towing tests, thanks to its hitch guidance and rear camera views. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space, making it a versatile choice for hauling and trailering.

The 2022 Kia EV6 offered innovative features like pop-out door handles, paddle shifters, and a rotary shifter. Its climate and stereo controls were combined in a touchscreen, which could be frustrating while driving. The interior provided generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. However, cargo space was limited, with 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet when folded. Towing capacity was 2,300 pounds, and the onboard power generator added versatility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was livable for adults, and access was excellent. Cargo space was abundant, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 144.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with dual 12-inch screens, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system offered lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, though the lane-change feature was inconsistent. The 360-degree cameras and head-up display with augmented reality were impressive, and higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and remote parking system. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a surprising level of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot was standard. The Suburban offered multiple camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, and higher trims featured a premium Bose audio system. The technology enhancements made the Suburban a tech-savvy choice for a full-size SUV.

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

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian braking. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning became standard. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with varying scores in individual crash tests.