New Kia EV6 is Charging up the Electric SUV Segment

Written by Nick Versaw

Updated March 22nd, 2022

For 2022, Kia introduced its all-new E-GMP platform — the brand’s first-ever dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform. With it came the Kia EV6 and its cousin, the Hyundai IONIQ 5. With its 800V charging, sleek looks, huge EV range, and potent powertrain options, the EV6 seems like a great option for EV shoppers.

Below, we explore the EV6 in-depth and compare it to its key competitors so you can decide which electric SUV is right for you.

Kia EV6 Exterior Design

The Kia EV6 has a sleek and futuristic design that mashes up a sporty sedan with a crossover. It boasts a forward-raked rear glass, sharp hood ridges, and a sporty front fascia, which give it a youthful and performance-oriented look. Around the back, its one-piece taillight bar rounds out its futuristic design.

The EV6 lacks a little character from the profile angle, though. First, its side body panels are smooth and relatively featureless. Second, the forward-raked rear glass makes it look disproportionate from certain angles.

Compared to the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, the EV6 is relatively edgy and will attract a younger crowd. However, those preferring a more toned-down look will likely be more at peace with the Model Y or ID.4 (or the EV6’s cousin, the Hyundai IONIQ 5).

Kia EV6 Interior Design

Inside, the Kia EV6 is clean and free of clutter. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the electric vehicle’s driver-focused cabin setup that starts with the curved panoramic display that comprises two 12.3-inch displays and makes up the instrument panel and infotainment screen. The center console is also angled toward the driver.

The EV6 spans the gap between the overly simple Tesla Model Y cabin, which has a 15-inch tablet-style screen that makes up all the controls, and the busier interiors of the ID.4 and Mustang Mach-E. This gives it a nice balance of clean and clutter-free without feeling overly simplified.

As for roominess, the EV6’s cabin stacks up to the competition as follows:

Kia EV6 Standard Features

Like many EVs, the Kia EV6 has many standard features to run through. Front and center is the infotainment system, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay that pairs with a standard six-speaker audio system. The EV6’s standard features continue with five USB ports, a wireless phone charger, a Wi-Fi hotspot, push-button start, an eight-way power driver’s seat, steering-wheel-mounted controls, heated front seats, and more.

The EV6 is also well-equipped on the outside with its standard heated mirrors, flush-mount door handles, an acoustic windshield, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and taillights, automatic high-beam headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and more.

While the Model Y has a larger 15-inch screen, Tesla doesn’t offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The ID.4 comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, but its screen is smaller at just 10 inches. The Mustang Mach-E trumps all with its standard 15.5-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia EV6 Standard Safety Features

The Kia EV6 comes standard with the Kia Drive Wise suite of advanced safety technology. In its base trim level, these standard features include:

• Automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot collision mitigation
• Rear cross-traffic collision avoidance
• Highway Driving Assist 2
• Driver attention warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane-follow assist
• Navigation-based adaptive cruise control with stop and go and curve detection
• Speed-limit assist
• Safe exit warning
• Parking-distance warning
• Rear occupant alert

These features meet or exceed all its competitors, and its navigation-based adaptive cruise is a standout feature.

On top of these features, buyers can opt for even more advanced safety features, such as a blind-spot view monitor, surround-view monitor, and an augmented reality head-up display.

Kia EV6 Powertrain Features

The Kia EV6 has four powertrain options, starting with the base 125-kW AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Electric Motor that produces 167 horsepower (hp) and 258 pound-feet of torque through its rear-wheel drive (RWD) powertrain (which is standard on the base Light trim only).

Move into the midrange Wind and range-topping GT-Line trims, and this electric SUV gains a standard 168-kW AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor that produces 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup is only available with RWD. Buyers can opt for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that cranks out 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.

Tesla doesn’t list the Model Y’s horsepower, but estimates peg the range-topping Performance trim at 480 hp. The ID.4 is the weakest of the bunch at just 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque.

The Mustang Mach-E has multiple powertrain flavors, starting with its Select RWD model delivering 266 hp and 317 lb-ft and AWD model churning out 266 hp and 428 lb.-ft. of torque. The Premium trim has the same base powertrain but upgraded to the Extended Range battery, and the Mustang Mach E’s output swells to 290 hp and 317 lb-ft with RWD and 346 hp and 428 lb-ft with AWD. The California Route 1 model’s output rests at 290 hp and 317 lb-ft with RWD and 346 hp and 428 lb-ft with AWD. Finally, the GT trim boasts standard dual-motor AWD, giving it 480 hp and up to 634 lb-ft of torque.

Kia EV6 Efficiency and Charging

The EV6 is fueled by a standard 58 kilowatt-hours (kWh) lithium-ion polymer battery that delivers 232 miles of range. 

In the EV6, this battery pack takes anywhere from 18 minutes to 51 hours and 5 minutes to charge, depending on if it’s on a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, or DC Fast Charging. 

All other EV6 models come standard with a 77.4-kWh battery that delivers 310 miles of all-electric range in RWD models and 274 miles in AWD models. 

Charging times with the larger battery pack are as follows.

For EV shoppers, driving range is a big factor. The EV’s driving ranges are as follows. 

While standard fuel economy ratings aren’t valid with electric vehicles, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers fuel economy equivalents, known as MPGe, for comparison’s sake. 

The 2022 EV6 fuel economy equivalents and yearly charging costs are as follows: 

The Kia EV6’s competitors offer the following fuel economy equivalent ranges. 

Lastly, the Kia EV6’s competitors offer the following driving ranges. 

Kia EV6 Pricing

The Kia EV6 is available in three trim levels: Light, Wind, and GT-Line. The latter two trim levels are available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Their MSRPs are as follows: 

• EV6 Light: $40,900
• EV6 Wind (RWD): $47,000
• EV6 Wind (AWD): $50,900
• EV6 GT-Line (RWD): $51,200
• EV6 GT-Line (AWD): $55,900

Plus, the EV6 is eligible for up to a $7,500 federal tax credit to help absorb some of its cost.

The VW ID.4 is similarly priced, with its base Pro trim configuration starting at $40,760 and its range-topping Pro S with Gradient starting from $46,760. The ID.4 is also eligible for up to a $7,500 federal tax credit.

The Mustang Mach-E is also similarly priced, with the Select trim starting from $43,895 and its range-topping GT starting from $61,995. The Mustang Mach-E is eligible for up to a $7,500 federal tax credit as well.

The Tesla Model Y starts at a higher price of $58,990 for its Long Range trim and $63,990 in its Performance trim. The big difference is the Model Y is no longer eligible for the $7,500 tax credit.

Kia EV6’s Ideal Buyer

The ideal Kia EV6 buyer needs a family car and wants the fuel and maintenance savings that come with an EV, but still craves performance. With its range of high-output powertrains, available AWD, and low center of gravity, the EV6 checks all the boxes.

However, these buyers will also find great options in the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E

Let Compare.com Help You Find the Perfect EV

The Kia EV6 is a fantastic electric crossover for the whole family, with its spacious interior and neatly appointed cabin. But it also has a wild side for those who enjoy a dose of performance. This makes it a great EV for a wide range of buyers.

Searching for the perfect electric car for your family? Compare.com can help with our powerful EV search tool. We can make the process even easier with our comprehensive EV buyer’s guide with all the must-know information on electric vehicles.

Nick Versaw Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in creating educational content about insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.