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2022 Kia EV6 Review: I Wasn’t Quite Sold On Electric Cars, Before Driving This One

2022 Kia EV6
ProsCons (Not that many…)
Respectable list of standard features Small front cubby
Snappy powertrain (with AWD models) No spare tire
Low center of gravity Not a ton of grip on the stock tires
Futuristic design inside & out

2022 Kia EV6: Overview

The Kia EV6 is the first in a growing line of upcoming electric vehicles from the Korean manufacturer. It rides on the same E-GMP architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, while still bringing its own flavors.

Other vehicles in the growing segment include the Tesla Model Y, Jaguar I-Pace, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. To take on those giants, the EV6 needs a long list of specs and features which Kia has not neglected.

However, this EV pays attention to more than just figures. Kia managed to make the car fun to drive on top of being practical, and that’s pretty special.

2022 Kia EV6

Performance: More than you think, and even more to come with the GT

The EV6 starts with a $40,900 base trim called “Light.” The Light model offers a 58kWh battery for 232 miles of range and 167 horsepower. It also happens to literally be the lightest EV6 at 4,000lbs. With a jump up to $47,000, the “Wind” trim offers 310 miles of range and 225 horsepower from a 77.4kWh battery. Both of these powertrains are RWD, which is a nice touch for the enthusiast.

The EV6 Wind also offers an AWD powertrain option for 320 horsepower and a mighty 446 lb-ft of torque. Though your range drops to an estimated 274 miles, 0-60 in 4.6 seconds is a nice consolation. Both the Wind and GT-line are available with either the 225 horsepower RWD powertrain or the 320 horsepower AWD. The cheapest AWD Wind comes in at $50,900.

Making the most of something practical

The EV6 can be spec’d to as much as $58,500 for a 1st edition with all the goodies, but even the much less expensive RWD is a good time in the bends. 225 horsepower isn’t enough shock you, but the RWD chassis makes the most of the power it does have. The car’s low center of gravity and decently quick steering are enough to be engaging. The biggest limiting factor is the its weight, (4,000 – 4,500 pounds) and the selection of tires that maximize range over grip.

Get behind the wheel of and AWD and the throttle will not disappoint. The current top model throws your head back with ease, and later this year we’re also expecting a 576 horsepower EV6 GT. Despite the steering’s lack of feel and the tire’s lack of grip, the EV6 is a passable canyon carver and we can’t wait to see what’s coming down the line.

Technology and Features: And no shortage of them

Aside from the base model, every EV6 gets Meridian premium audio, heated and ventilated seats, an 8-way power adjustable passenger seat, a power lift gate and the list goes on. Features like those make day to day driving considerably better. The base model shorts you on a few things, but it still comes with dual 12.3 inch screens, a smart key with remote start and plenty of tech like smart cruise control.

Just about every bit of technology we’ve come to expect is included. Remote park, forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist and tons more are standard across the lineup. The GT-line is the only car with the option of heated rear seats, and the more efficient heat pump climate system comes with AWD models. Some items like a small sunroof and a few cheap-ish interior materials fall short, but the EV6 is an overall well thought out package.

Charging the EV6

Kia claims that a 350kW fast charger can push the battery from 10-80% charge in under 18 minutes. That’s works out to about 217 miles, and as much as 60 miles in under 5 minutes. At a more basic level 2 charger, like the one you would have at home, the battery works from 10-100 percent in around 7 hours.

Of all the features, Kia’s V2L (Vehicle-to-load) system is perhaps the most intriguing. The car’s battery is capable of serving as a power bank using an included cable that taps into the charge port. From the port, you can run a standard 3-prong plug to power anything from camping lights and appliances to another EV.

2022 Kia EV6

Verdict: The future looks bright

The 2022 Kia EV6 is a whole-hearted attempt at making a great EV. Dealerships will begin to see them in stock in the first quarter of 2022, not long from now. For even more information on the EV6 check out the full review linked below.

Lotus Teases Inspiration From Their Biggest Icon In Their Latest EV Sketch: The Esprit

Lotus Type 135 EV sports car
Lotus’ new electric sports car rendering shows strong hints of heritage, even as it clues in to what’s coming in the near future. (Images: Lotus)

Lotus continues its major push toward electric vehicles with a new sports car.

As the Emira gives us one last hurrah into the foray of internal combustion, the automaker is moving full speed toward electric models over the next five years or so. Not only will its cars ride on brand new platforms, but Lotus recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding with Britishvolt to develop battery packs for their new models. Key aspects of the partnership, per Lotus’ official statement, are “fast-charging, optimizing energy and weight reduction.”

