One of the most excellent electric vehicles you can purchase is the Kia EV6. It’s not only a highly fashionable option; it also has the substance to support it, with an extensive and technologically advanced interior, an outstanding range, and highly rapid charging. Driving can be very calming and enjoyable when you want it to be.
When we initially examined the Kia EV6 in 2021, we referred to it as an “iPhone” moment, and we still feel that way now. Although the Kia EV6 has some of the most cutting-edge technologies available, it is housed in appealing (and user-friendly) packaging. Ultimately, the Kia EV6 is a feel-good vehicle that should easily fit into your life and make you pleased to own it.
This adds up to the Kia EV6 being among the most excellent electric vehicles available, which is a big claim given the number of competitors vying for market share. It shares several technological components with the new Genesis GV60 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (although, as you’ll read in this article, it’s pretty different from the Hyundai). Along with the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Volkswagen ID.3 (or ID.5) will probably also be on your shortlist.
The Kia EV6 competes against a more expensive group of vehicles because of its luxury feel. Compared to the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3, Volvo C40 Recharge, and Mercedes EQA, we believe it can more than hold its own. It is that excellent.
The Kia EV6 stands apart from the rest of the Kia lineup visually. It has a solid front end and a clean profile that conceals what is essentially a big vehicle—it is longer than a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. It is assertive and self-assured. Along with Kia’s freshly designed logo, a natural addition to such a radical new look, there is a rather full-width light bar around the rear.
The inside is much the same. As you sit behind the wheel of the Kia EV6, you may picture yourself as Doc Brown preparing the flux capacitor in anticipation of your upcoming voyage back in time. Okay, so the Kia EV6 can’t turn around time (and, alas, doesn’t have hoverboards either), but on the interior, it seems like a vehicle from a period that others haven’t yet reached.
The Kia EV6 stands apart from almost every other vehicle on the road because of its enormous infotainment displays, dual-purpose controls, augmented head-up display, floating control panel that resembles a spacecraft, and woven trimmings.
It doesn’t seem as spacious up front as a Volkswagen ID.4, but there is plenty of legroom in both the front and back, and only very tall people would notice a little headroom shortage. Although the heavy hatchback-style trunk lid provides excellent access, its sloping design limits what can be fitted above the glass line.
However, driving a Kia EV6 is reassuringly ordinary. Even though it has a ton of advanced autonomous technology, it still has a round steering wheel (Tesla takes notice). Regenerative brakes are included, which you can modulate using paddles behind the steering wheel. Selecting drive and reverse is a cinch.
As soon as you start moving, you realize how simple the Kia EV6 is to drive. Whether you choose the entry-level two-wheel-drive model or the top-tier all-wheel-drive vehicle, both have a smooth acceleration that makes them ideal for squeezing into and out of gaps. The EV6 moves in your desired direction on a wave of electric motion, so you don’t have to worry about engaging the clutch, the engine bogging down, or shifting gears.
The fact that the power is delivered silently naturally adds to the experience’s relaxation; the only thing that detracts is the stiff ride. Although it’s not unpleasant (and unquestionably superior to the Tesla Model Y), you can feel the road more strongly than in an Ioniq 5. But doing so was done purposefully to give the Kia a sportier vibe.
The Kia EV6 makes a great open-road companion when the commotion is gone. Even if it falls a few points short of being fully exciting, it behaves nicely in curves and zips smoothly from one corner to the next, which may be entertaining (although the top-of-the-line Kia EV6 GT might alter that).
When you enter a highway, the ride, which already seems smoother on A and B roads, becomes much more refined. The vehicle also continues to be relatively quiet. The Kia EV6’s range, which doesn’t appear to deplete as quickly as other EVs while cruising, and a complete complement of autonomous driving aids provide still another layer of comfort.
Long travels shouldn’t be the logistical nightmare they were with earlier electric vehicles since you should get at least 300 miles from a charge when you combine driving and rapid charging, which can be done at up to 235kW. Even if other electric vehicles have greater ranges, this is still outstanding.
