2022 Kia EV6 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Kia EV6 was a striking vehicle, exuding a sporty and svelte design reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It appeared lower and wider, with a highback tail featuring 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. The EV6's profile was sharp and angular, with a smooth, silken finish, especially in its matte silver paint. The interior boasted 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize SUV with a modern Lincoln face. The Black Label Grand Touring model, although fully loaded, had plain wheel designs that did not match its high price tag. The Aviator's exterior lighting sequence acknowledged the presence of the keyfob, while the interior was a blend of patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. The cabin was filled with high-end materials, including a simulated suede headliner and a panoramic glass sunroof. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too lightweight for a luxury vehicle. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Aviator aimed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD was equipped with two electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 77-kilowatt-hour battery, allowing the 4600-pound car to accelerate to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds. The EV6 offered a range of drive modes, including a Sport mode that delivered instant torque and impressive handling. However, in cold weather, the driving range was disappointing, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's 274-mile EPA estimate. Charging was efficient, with the EV6 accepting up to 240 kW, but real-world charging speeds were often lower due to network limitations.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, combined a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 21 miles of electric driving range and averaged 23 mpg in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for a mix of electric and gasoline power, optimizing efficiency. Despite its power, the drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal required careful attention for smooth stops. The Aviator's handling was commendable, thanks to its adaptive suspension, but it lacked the fun factor of a performance SUV.

The 2022 Kia EV6 featured innovative design elements, such as pop-out door handles and a rotary shifter. Its 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 had a towing capacity of 2,300 pounds and an onboard power generator for 120-volt equipment.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were spacious, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. With the third row in use, the Aviator offered 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 41.8 cubic feet with the seats folded and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. The Aviator also featured wireless charging, a digital key system, and a comprehensive head-up display. Parking sensors and a surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering the vehicle.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with Co-Pilot360 driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the standard model.