The first car Lotus plans to unveil in the next few months is the Type 132 crossover. Following that, we’ll see a Type 133 next year as the company’s “four-door coupe”, then a smaller Type 134 crossover after that.

Finally, we’ll get a production version of what the rendering you see above, dubbed (as I’m sure you can guess) the Type 135. Excluding the Evija hypercar — not that you would, of course — that’s a huge amount of change coming up for the brand, and this particular car channels a lot of the old-school Esprit.

We’re still a few years out from its actual reveal, but I’m especially curious to see how Britishvolt and Lotus can tackle the weight issues EVs face. Lightness has always been a hallmark of the brand, and if the Type 135 can deliver a quick-as-all-get-out, modern take on their classic sports car in its electric transformation, that will be quite an achievement to get excited about. We’ll have to wait and see for specs to actually emerge, but it’s likely we’ll see this new sports car arrive in both single and dual-motor applications to give enthusiasts across the price spectrum a taste of what the brand’s future has to offer.

Check out more of TFL’s EV content!

It’s not just sports cars or Lotus models, either — there’s quite a bit going on in the electric sphere, including actual work vehicles. Take the Rivian R1T as a case in point, as we recently loaded one up for a maxed out TFLtruck test:

Ask Nathan: BMW EV Pickup Truck, Subaru’s AWD EV, And Where’s Lincoln?

This BMW EV pickup is a rendering, and not a production proposal. (Renderings: KDESIGN AG on Behance) )

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

  • Did you see this BMW EV pickup truck concept?
  • You should talk about the future of Subaru AWD EVs.
  • Why don’t you review Lincolns?

The first question comes from a fan who saw these images of a BMW EV pickup on another website, and may have missed the fine print.

Q: (via Twitter @NathanAdlen) You never mentioned this BMW EV pickup truck I found on CarBuzz!

I don’t know why it’s taken so long for BMW to look at pickups. They build good SUVs and this could be a part of that. Amiright?

— J. Young

Ohio

A: These renderings are not official BMW concepts.

I will say, they are good looking renderings, all based on the BMW IX electric car, which looks great from every angle, other than head-on. Sorry, but that massive grill on an electric vehicle is hard to process. You know what else is hard to process? The possibility of BMW building a pickup truck of any sort.

Now, keep in mind, they did do a design exercise where they did built a X7-based pickup. It was kind of interesting, even if it’s never meant for production.

While I’m not opposed to BMW jumping in to the pickup truck fray, it’s pretty doubtful that they will.

Then again, I never thought I would see a Ferrari SUV/crossover – yet here we are.

— N


More electric goodness comes from this next, somewhat vague question about Subaru EV AWD systems.

Image: Subaru

Q: Do you know if Subaru will keep symmetrical all wheel drive in electric cars?

How will this system work?

— Anonymous

This is the underpinnings to the Toyota bZ4X – which is basically the same as the upcoming Solterra. (Image: Toyota)

A: Yes, it will still be called Symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD), but it’s not like the old AWD systems.

First of all, a majority of the upcoming Subaru Solterra is based on the upcoming Toyota bZ4X tech. Like Audi’s quattro – the name is for marketing purposes, as there is more than one Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system. Having electric motors take the place of mechanical AWD systems means a completely different driving experience.

According to Subaru:

As the first-ever all-electric SUV to feature the capability of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the 2023 Solterra takes this legendary all-weather, all-terrain traction system to exciting new places. The balanced design of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive creates uniform stability and delivers an optimal distribution of power for maximum traction and improved handling. Couple that with the smooth linear output of the dual electric motors in the Solterra and you have outstanding traction and capability on all kinds of road and trail surfaces and in almost any weather condition.

That’s the marketing jargon, but there’s no tech information here. We’ll have to wait an see what this system can do.

It’s possible that Subaru will program a more aggressive AWD system than the Toyota’s – which might be notable, but nothing has been announced. We know it will be 8.3-inches off the ground, which is not too bad, and that it has a claimed 215 combined horsepower – for the Japanese version. It all boils down to how Toyota and Subaru wish to differentiate their vehicles. Perhaps Subaru has a different setup than Toyota – we just don’t know yet.

There is one oddity about the Japanese version of the Subaru Solterra that may put it at odds with our perception of Subaru crossovers in the U.S. – a front-wheel drive version is available for their market. Given that Subaru prides themselves on AWD, I wonder if they can justify that here? There are a lot of questions we need answered.

I kind of like the looks of the vehicle, and I hope it’s competitively priced.

— N


The last question comes from a viewer and Lincoln fan who wants to know why we don’t feature the automaker on our channels more often.

