Kia EV6 is a battery-powered compact crossover SUV manufactured by South Korean automaker Kia.
Kia initially unveiled the EV6 model in March 2021 and launched on August 2021.
Kia EV6 marked the automaker’s first dedicated EV and the first to use the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
It is also the first-ever Kia model to have the new nomenclature Kia electric cars lineup, ranging from EV1 to EV9.
It also gained the 2022 European Car of the Year award.
New Features in 2023
This year’s top-of-the-line EV6 model, the ballistically fast GT, offers an adaptive suspension and 576 horsepower.
The propulsion system’s maximum power can now be unlocked via a green button on the steering wheel. Along with the GT’s improved performance, Kia has also given the interior racier touches like sports seats and neon green trim.
Design and Aesthetics:
a. Exterior design and style
The 2023 Kia EV6 boasts an appealing design from almost any angle. Its front end and side profile has sharp styling, while its rear end features a wrap-around taillight cluster. It also features auto-flush handles that pop out when owners approach the EV. It also offers a panoramic sunroof and a smart tailgate.
The EV is also equipped with fanned five-spoke wheels that complement the rest of the funky exterior. Its “Tiger Face” is further highlighted by its daytime running lights and a “sequential” dynamic light pattern.
The 2023 Kia EV6’s standard exterior features are as follows:
- Automatic headlight control
- Black side sill moldings
- Electrically folding, adjustable & heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicator lights
- Heated rear window
- High gloss black beltline
- High gloss black door mirrors
- Rear spoiler
- LED rear combination lights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED rear fog lights
- Rain-sensing front wipers
Standard colors include Yacht Blue, Runway Red, Interstella Gray, Gravity Blue, and Steel Gray. While the following optional colors have additional costs:
- Aurora Black Pearl: +$495
- Glacier: +$495
- Snow White Pearl: +$495
- Steel Matte Gray: +$695
Meanwhile, below are the car’s dimensions and weight details:
Dimensions and Weight
| Items | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Length | 4680 mm | 4680 mm | 4680 mm | 4695 mm |
| Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Width with mirrors | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Height | 1550 mm | 1550 mm | 1550 mm | 1545 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2900 mm | 2900 mm | 2900 mm | 2900 mm |
| Weight Unladen (EU) | 1875 kg | 2090 kg | 1985 kg | 2200 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) | 2340 kg | 2530 kg | 2425 kg | 2610 kg |
| Max. Payload | 540 kg | 515 kg | 515 kg | 485 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 511 L | 480 L | 480 L | 480 L |
| Cargo Volume Max | 1291 L | 1260 L | 1260 L | 1260 L |
| Cargo Volume Frunk | 52 L | 20 L | 52 L | 20 L |
| Roof Load | 80 kg | 80 kg | 80 kg | 80 kg |
| Tow Hitch Possible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Towing Weight Unbraked | 750 kg | 750 kg | 750 kg | 750 kg |
| Towing Weight Braked | 750 kg | 1600 kg | 1600 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vertical Load Max | 100 kg | 100 kg | 100 kg | 100 kg |
b. Interior design and materials
The 2023 Kia EV6 design and structure are not as bold on the interior as the exterior. Nonetheless, its interior settings and features appear more appealing and futuristic than any of its Kia siblings.
It also boasts a two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel with the famous start button on the center console. It also has gold accents across the cockpit.
The 2023 Kia EV6’s standard interior features are as follows:
- Automatic defog system
- All-around electric windows with auto up and down function
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Centre console with open storage compartment and armrest
- Cloth headlining
- Dual automatic air conditioning
- Electronic park brake (EPB) with auto hold function
- Engine start/stop button with a smart entry system
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Metal-painted interior door handles
- Navigation-based smart cruise control with stop & go functionality
- Paddle shifters
- Steering wheel-mounted controls
- Sunvisors with vanity mirror LED illumination (driver & front passenger)
- Tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Vegan leather-trimmed steering wheel
c. Build quality and fit and finish
The 2023 Kia EV6’s overall build quality is superb. It has a decent balance of soft-touch surfaces, and the rest feels well assembled. However, it still has some hard plastics.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
The 2023 Kia EV6 is built with a flat floor and a long wheelbase, offering a huge amount of passenger space.
It has five seats and a 60:40 Split remote folding rear seat.