So it seems like Kia has struck the EV lottery? It has. The Kia EV6 is a practical electric vehicle that can fit into the majority of our lives very well. In addition, you’ll want to purchase it because of how it feels and looks. Drives and ls. The EV6 seems like the kind of vehicle that can steal sales from brands like Mercedes, Audi, and BMW, as has been discussed by Kia for a very long time.
The comfort and elegance of the interior of the Kia EV6
“The interior of the Kia EV6 is just right. It’s interesting enough to make you feel like you’re somewhere special, but it doesn’t make it difficult to do simple things like turn on the radio.”
Things get off to a good start in the high-end Kia EV6 models because the driver’s seat automatically slides back for easy entry, and when you close the door, it pulls you back toward the steering wheel. With the push of a button, these seats can also be folded into a bed for a quick nap.
If you stay up late, you’ll notice that the Kia EV6 doesn’t feel as light as the Volkswagen ID’s. It’s a tough call. The large center seat is an excellent place to rest your hand when using the lower navigation screen, but it takes away some of the ventilation that makes some EVs feel private.
Still, the Kia EV6’s large windshield gives you a great view of the front of the car, and a hood that juts out above the front wheels, like those on a Porsche 911, helps you position the car on the road. Compared to an ordinary sedan such as the BMW 3 Series, the driving position feels elevated at first, but you get used to it quickly, giving you a clear view of the road ahead.
The Kia EV6 has trouble with reflections, but some models with light-colored roofs can be complex to see when the sun is low in the sky.
Overall, though, we like the technology, the amount of passenger space, and the amount of storage space. The Kia EV6 is capable of satisfying logical and emotional needs at the same time.
Quality and finish
Electric cars sometimes feel like a race to the bottom regarding interior quality. That’s because so much money goes into batteries and large touch screens that there isn’t much of the soft-touch plastic we used to flaunt.
The Kia EV6 hasn’t completely avoided it, but it looks better inside than some of Volkswagen’s newer electric cars. Beautiful decorative coverings like wallpaper do even things, and doors look nice and smooth. Only the wobbly center seat is a letdown.
Infotainment system: touchscreen
The Kia EV6 has a massive infotainment system that extends from behind the steering wheel to the middle of the dashboard. Tech experts will tell you that they are two 12.3-inch screens bundled together. Either way, it looks as good as what Mercedes makes.
Back in the realm of geeky again, it doesn’t quite have the bright colors, depth, and vibrancy of screens in the VW ID4, but it’s close, and you don’t need a Ph.D. in computer code to use it, which is good.
Entering a number is simple, and it will consider charging stops on long trips. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the two most essential parts of any good infotainment screen. Both are wireless.
Down the center of the large screen is a nice-looking tablet that can be used for navigation and air conditioning. It’s a clever answer that also looks great. Using the buttons may be a little trickier than using the usual buttons, but you can choose which view role you want the regular role to be.
If a screen that can be used for two different things looks excellent, a head-up display (HUD) is entertainment bliss. It does all the usual HUD tasks, like displaying speed and satellite navigation tips on the windshield.
But it also interacts with the world around you, allowing you to play Maverick without Sidewinders by tracking and marking other cars as they pass you. Even the directions on the satellite are dynamic. A moving line shows you which way to go as you approach turns and junctions.
Kia EV6 boot space
The Kia EV6 is easy to get into because the big batteries on the floor make the seat much higher than you think. This means you slide onto your driving position instead of getting into it.
Unsurprisingly, tall people have plenty of room to stretch out in the front. The seats feel heavy and well-padded, and the car’s width means you won’t be elbowing your front seat partner.
The back seat is just as lovely, with plenty of room for your head, elbows, and knees, big doors that make it easy to get in and out, and a backrest that can be leaned back a little bit. Even though there is less legroom than in the Ioniq 5, tall people shouldn’t have too much trouble. However, if you often carry tall people in the back, you might want to avoid the sunroof on the Kia EV6 GT Line S.
The only problem is that the high floor makes your knees sit at an angle that doesn’t feel natural. This is a usual problem with EVs, but it’s not as bad here. Still, the floor is entirely flat, so there is plenty of room for three people’s feet. However, we think the middle seat could use a little more support.
