2022 Kia EV6 vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle that exuded a sporty and svelte aesthetic, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its design was characterized by a lower and wider stance, visually enhanced by a highback tail with a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The wheels were pushed to the farthest corners of the chassis, giving the body a curvaceous, hip-like appearance similar to the wide fenders of a Porsche 911. The headlights squinted in a V-shaped pattern, complementing the black trim below the bumper, which mimicked sealed air intakes. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth, silken finish, especially in its matte silver paint. The interior was equally impressive, featuring dual 12-inch screens, a floating center console, and seats covered in faux suede and leather, creating a futuristic yet driver-focused environment.

In contrast, the 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a family resemblance with the Nissan Armada, boasting a large yet well-proportioned design. Its front-end styling was unique, highlighted by a distinctive Infiniti grille that was prominent but not overbearing. The tasteful integration of LED lighting and conservative use of chrome added an upscale touch. The QX80's cabin was furnished with more upscale materials compared to the Armada, featuring wood trim and quilted semi-aniline leather seats. However, despite its luxurious appointments, the QX80's interior style was beginning to show its age, especially when compared to the high standards set by its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, delivered an exhilarating performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the 4600-pound vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The EV6's handling was agile, with torque being routed quickly and effectively, providing a seamless driving experience. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate during testing. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 capable of accepting up to 240 kW, although real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong performance and a pleasing exhaust note, although it was notably thirsty for fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, effectively distributing the engine's power. The QX80's off-road capability was enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and available four-wheel drive with a computer-controlled transfer case. The vehicle's Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helped manage body lean during cornering, maintaining stability despite its nearly three-ton weight. The QX80 also boasted a generous towing capacity of 8,500 pounds.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as door handles that popped out when approached with the key and a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo controls. The interior offered generous legroom and headroom, with reclining rear seats and optional heated cushions. 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 rated at 2,300 pounds, and it included an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, but once inside, it offered a spacious and airy cabin. The vehicle could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, although the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were slow to operate, but the interior featured premium touches like illuminated kick plates and radiant exterior welcome lighting.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with dual 12-inch screens and a head-up display with augmented reality features. The system included Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues with state laws.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard Bose 13-speaker sound system was upgraded to a 17-speaker system on the Sensory trim. The vehicle included a dual-screen rear entertainment system, although HDMI adapters were missing during testing. Notably absent was Infiniti's ProPilot Assist, which was unavailable due to the QX80's older architecture.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked published test results from U.S. safety organizations.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a robust array of standard safety features, such as forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA rated the QX80 with three out of five stars for rollover resistance, while the structurally similar 2021 model received four stars for overall crash protection.