Standard features include:
- 2 x Front USB charge ports (one for C-type / one for USB)
- 2 x C-type charge ports on front seats
- 1 x Front 12v socket
- Ambient lighting
- Front seatback pockets
- Front & rear door storage
- Front cabin LED light
- Front & rear luggage area LED light
- Glovebox with illumination
- Luggage area load cover
- Luggage Board
- Luggage net hooks
- Rear center armrest with cupholder
- Ski through
- Rear cabin LED light
- Tyre mobility kit (TMK)
e. Cargo space and storage
The 2023 Kia EV6’s cargo space measures 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. That figure increases to 54 cubic feet when the rear seatbacks are folded flat.
Apart from that, the front trunk also offers additional storage space. However, it is not as enormous as people think.
Standard features include:
- 60:40 Split remote folding rear seats
- 1 x luggage compartment 12v socket
Performance and Driving Dynamics:
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
| Powertrain | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Total Power | 125 kW (170 PS) | 239 kW (325 PS) | 168 kW (228 PS) | 430 kW (585 PS) |
| Total Torque | 350 Nm | 605 Nm | 350 Nm | 740 Nm |
| Drive | Rear | AWD | Rear | AWD |
| Powertrain | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Nominal Capacity | 58.0 kWh | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Number of Cells | 288 | 384 | 384 | 384 |
| Architecture | 800 V | 800 V | 800 V | 800 V |
| Useable Capacity* | 54.0 kWh | 74.0 kWh | 74.0 kWh | 74.0 kWh |
| Cathode Material | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Pack Configuration | 144s2p | 192s2p | 192s2p | 192s2p |
| Nominal Voltage | 523 V | 697 V | 697 V | 697 V |
b. Acceleration and top speed
| Items | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec | 5.2 sec | 7.3 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 185 km/h | 185 km/h | 185 km/h | 260 km/h |
c. Handling and ride quality
It has aggressive handling, making it exciting to drive on back roads.
d. Braking performance
The GT variant can brake from 62 mph in 141 feet.
Furthermore, the 2023 Kia EV6 has anti-lock brakes (ABS) that automatically detect when a tire stops moving under extreme braking. It modulates the car’s brake pressure, increasing its capability to turn while braking.
e. Regenerative braking
Kia invented the “Regenerative Braking Maximization (RBM)” for high‒performance EVs, which optimizes the regenerative braking of the Kia EV6 GT.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
a. EPA-estimated range and real-world range
The 2023 Kia EV6 with a 58.0-kWh has an EPA-estimated range of 232 miles. Meanwhile, the larger 77.4-kWh pack has an EPA estimated range of up to 310 miles.
In addition, below are the Kia EV6’s EVDB and WLTP range:
| Items | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| EVDB Real Range | 305 km | 400 km | 410 km | 370 km |
| WLTP Range | 394 km | TEL: 506 kmTEH: 484 km | TEL: 528TEH: 504 | 424 km |
TEL = Test Energy Low | TEH = Test Energy High
b. Charging options and infrastructure
| Home / Destination | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Charge Port | Type 2 | Type 2 | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Port Location | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right |
| Charge Power | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC |
| Charge Time (0->305 km) | 6 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Charge Speed | 53 km/h | 51 km/h | 52 km/h | 47 km/h |
| Fast Charging | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Fastcharge Port | CCS | CCS | CCS | CCS |
| FC Port Location | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right | Rear Side – Right |
| Fastcharge Power (max) | 175 kW DC | 233 kW DC | 233 kW DC | 233 kW DC |
| Fastcharge Time (31->244 km) | 17 min | 16 min | 16 min | 16 min |
| Fastcharge Speed | 750 km/h | 1050 km/h | 1070 km/h | 970 km/h |
c. Charging times for various charging levels
Home and Destination Charging (0 -> 100%)
| Charging PointType 2 (Mennekes – IEC 62196) | Max. Power | Power | TimeStandard Range 2WD | RateStandard Range 2WD | TimeLong Range AWD | RateLong Range AWD | TimeLong Range 2WD | RateLong Range 2WD | TimeGT | RateGT |
| Wall Plug (2.3 kW) | 230V / 1x10A | 2.3 kW | 27h45m | 11 km/h | 38 hours | 11 km/h | 38 hours | 11 km/h | 38 hours | 10 km/h |