The rest of the back is also very well thought out. The back of the car has small quarter lights that brighten the cabin. There are also separate air vents for the back seats, bright white LED lighting, and a pair of USB plugs in the backs of the front seats, which sadly look a bit like a dentist’s chair from the back.
Even when the Kia is full of people, there are lots of small places for them to hide their things. There are big, felt-lined door bins, which is a VW trick to keep things from rattling around. There is also a massive tray under the control desk between the front seats, a covered cubby under the armrest, and a large, nicely dampened glovebox. Even the backs of the front seats have pockets that won’t sag like those on airplanes.
Are there any nasty surprises in the trunk? Not really, no. The Kia EV6 can hold 490 liters, and cars with rear-wheel drive get an extra 52 liters of space under the hood. This is a bit less than what competitors like the Skoda Enyaq iV and Ford Mustang Mach-E can carry.
The hatchback-style trunk opening makes it easy to add large items, even though the sloped roof makes it less valuable than an estate. There is also no lip to lift things over. Pulling a couple of handles at the front of the load bay makes it easy to fold down the back seats. Once the rear seats are locked into place, the floor stays flat.
Complaints? The secret storage space under the floor isn’t huge, and the basic EV6 has no electric boot lid that opens and closes. This is something to remember because the boot lid is quite heavy.
Ride and handling quality:
“The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 may have the same base but drive significantly differently. It is designed to be sporty, with direct, meaty steering and a somewhat stiffer ride. While the EV6’s enormous size cannot be concealed, we find it fun.
The Kia EV6 weighs around 2000kg, making it about a third heavier than a petrol vehicle of the same size. That’s relatively typical for electric vehicles, but as you crank up the excitement, you’ll notice that the front tires scramble for traction, and the brakes work a little more complicated. The Kia EV6 GT claims to fix this with innovative features you’d typically only see in far more expensive performance vehicles. Still, most consumers would be better off considering a normal EV6.
‘RWD’ (rear-wheel drive) and ‘AWD’ (all-wheel drive) variants of the Kia EV6 may be found online. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive vehicles are our favorites since they feel more nimble to drive and offer a more excellent range. While the rear wheels transmit power, the front wheels are left to handle steering. Driving the Kia EV6 RWD in slick weather needn’t worry you too much; as long as you’re careful with the throttle, the regular EV6 offers plenty of grips.
The Kia EV6 is easy to maneuver around town despite its large size. On a busy roundabout, instant acceleration assures you to sneak into a space, and sight is also excellent (due to a lengthy list of driver-assistance technologies). The EV6 may slow down considerably when you pull off the accelerator by turning up the regenerative braking system using the paddles behind the steering wheel. This reduces the amount of time you need to use the brakes.
What Kia EV6 engines and transmissions are offered?
A rear-wheel-drive, long-range Kia EV6 with 229PS is now offered, as is an all-wheel-drive vehicle with 325PS that leans more toward performance. They all transmit power via a single gear, driving them more soothing than cuddling up in bed with hot cocoa.
Which is best? In all honesty, we would keep the 229PS vehicle. It has all the performance you’ll ever need in practical terms; all EV6s accelerate smoothly from a standstill like a Bullet Train on a power surge. The basic model is no different. Its acceleration time of 7.3 seconds from a standstill to 62 mph does not adequately reflect its big-wave power.
Additionally, since an EV only has one speed and a power delivery system that can be controlled with microscopic accuracy, you won’t need to worry about grip or gear changes to attain that performance. It’s ideal for the cut-and-thrust of contemporary driving.
Unconvinced? We concede that the 325PS model is faster since it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, has enough power for highways at higher speeds, and has a four-wheel-drive system that often provides constant energy. However, there is a little cost and range trade-off.
All of that is improved by the Kia EV6 GT, which has the performance to compete with sports cars and a price to match.