(Via: Twitter@NathanAdlen) I just saw your Acura vs BMW video and I was wondering where Lincoln was?

Lincoln builds fantastic and powerful SUV like the Corsair and Aviator that are just as good and less expensive. I noticed that you guys never feature Lincolns. I’ve seen many Cadillac and Lexus videos but nothing with Lincoln in it. When I go back through TFLcar videos to find Lincolns the newest ones come from 2 years ago.

— Vin

2022 lincoln navigator
Image: TFLtruck

A: Hi Vin. We would feature more Lincolns, but we haven’t had the opportunity for awhile.

Also, we do feature Lincoln whenever we get a chance, or when there’s news. You can read about the 2022 Lincoln Navigator on TFLtruck. The simple truth is, we rarely get a chance to drive Lincoln products.

— N

Check out the video Vin is referring to:

All-new 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 VIN 001 Sells For $3.6 Million to Benefit Veterans and Military Families

2023 chevy corvette z06 70th anniversary charity sales auction price

This all-new 2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 70th anniversary VIN 001 comes very close to breaking records today with a $3.6 Million price tag. All proceeds from this charity auction go to benefit the veterans and military families via the Operation Homefront organization.

The new Z06 takes the C8 Corvette architecture to new heights with a high-revving and naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine that is good for 670 horsepower and an 8,600 rpm redline. As this first sale shows, the C8 Z06 is and will be a highly desirable Corvette for years to come.

The winning bid goes to Rick Hendrick (CEO of Hendrick Companies). Mr. Hendrick is no stranger to winning auctions for unique and special Corvettes. He also put in a winning $3 Million bid for the first 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 with proceeds going to charity.

2022 BMW X3 vs. Acura RDX A-Spec — Which Is The Best Option For Around $50K?

When you compare the 2022 BMW X3 vs. Acura RDX A-Spec – one thing becomes clear.

After my time comparing the 2022 BMW X3 vs. Acura RDX A-Spec, I came away saying to myself, “If I was in this tax-bracket, and needed a five-seat crossover, they’re both brilliant.” However, one speaks to me, while the other speaks to my spouse. Before you roll your eyes, allow me to elucidate.

With an as-tested price of $51,390, the 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i actually gives you a lot of content for the dough, including a massive, panoramic sunroof, high-tech infotainment and a luxurious looking interior. In this price range, you can get something like an Infiniti QX55, or a 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport… or an Acura RDX.

That’s right, this (nearly) fully loaded 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance package came out to $52,845. Seriously, unless you’re in dire need for sharp handling, the base model RDX gives you an outstanding ride, with that powerful powertrain – for about ten-grand less. Still, that A-Spec comes with a lot of goodness, including a host of tech.

(Image: TFLcar)

A case for the 2022 BMW X3 xDrive30i

My wife would like the 2022 BMW X3: I like to call her, “She-who-must-be-obeyed” – which is accurate, and speaks to her driving needs as well. Being a business/education professional, having something too flashy is a big no-no. Her Mini Countryman is just right, for now. In time, she wants something with more luxury, space and utility.

You have to flog it for maximum horsepower, but max torque, 258 lb-ft, comes in at 1450 rpm. The smooth power of the 248 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is  hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is outstanding. It’s only hampered by a wonky start-stop system and a bit of turbo-lag.

Oddly, it doesn’t perform like BMWs of yore. Even though it weighs about 4,300-lbs, iut actually feels heavier. It still handles well, but it is not as connected as other BMW SUV/crossovers I’ve driven in the past. That, combined with a quiet cabin, makes it feel relaxed when pushed – as if its hauling extra weight. Also, I felt the seats were far too firm, but I know my spouse likes painfully firm surfaces.

Off the line, there’s a bit of a lag, unless to pre-torque the engine. Something I doubt most consumers in this bracket would do. Once moving, it effortlessly scoots to overtake traffic. If it’s forced into an emergency cornering situation – it’s no big deal. The X3 simply does what it’s asked to do, with little feedback.

Despite this feel, it returns decent fuel mileage with an EPA rated 25 mpg combined.

Many consumers may like an isolated feel, but the old “connected” feel of typical BMWs isn’t there. Oddly, it’s more apparent in the Acura.

2022 Acura RDX PMC Edition
(Image: Acura)

Why the 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec is special

I adore the Acura RDX A-Spec, but I would save some duckets and get a base model with their “super-handling all-wheel drive” (SH-AWD) system. Still, if you have the dough, the various A-Spec trims (A-Spec Technology, Advance, A-Spec Advance and PMC Edition) are worth looking into.

