2022 Lexus NX 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 design featured a highback tail with a lip spoiler doubling as a lightbar, and wheels pushed to the corners of the chassis, creating a dynamic and stable look. The EV6's voluptuous curves, similar to those of a Porsche 911, added to its stylish and stable appearance. The headlights, with their V-shaped pattern, and the sealed air intake-like trim on the bumper, contributed to its aggressive and modern aesthetic. The interior boasted 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 Lexus NX offered a more refined and minimalist design, with a focus on comfort and luxury. The NX's exterior was marked by the signature Lexus spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate, giving it a distinctive look. The interior was designed to be cozy and intimate, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and padded surfaces for added comfort. The NX's rear seats provided ample space and comfort, with features like rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The cargo space was slightly increased, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in its GT-Line e-AWD configuration, 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, providing a thrilling driving experience. The EV6's handling was sharp and responsive, with the ability to corner like a getaway car. The regenerative braking system offered more than eight settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in its maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of its 274-mile EPA estimate during testing.

The 2022 Lexus NX, particularly the NX 350 F Sport, offered a different kind of performance with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The NX 350's eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The F Sport trim added features like an adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350's acceleration to 60 mph was estimated at 6.6 seconds, and its fuel economy was observed at 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim.

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 with optional heated cushions, providing a comfortable and airy space for passengers. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 24 cubic feet behind the seats and 50 cubic feet with the seats folded. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 2,300 pounds, and it featured an onboard power generator for added utility.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, catering to more spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's cargo space was slightly increased, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

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 system included Highway Driving Assist (HDA) with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, though the lane-change feature was inconsistent. The EV6 also offered a 360-degree camera system, augmented reality head-up display, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo on higher trims. However, Kia Connect features were disabled for Massachusetts residents due to compliance issues.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with its new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 14-inch screen, and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered natural voice recognition, cloud-based features, and over-the-air updates. The NX also included a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems provided advanced functionality, and the NX offered a digital mirror and a comprehensive head-up display.

The 2022 Kia EV6 came equipped with a range of safety features, including lane-keeping, cyclist and pedestrian detection, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. The GT-Line trim added evasive steering assist and adaptive cruise control with machine learning. However, there were no published test results from any government or independent agency in the U.S.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also offered Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.