Maximum EV range in the Kia EV6
In the Kia EV6 lineup, we believe the less expensive rear-wheel-drive versions make more sense than their more costly all-wheel-drive counterparts. This is further enhanced because they can go a little longer between charges. A Kia EV6 Air or GT-Line with the RWD powertrain has an official range of up to 328 miles, as determined by WLTP testing. You should be able to go more than 250 miles on a single charge. At the same time, this number may decrease significantly in real-world conditions (much as in petrol or diesel automobiles, efficiency relies on various variables, including driving style and even the weather).
The EV6 GT-Line AWD has a claimed range of 314 miles, while the GT-Line S RWD can go 313 miles. From the GT-Line S with all-wheel drive, this decreases to 300 miles. Officially, the high-performance Kia EV6 GT has a 263-mile range.
Refinement and noise levels
The Kia EV6 is an excellent companion when you’ve had one of those days and want to go home in peace and comfort. The EV6 has a clear advantage over traditional options in terms of refining since it lacks a gasoline or diesel engine. Further, you won’t notice much wind or road noise if you choose one of the lower-end versions with its smaller alloy wheels (and, critically, better-shock-absorbing tires).
Safety equipment: How secure is the Kia EV6?
The Kia EV6 received a perfect five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with excellent results in every category.
The vehicle can, essentially, drive itself on roads and motorways. At the same time, you keep your hands on the wheel and your foot off the pedals thanks to active cruise control, lane assist, and automated emergency brakes that detect automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Highway Driver Assist 2 is a feature available on Kia EV6 GT-Line S models that replaces the standard vehicle’s Highway Driver Assist. HDA2 can handle junctions independently and, if it’s safe to do so, overtake other cars on the freeway when you signal to turn out.
Cost of charging the Kia EV6: How long does it take?
You won’t be limited by how rapidly the Kia EV6 can charge; instead, you’ll be constrained by how speedy the charger is that it’s hooked into. Please find one of the quickest, most effective chargers and recharge it in under 20 minutes.
The Kia EV6 boasts one of the quickest charging times of any electric vehicle because of its 800-volt electrical system. With a maximum charging rate of 235kW, it can be charged from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes using an ultra-rapid charging port. Consider using that time to get a coffee and go to the restroom.
Of course, you pay more for the most convenient charging, just as at gas stations. At an ultra-rapid charger off the highway, expect to pay roughly 70p per kWh for a charge; this works out to around £32 for a 10-80% top-up.
Using a 7kWh home charger to charge overnight at home will be considerably handier (like leaving your phone plugged in) and cost around half as much (depending on your power rate). A complete charge from empty to full will take about 11 hours. Therefore, it will take longer. If you must, you may charge the EV6 from a standard three-pin outlet, but you must wait several days for a full charge.
Trim levels and standard accessories
There are three trim levels for the Kia EV6: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S.
With its understated appearance, 17-inch wheels, and lightly tinted rear windows, the Kia EV6 Air is simple to identify. Inside, there are manually adjustable vegan leather seats with electric lumbar support. You get two 12.3-inch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected to a six-speaker radio, heated front seats, and a steering wheel. Reversing cameras and rear parking sensors are also included.
The Kia EV6 GT-Line differs from the standard model by having black 19-inch wheels, rear windows that are extensively veiled, and a GT-Line exterior package. The inside seems more upscale because the suede seats are also electrically adjustable in the front. Front parking sensors and wireless charging are also included.
The 20-inch alloy wheels on the Kia EV6 GT-Line S versions give them a sportier appearance, and you’ll also notice its electrically controlled sunroof from the outside. You’ll find desired equipment like heated and cooled back seats and an electrically operated boot lid. A 14-speaker Meridian audio system replaces the standard radio, and you also get a 360-degree parking camera and remote parking.
21-inch alloy wheels, GT external style with neon green brake calipers, and rear privacy glass are all standard on the Kia EV6 GT. The GT’s interior has heated front and rear seats, a motorized tailgate, black suede bucket seats with neon green stitching, manual front seats, and alloy pedals. Along with a 12.3-inch curved navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, vehicle-to-device charging is a standard feature. Additionally, there is a wireless phone charger, a 12.3-inch curved driver display, a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system, a 360-degree parking camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