| 1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) | 230V / 1x16A | 3.7 kW | 17h15m | 18 km/h | 23h45m | 17 km/h | 23h45m | 17 km/h | 23h45m | 16 km/h |
| 1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) | 230V / 1x32A | 7.4 kW | 8h45m | 35 km/h | 11h45m | 34 km/h | 11h45m | 35 km/h | 11h45m | 31 km/h |
| 3-phase 16A (11 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW | 6 hours | 51 km/h | 8 hours | 50 km/h | 8 hours | 51 km/h | 8 hours | 46 km/h |
| 3-phase 32A (22 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW † | 6 hours | 51 km/h | 8 hours | 50 km/h | 8 hours | 51 km/h | 8 hours | 46 km/h |
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
| Charging PointCombined Charging System (CCS Combo 2) | Max. Power | Avg. Power | TimeStandard Range 2WD | RateStandard Range 2WD |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 50 kW | 50 kW | 48 min | 260 km/h |
| CCS (100 kW DC) | 100 kW | 90 kW † | 27 min | 470 km/h |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 150 kW | 120 kW † | 20 min | 640 km/h |
| CCS (175 kW DC) | 175 kW | 140 kW † | 17 min | 750 km/h |
| CCS (350 kW DC) | 175 kW † | 140 kW † | 17 min | 750 km/h |
| Charging PointCombined Charging System (CCS Combo 2) | Max. Power | Avg. Power | TimeLong Range AWD | RateLong Range AWD | TimeLong Range 2WD | RateLong Range 2WD | TimeGT | RateGT |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 50 kW | 50 kW | 65 min | 250 km/h | 65 min | 260 km/h | 65 min | 230 km/h |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 150 kW | 149 kW † | 22 min | 760 km/h | 22 min | 780 km/h | 22 min | 700 km/h |
| CCS (300 kW DC) | 233 kW † | 200 kW † | 16 min | 1050 km/h | 16 min | 1070 km/h | 16 min | 970 km/h |
d. Energy consumption and efficiency
| EVDB Real Range | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Range | 305 km | 400 km | 410 km | 370 km |
| Vehicle Consumption * | 177 Wh/km | 185 Wh/km | 180 Wh/km | 200 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent * | 2.0 l/100km | 2.1 l/100km | 2.0 l/100km | 2.2 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Range | 394 km | – | – | 424 km |
| Rated Consumption | 166 Wh/km | – | – | 206 Wh/km |
| Vehicle Consumption | 137 Wh/km | – | – | 175 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | – | – | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | 1.9 l/100km | – | – | 2.3 l/100km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.5 l/100km | – | – | 2.0 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings (TEL) | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Range | – | 506 km | 528 km | – |
| Rated Consumption | – | 172 Wh/km | 165 Wh/km | – |
| Vehicle Consumption | – | 146 Wh/km | 140 Wh/km | – |
| CO2 Emissions | – | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | – |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | – | 1.9 l/100km | 1.9 l/100km | – |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | – | 1.6 l/100km | 1.6 l/100km | – |
| WLTP Ratings (TEL) | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Range | – | 484 km | 504 km | – |
| Rated Consumption | – | 180 Wh/km | 172 Wh/km | – |
| Vehicle Consumption | – | 153 Wh/km | 147 Wh/km | – |
| CO2 Emissions | – | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | – |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | – | 2.0 l/100km | 1.9 l/100km | – |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | – | 1.7 l/100km | 1.6 l/100km |
TEL = Test Energy Low | TEH = Test Energy High
Vehicle Miscellaneous
| Items | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| Seats | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| Isofix | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats |
| Turning Circle | 11.6 m | 11.9 m | 11.6 m | 11.9 m |
| Platform | HMG E-GMP | HMG E-GMP | HMG E-GMP | HMG E-GMP |
| Car Body | SUV | SUV | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | JC – Medium | JC – Medium | JC – Medium | JC – Medium |
| Roof Rails | No | No | No | No |
| EV Dedicated Platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Infotainment and Connectivity
a. Dashboard and instrument cluster
The 2023 Kia EV6 integrates innovative features like a digitized dashboard with practical characteristics such as a floating center console. It also has many storage solutions and a huge bin below it.
b. Infotainment system and features
The 2023 Kia EV6’s infotainment system offers a 12.0-inch touchscreen in addition to its 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster.