Power comes from a 272 hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to an outstanding 10-speed automatic transmission. Yes, you get paddle shifters, and they are a hoot to use. If you get the Advance Package, you get the Adaptive Damper System which is a performance boon. It works instantly, for a smoother or sportier ride.

Around town, the Acura feels premium in terms of ride, handling and power. The only vehicle in this class that may feel even more buttoned down is the new Genesis GV70. The Acura RDX A-Spec’s sport seats are extremely comfortable, front and back. They are more forgiving than the BMWs.

There is one huge problem with the Acura – and that’s its infotainment system.

As engaging as the drive is, despite the extremely well put together interior and supportive seats, I loathe that infotainment system. It’s too complicated, and it underperforms. After driving several Acura RDX models over many years, this seems to be a recurrent problem. The 10.2-inch central display is not a touch screen, and the touchpad controller is dreadful.

Seriously, these are both outstanding crossovers that fit into several brackets, but only one matters to me… fun. As I demand to be entertained, the Acura is the obvious choice, if only it had a better entertainment system!

Check out the driving impressions video!

Spied: 2023 BMW X7 Refresh Caught In The Wild! Here’s What You Can Expect

2023 BMW X7 update
A TFL viewer caught this updated BMW X7 SUV out on the Interstate — check out the new front end! (Images: TFLcar, thanks to Chris D.)

This refreshed 2023 BMW X7 brings some substantial styling changes to the table.

I had to take a moment to check my notes, but it has in fact been a full three years since BMW launched its flagship X7 SUV. Lest you think, “Wait, didn’t that just come out?”, it is about time for an update, and that’s exactly what we’re looking at here. Our friend Chris caught the restyled SUV a few miles outside Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, showing off its changes under some black-and-white camouflage.

I does its job in hiding the fine details well, especially since the SUV itself is also black. Nevertheless, the headline change for the next model year is that new front fascia, with a split headlight design and a brand new (and possibly slightly larger, surprise, surprise) grille. It’s not as utterly berserk as the Concept XM we saw a couple months ago, but the Bavarian automaker is changing up its styling. Whether or not you approve of that move, as ever, comes down to your own tastes and attitude toward newer BMWs like the 4 Series, and eventually the updated 7 Series as well as its all-electric i7 counterpart.

2023 BMW X7 update

What about the back?

While the 2023 BMW X7 is getting a major update to its front fascia, the changes aren’t quite as dramatic at the rear. It looks like the refreshed SUV gets new LED taillights and the reflectors have moved up a bit. That’s mostly it — the X7 retains its split-folding tailgate and the rest of the fascia design is largely identical to the existing model.

Sticking with the familiar, it’s unlikely BMW will fit different engines to the X7 at this point in its lifespan. At the moment, it uses the ubiquitous 3.0-liter straight-six in the xDrive40i. The M50i (which looks like what we have here) uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, also a thoroughly common powerplant throughout BMW’s lineup. We might see a plug-in hybrid variant in the near future, but I doubt the landscape will change too much at this refreshed car’s launch. We’ll have to wait and see.

The 2023 BMW X7 should emerge later this year. Like the current SUV, the updated version will also come from the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.

Nissan Recall: Nearly 700,000 Rogue Crossovers At Risk For Dashboard Fire Due, Per NHTSA Report

Corrosion through the driver’s foot well could compromise a wiring harness.

Beginning March 2, Nissan will notify owners to fix a potential issue with an electrical connector under the dashboard of 2014 – 2016 Rogue models. According to the document submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “If the connector becomes corroded, electrical current may continue to flow between the connector terminals.” Water and salt making their way through the driver’s-side foot well could wick up the harness tape and damage the connector.

Problems resulting from such damage could manifest in a few different ways. Drivers could experience a failure with their power window or seat controls, or the all-wheel-drive system warning light could illuminate. Problems could progressively worsen from there, to include a battery discharge, “thermal damage to the connector”, a burning odor or smoke, and in the worst case condition, a fire. Nissan claims there have been three “unconfirmed” incidents in the U.S. where this corroded electrical connector may have been at fault. The automaker further cites two “thermal incidents” and two more incidents with “localized thermal damage” in Canada — and none of the incidents have resulted in injury.

How many cars are affected and how to handle this recall

Per NHTSA documents, the problem may occur only in 1% of the targeted recall population of 688,946 vehicles. That figure includes 383,726 Rogues built at the automaker’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant. The other 305,220 were built at the Renault Samsung motors plant in South Korea. No other Nissan or Infiniti vehicles used this design, and Rogues built after the 2016 model year use a different manufacturing process, and will not have this issue.

