Editors' Picks April 2022 | Toyobaru twins and the Kia EV6

This month of Editors' Picks saw us bestow recognition to the Toyobaru twins — Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ — and the totally-new Kia EV6. We rated a number of other EVs and run-of-the-mill SUVs, too, but these are the new models that stood out in their respective segments. Even before all the improvements made to the GR86 and BRZ, they were shoe-ins for Editors' Picks. However, their respective scores both ticked upwards for the new generation, and they continue on in their winning ways. Meanwhile, the Kia EV6 is one of our favorite new cars on sale — read on to learn more.

In case you missed our previous Editors' Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We rate all the new cars we drive with a 1-10 score. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get Editors’ Pick status. Those are the ones we’d recommend to our friends, family and anybody who’s curious and asks the question. The list that you’ll find below consists of every car we rated in March that earned an Editors’ Pick.

2022 Toyota GR86

Quick take: Compromises are few when it comes to the GR86. It handles extremely well, has a reasonably powerful Boxer engine and its price is super-low. This is a sports car that is worth every penny.

Score: 8.5

What it competes with: Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota GR Supra 2.0, Nissan Z

Pros: Superb handling, punchy engine, a great value

Cons: Basic interior niceties, loud on highway, stiff ride

From the editors

Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — "When it comes to getting the most fun out of your dollar, no new car does it better than the GR86 (or BRZ). It's approachable to drive for someone new to sports cars, but offers all the control and balance that experienced enthusiasts want, too. I stuck my nose up at the previous-gen 86 and BRZ because of the engine (mid-range torque dip), but with that completely fixed for this new car, I can heartily recommend it to anyone."

Features Editor James Riswick — "I drove a GR86 with the six-speed automatic transmission. That pairing adds a Sport mode that agreeably sharpens throttle response, and increases the frequency of downshifting. It quickly does so when getting back on throttle, and smartly anticipates the need to do so when braking heavily into a corner. I still preferred using the shift paddles … not to mention the manual transmission. Either way, the GR86 is more fun to drive than more practical hot hatches, and more practical than a Miata. A happy medium."

Associate Editor Byron Hurd — "The 86 was already a solid value and the GR overhaul makes it even more so, especially in this market. With inexpensive staples drying up, the GR86 is even more attractive than its predecessor. I really can't come up with a reason not to buy one if you're in the market for an inexpensive enthusiast car with a solid warranty."

In-depth analysis: 2022 Toyota GR 86 First Drive Review | A rousing refrain

2022 Subaru BRZ

Quick take: The BRZ is finally a complete sports car with an engaging engine, perfect chassis and a super-affordable price to boot. We can't recommend it enough.

Score: 8.5

What it competes with: Toyota GR86, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota GR Supra 2.0, Nissan Z