Its key features include the following:
- myriad voice commands
- wireless smartphone charging
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Upgradeable stereo system to Meridian unit with 14 speakers
c. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
d. Over-the-air software updates
The 2023 Kia EV6 also has an over-the-air (OTA) software update.
Safety and Driver Assistance
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
The 2023 Kia EV6 offers a wide range of driver-assistance technology as standard, including automatic high beams and automated emergency braking.
Its key safety features are as follows:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Driver attention warning (DAW)
- Drive mode select
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), City/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning
- Hill-start assist control (HAC)
- Highway driving assist (HDA)
- Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)
- Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
- Lane keep assist (LKA)
- Multi-collision brake assist (MCBA)
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Vehicle stability management (VSM)
Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
J.D. Power rated the 2023 Kia EV6’s predicted reliability with a 77 out of 100 score. For reference, 91-100 is the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair or below average.
It also gained a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP:
| Safety Rating | 5-star |
| Rating Year | 2022 |
| Adult Occupant | 90% |
| Child Occupant | 86% |
| Vulnerable Road Users | 64% |
| Safety Assist | 87% |
b. Maintenance and service requirements
- Every 8,000 miles or 12 months: Rotate tires, Initial inspection of Climate Control Air filter, Complete a multi-point inspection, Inspect brake fluid
- Every 16,000 miles or 24 months: Inspect Drive Shafts and Boots, Replace Climate, Control Air Filter
- Every 32,000 miles or 48 months: Inspect Reduction Gear Fluid
- At 36,000 miles: Inspect Climate Control, Air Filter. Continue this every 16,000 miles or 24 months
- Every 48,000 miles or 28 months: Replace brake fluid
- At 120,000 miles or 120 months: Replace coolant
- At 144,000 miles: Replace coolant, then replace every 24,000 miles or 24 months after that
c. Warranty coverage and options
Kia offers one of the best warranty coverage in the auto industry, including the following.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
However, it does not provide any free scheduled maintenance.
d. Insurance costs and considerations
The 2023 Kia EV6 annual insurance costs $1,870 on average, or approximately $156/month, for a full coverage policy.
e. Resale value and depreciation
The 2023 Kia EV6 would be worth between 57-59% of its new value after 3 years/36 miles on the road, per independent industry experts’ March 2023 depreciation data.
Comparison with Competitors
a. Comparison with key competitors
| Specs | 2023 Kia EV6 | 2023 Tesla Model Y |
| Starting Price | $48,500 | $65,990 |
| Engine | Electric motor | Dual electric motors |
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 447 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Fuel Economy | 134 city/101 hwy/117 combined MPGe | 131 city/117 hwy/125 combined MPGe |
| Maximum Range | 310 miles | 330 miles |
| Also Available | Dual-motor, AWD | Performance model |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4/50.2 cubic feet | 30.2/72.1 cubic feet |
b. Unique Selling Points and Drawbacks
The 2023 Kia EV6 is more affordable at $48,500 than the Tesla Model Y’s $65,990 base price. However, the Kia EV6 delivers 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which are noticeably lower than the Tesla EV. Its max range of 310 miles is also lower than Tesla Model Y’s 330-mile range. Its 24.4/50.2 cubic feet is also lower than Tesla’s with 30.2/72.1 cubic feet. Nonetheless, the Kia EV6 has a high-quality build interior and as mentioned, it is more affordable.
Variants and Pricing
a. List the available trim levels, options, and pricing
| Pricing | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD | Kia EV6 Long Range AWD | Kia EV6 Long Range 2WD | Kia EV6 GT |
| United Kingdom | Not Available | £51,745 | £45,245 | £62,645 |
| The Netherlands | €48,995 | €59,995 | €57,495 | €69,295 |
| Germany | €46,990 | €55,980 | €51,990 | €72,990 |
b. Value Proposition
The 2023 Kia EV6 is worth the investment because apart from its appealing exterior and interior design, it also received many awards and a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. It offers a competitive range and rapid charging options. It also has excellent technologies and features.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is a fraternal twin to the famous Hyundai Ioniq 5. It has sporty road manners and an aggressive appearance. It offers a pleasing exterior design and a spacious and sophisticated interior.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is a good buy if you seek an electric SUV that highly values driving enjoyment. It offers plenty of power, strong steering, and remarkable handling.