Nissan is already notifying dealers, and will send notices out to affected owners beginning March 2. If you have a Rogue built in the 2014 to 2016 range, you can check the NHTSA recalls site for more information. The NHTSA’s number for this recall is 22V-024, while Nissan’s own recall number is R21B9. Nissan expects a repair to be available in the spring, and will contact owners who have paid out of pocket to fix the issue about reimbursement.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Pricing Is Here, And The Top-End Model Costs Over $76,000

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk
(Images: Jeep)

The Grand Cherokee 4xe promises power, efficiency and capability — but all that comes at a price.

When Jeep unleashed all the information on the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, we were wanting for the full price walk on the new 4xe plug-in hybrid models. Now, they’ve redressed that issue, and it’s not terribly surprising to learn that these models are the most expensive of the bunch, and by a comfortable margin.

Before getting into the trims and pricing, here’s a quick recap on what the 4xe is. You get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to two electric motors and a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery. The PHEV range is four-wheel drive, so you don’t get a choice in the matter like you would with most of the standard Grand Cherokees. Still, what you do get is 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, as well as up to 25 miles of all-electric driving range. Towing capacity stands at 6,000 pounds, further driving its all-around usability.

Now, the base 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe kicks off at $59,495. That includes a frankly eye-watering $1,795 destination charge — nearly two-and-a-half times what the fee was ten years ago — and comes in $18,310 more than the standard, Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×4 with the Pentastar V6. For that, you do get a standard Capri leather seats, a 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 display, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and the usual battery of safety tech (excluding Park Assist and a 360-degree surround view camera).

The $2,295 Luxury Tech Group II adds in some features from the higher-end models. You get perforated leather seats, ParkSense front and rear park assist, passive liftgate entry, a power tilt and telescoping steering column, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, an auto-dimming rearview and driver mirror, the surround view camera system, ventilated front seats, manual second-row window shades and wireless smartphone charging.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Naturally, there’s a Trailhawk 4xe as well

Where a fair chunk of 4xe buyers will probably land, though, is with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe. That model starts off at $64,280 including destination. Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II four-wheel drive system makes an appearance here, as does a two-speed transfer case and low-range, like you’d get on the standard Trailhawk. Revised front and rear bumpers improve the approach and departure to 36 degrees and 30 degrees. Then there are the blue recovery hooks, lest we forget.

On the tech front, you still get the 10.1-inch infotainment screen, though passengers also get a 10.25-inch screen of their very own. To that, Jeep adds a nine-speaker Alpine system, so the Trailhawk 4xe does come well equipped for the money, even if it’s substantially pricier than you may be used to with the plug-in hybrid’s most off-road focused model.

Grand Cherokee 4xe also gets Overland, Summit models

Also in the middle of the range is the Overland 4xe. That kicks off at $67,555 and steps up the interior game to “An-Teak” trim. I see what you did there. The Overland also brings in ventilated front seats, a more audiophile-friendly 19-speaker McIntosh sound system and 20-inch wheels. Mind you, if you’re planning to off-road you can downside to 18-inch wheels as part of the $1,095 Off-Road Group. Other packages include the $2,235 Advanced ProTech Group III which adds the night vision camera (among other equipment) and a $2,155 Luxury Tech Group that throws in much of the same equipment as the base model’s package as well as Nappa leather seats.

The $71,615 Summit 4xe is up next, bringing in “Absolute Oak” interior trim. You also get 16-way power adjustable massaging seats, four-zone climate control plus a no-cost two-tone paint option. Here, the $2,235 Advanced Protech Group IV adds a head-up display, night vision camera and the auto-dimming rear view mirror. The Luxury Group V adds fewer pieces than the other trims, with just the manual second-row window shades and wireless charging — though it’s only $275 this time.

What about the Summit Reserve?

Finally, the Summit Reserve 4xe tops out the range, at $76,095. The upper trims shoot right past where the Grand Cherokee L stops, and here we’re right in top-end Wagoneer territory. Jeep includes the “Waxed Walnut” interior trim here, as well as larger 21-inch wheels, and Palermo leather seats. That’s not the end though, as you still have to choose the Advanced ProTech Group IV and Luxurt Tech Group V as packages, should you want those options. Across all Grand Cherokee 4xe models, too, you can get the $425 Finishing Package, which includes paint protection film and splash guards.

If you do that, and spec out a “fully-loaded” Summit Reserve 4xe, you’re looking at a $79,030 proposition.

Whichever 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe you’re interested in, they will begin hitting dealer lots in the spring.

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