Review
Twin to v Hyundai Ioniq 5—our 2022 EV of the year— The 2023 Kia EV6 makes its way into the electric car market with its own sporty manners and bold looks. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive models are more powerful and can be purchased with a larger battery with a maximum range of 310 miles. The handling is very good, especially for an SUV, which makes it fun on the back roads. For hot-shoe drivers, this year’s new GT model is one that’s 577 horsepower is enough to make Stinger owners jealous as it blows past them. Meanwhile, the EV6’s cabin remains quiet and roomy enough to justify its place among SUV rivals such as Ford Mustang Mach EIoniq 5 and Volkswagen ID.4. It’s one of our favorite SUVs because its features make for an all-around electric vehicle that’s easy to live with, fun to drive and good value.
What’s new in 2023?
The ballistically fast GT model takes its place in the EV6 lineup this year with 577 horsepower and an adaptive suspension. A green button on the steering wheel unlocks the drivetrain’s maximum power, which we estimate will be enough to propel the EV6 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds during our testing. To go along with the improved specs, Kia has also added brighter interior touches to the GT’s cabin, including sport seats and neon green trim. Unfortunately, the extra juice needed to pump out the extra horsepower drops the GT’s estimated range to just 206 miles per charge, a significant drop from the most efficient model’s 310-mile maximum range.
Pricing and which one to buy
We recommend the Wind’s twin-engine, all-wheel-drive trim, not only because it’s the most affordable way to get all-weather traction, but also because the twin engines generate a combined 320 horsepower compared to the lesser power of a single engine.
Electric motor, power and performance
The EV6 is available with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle providing rear-wheel drive, or with both front and rear electric motors providing all-wheel drive. While all-wheel drive models have a larger battery and 320 or 577 horsepower, the base rear-wheel drive example has a smaller battery and just 167 horses. Opting for a larger battery increases the total output of the rear-wheel-drive EV6 system to 225 horses. We drove the GT-Line AWD in Europe and enjoyed its satisfying acceleration, supple handling and adjustable regenerative braking settings. On our test track, this 320 hp GT-Line model. sprinted from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. If you prioritize maximum straight-line performance, the 577-hp GT. we estimate it will hit 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The performance model tops the range and comes with enhancements such as an electronic limited-slip differential, stiffer chassis tuning, adaptive suspension and firmer brakes.
Range, charging and battery life
The Kia EV6 offers two battery sizes: 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh. Obviously, the larger one will provide more range. The smaller standard battery has an EPA-estimated range of 232 miles; the larger long-range battery is EPA-rated and reaches 310 miles. Opt for the performance-oriented GT model and range drops to a paltry 206 miles on a single charge, even though it comes with the larger of the two batteries. We took the all-wheel-drive Wind model, which has the larger standard battery, on our fuel-efficient 75-mph highway route and clocked 230 miles of real-world highway driving before needing to recharge the battery. Along with an operating voltage of 800 volts, Kia says its battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 18 minutes when connected to a 350 kW fast charger. We have verified this statement and were satisfied with the result. The same setup is said to add 70 miles in less than 5 minutes. The 11 kW on-board charger is expected to charge the battery from 10 to 100 percent in 7 hours when connected to a Level 2 outlet.
Fuel economy and actual MPGe
Each single-engine EV6 has a combined EPA rating of up to 117 MPGe; the twin-engine variant is rated at 105 MPGe. For more information on EV6 fuel economy visit EPA website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Inside, the EV6’s design and layout isn’t as bold as the outside, but the configuration and specs look more attractive and futuristic than any other Kia model today. While the center console doesn’t slide back and forth and there’s no footrests on the front seats like the Ioniq 5, the EV6 combines high-tech content like a digital dashboard with practical features like a floating center console with plenty of storage solutions and a large bin under it. Other touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, prominent start button on the center console, and gold accents tastefully placed throughout the cabin. The EV6 has a flat floor and a wheelbase of the same length three-row, medium-sized Kia Telluride, so passenger space is generous. There’s also 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and 54 cubic feet total with the rear seats folded down. There’s also more storage under the front trunk, but it’s not as big as expected.
Infotainment system and communication
The infotainment system works via a 12.0-inch touchscreen, which is an extension of the EV6’s 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the design and performance of the menu structure and navigation is not impressive. Along with the ability to receive over-the-air updates and respond to a variety of voice commands, the system includes popular features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, the stereo system can be upgraded to an available Meridian 14-speaker unit.
Safety features and driver assistance
Kia equips the EV6 with various standard equipment driver assistance technology which includes automated emergency braking and automatic high beams. A few other extra aids can be added for even more security. For more information on EV6 crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Road Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard adaptive cruise control and lane assist system
- Remote parking assistant is available
Warranty and maintenance
Kia provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry. Unfortunately, unlike the Hyundai, it doesn’t come with free scheduled maintenance.
- The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- The transmission is covered by a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty
- No free scheduled maintenance
Technical characteristics
Technical characteristics
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line
Vehicle type: rear or front and rear engine, rear or four-wheel drive, 5-seater, 4-door station wagon
PRICE
Base/as-tested: $52,415 / $58,105
Options: twin-motor four-wheel drive, $4,700; Steel matte gray paint, $695; GT-Line Suede Seat Package, $295
POWER TRANSMISSION
Front motor: synchronous AC with permanent magnets, 99 hp
Rear motor: synchronous AC with permanent magnets, 221 hp
Combined power: 320 hp
Combined torque: 446 lb-ft
Battery: Li-ion with liquid cooling, 77.4 kWh
Built-in charger: 10.9 kW
Transmissions: direct drive
CHASSIS
Suspension Front/Front: Strut/Multilink
Brakes, front/rear: 12.8-inch ventilated disc/12.8-inch solid disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact RX ContiSilent
F: 255/45R-20 105H M+S Extra Load
R: 255/45R-20 105H M+S Additional load
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length: 184.8 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 60.8 inches
Passenger volume: 103 feet3
Cargo volume: 24 feet3
Curb weight: 4,647 lbs
C/D EXAMINATION RESULTS
60 mph: 4.5 sec
100 mph: 12.8 sec
1/4 mile: 13.3 seconds at 102 mph
The results above are omitted 1 foot deployment 0.3 sec.
Start from 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 30–50mph: 1.9s
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.8 sec
Top speed (gov ltd): 118 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 feet
Road resistance, 300-foot pad: 0.86g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 105/116/94 MPGe
Range: 274 miles
https://www.caranddriver.com/kia/a35783815/ev6/
