Kia might not have a grand history like some other car brands, but this actually works in its favor. Without being tied down by tradition, Kia can easily design new electric vehicles (EVs) from scratch. This is exactly what they’ve done with the EV6, which debuted for the 2022 model year.
Unlike previous electric versions of the Soul and Niro that were adapted from gas models, the EV6 is Kia’s first fully dedicated electric vehicle, built with no connection to internal combustion engines. It shares its E-GMP platform with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6 as well as the Genesis GV60.
Kia has earned a reputation for providing good value, but the EV6 starts at a higher price point than its Hyundai counterparts. The base model, EV6 Wind, starts at $50,025, with a cheaper version, EV6 Light, available in limited regions for $43,925. Higher-end models get pricey quickly, with the top-spec EV6 GT starting at $62,925. Our test vehicle, the EV6 GT-Line, starts at $58,925, just below the GT.
Marketed as a crossover SUV, the EV6 stands out with its unique design. It combines elements from different vehicle styles, featuring an SUV-like width and ride height but with a long and low roofline reminiscent of a station wagon. The absence of a traditional engine allows for short overhangs, especially at the front, giving the EV6 a distinct look that could easily suit both rugged and sportier modifications.
Inside, the EV6 doesn’t compromise on passenger space. Headroom and legroom are comparable to the Ioniq 5, although its 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space (50.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded) falls short of both the Ioniq 5 and the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla, for instance, also includes a 4.1-cubic-foot frunk, whereas the EV6 has a less practical front storage bin. Notably, entry into the EV6 is lower than typical SUVs.
The interior follows a minimalist trend but introduces unique elements. The curved touchscreen integrates well with the dashboard, avoiding a tacked-on look. Door handles are set within sleek triangular enclosures, and the high center console, featuring a start button and dial-like shifter, provides a cozy yet practical cabin.
While the dashboard’s textile-like trim and the seats’ white accents impressed us, the piano black plastic could be less shiny. The “vegan leather” upholstery, although marketed as eco-friendly, is standard synthetic leather used by many automakers to save costs.
Screen-wise, the EV6 doesn’t disappoint. It features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which look like one seamless display. Both screens have excellent resolution and are well-positioned for the driver. The rearview and blind-spot cameras provide crisp images, rivaling even some smartphone cameras in quality.
Beneath the central touchscreen, a dual-function touch control panel offers both audio and climate controls. The standard setup includes USB-C and USB-A ports and a 12-volt outlet, although these are tucked away near the firewall. Fortunately, wireless phone charging is conveniently placed within easy reach, and rear passengers have access to two USB-C ports mounted on the front seatbacks.
Safety and driver-assist features are robust. The normal Drive Wise package includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alerts, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Driving Assist. Higher trims add machine-learning adaptive cruise control and an automated lane-change feature with Highway Driving Assist 2, plus an option for automated parking.
Most EV6 models are equipped with a 77.4-kWh battery. A smaller 58-kWh option is only available for the EV6 Light in select areas. The standard 77.4-kWh battery powers the entry-level EV6 Wind, delivering 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in single-motor, rear-wheel-drive form. With dual motors and all-wheel drive, these figures rise to 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 7.2 seconds with rear-wheel drive and 5.1 seconds with all-wheel drive.
Our dual-motor GT-Line test car showcased not just quick acceleration but also sporty handling. Unlike its platform-mate, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 felt agile and well-planted in corners with precise steering. It managed to combine this performance with a smooth ride, making it versatile for both spirited driving and daily commutes.
For those craving more power, the EV6 GT steps up the game with 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful production Kia ever. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, outpacing the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition and Tesla Model Y Performance by a hair.
In terms of range, the rear-wheel-drive EV6 goes the farthest at 310 miles. All-wheel-drive models vary, with the Wind achieving 282 miles, and the GT-Line and GT managing 252 miles and 206 miles, respectively. The smaller-battery EV6 Light can go 232 miles.
An 800-volt electrical architecture enables fast charging. The EV6 can charge at up to 350 kilowatts, reaching 80% battery in just 18 minutes with the right fast charger. A 10.9-kW AC charger can fully recharge the battery in a bit over seven hours. The standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) port allows the EV6 to supply power back to your home during an outage.
Safety ratings are also stellar. The EV6 earned the highest award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
On the warranty front, Kia offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that includes the battery. This is in comparison to Tesla, which offers an eight-year, 120,000-mile warranty for the Model Y battery.
Even though our test car was the high-end GT-Line, the cheaper Wind model is also feature-rich. With an $8,000 lower base price, the Wind still offers the dual-screen setup and most of the advanced driver aids, either as standard or optional features. It also boasts the longest range within the EV6 lineup.
While the 576-hp EV6 GT is tempting for its performance, it doesn’t add new tech features over the Wind or GT-Line models, and the range decrease may not justify the performance boost for all buyers.
Comparisons within the E-GMP family show the EV6 as a sportier alternative to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with a more forward-looking design. Outside this family, the Tesla Model Y offers more range but comes with its own set of considerations. The Ford Mustang Mach-E presents a sporty drive with advanced assist features, while the Nissan Ariya provides a more traditional SUV feel but with less driving excitement.
Overall, the Kia EV6 excels as both an electric vehicle and an all-around great car.