The Kia EV6 hatchback electric vehicle is a sporty and stylish choice. It boasts a range of more than 300 miles, impressive 350kW rapid charger, and a 577bhp performance model. It’s very similar to the Hyundai Inoniq 5, which we consider our Best Family Electric Car in 2022. This makes it a strong contender in the battle for the Skoda Enyaq iV’s, Ford Mustang Mach-E’s, Cupra Born’s, and Tesla Model Y.
It is the first Kia electric model to be purpose-built. This allows it to have key advantages like a low center of gravity, which makes it easier to handle and a flat-floor that increases the amount of luggage and passenger space.
The UK currently offers two versions, each with a 77.4kWh-battery. Rear-wheel drive, which is more affordable, has a single motor of 226bhp. This gives it a range up to 322 miles. Spend about PS4,000 more to add a motor to the front. It increases power to 321bhp and adds four-wheel drive. However, it reduces range slightly to 314 mi.
We have now tested both and found that the rear-wheel drive version was just as fast as its 7.3 second 0-62mph speed. It feels a little sharper than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and is very quiet at highway speeds. It’s sportier because of its lower stance. However, its suspension is firmer. This improves body control as well as transmitting some bumps to the seats.
We believe the lower-priced version is the best. The all-wheel-drive model is more efficient in straight lines but it’s not as fun to drive overall. Also, the range is shorter and the costs are significantly higher.
The curved dual-screen layout for the instruments and infotainment will draw your attention quickly inside. Good quality materials also make it doubtful that Volkswagen is still the market leader in interior design. The second row has plenty of space, with lots of legroom and kneeroom. However the low roof makes it less spacious. You will find a 490-litre boot and a 40-litre “frunk” in the rear wheel drive model useful.
Although it is close between the EV6 & Hyundai Inoniq 5, the final decision will be based on personal taste. The Kia is more sporty and traditional than the Hyundai. However, it offers a more precise driving experience. The Hyundai is more striking but more practical. There’s more space in the rear seats and boot. The Kia does a great job in its own category, but it also has a very competitive range and interior, making it one among the top EVs within the PS40-50,000 price range.
Although range anxiety is less common among electric car buyers, it was long believed that EVs would soon surpass the 300-mile mark, making it easier for people to abandon fossil fuels. The EV6 offers a range up to 328m and is a mainstream car that should be accessible for both company-car drivers and private customers with a good leasing deal.
The range of Kia EV6 and charging
There are 58kWh and 77.4kWh versions of the EV6 in most markets, but UK customers will be offered the larger version. While it is disappointing that an affordable version of the EV6 has not been made available, it appears likely that the decision is based upon demand.
The larger battery provides a headline figure of just 330 mi with the lower-powered motor, rear-wheel drive and a fraction more range. With the GT-Line version equipped with four-wheel drives, the range drops to an impressive 314 miles. The GT-Line S comes with larger 20-inch alloy wheels and a range of 300 miles. For comparison, the Tesla Model S Long Range can travel up to 331 mi but costs about PS8,000 more. Cupra Born77kWh offers a range of up 335 miles.
Both Hyundai and Kia are near the top in EV efficiency. We tested our car on UK roads and motorways as well as city streets. This would give a range of 325 miles in real life, which is close to the official number, even though it was driven in all modes. A range of about 290 miles is possible with the all-wheel drive version.
With the 800-volt electrical architecture of Kia (the same as in a Porsche Taycan), charging is a class-leader. If you have access to a powerful enough public DC charger, you can get speeds upto 350kW. You can charge your battery from 0 to 80% in 18 minutes. Long journeys will be easy if you do this. For a charge of 0-100%, it will take less than 10 hours to charge a 7kW wallbox.
Insurance companies
EVs have higher insurance rates than similar petrol and diesel models due to the high performance and innovative technology they offer. The entry-level Air trim, which is one band below the Hyundai Ioniq 5, sits in group 34. GT-Line, which has four-wheel drive as well as some extra power is placed in group 40. The Volkswagen ID.4 can be found in groups 20-30 while the Ford Mustang Mach-E extended range is in group 37.
The Kia EV6 shares a brand-new electric car platform and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 model, which is our Best Family Electric Car in 2022. It offers a variety of power options that can be tailored to different customers, much like the Hyundai or rivals like the Cupra Born.
First impressions suggest that the EV6 is slightly easier to drive than Hyundai. This lends it a little edge if your preference is for a more sporty EV-driving experience. With a well-judged suspension, it is capable of covering ground quickly. The Kia’s low roofline gives it a sportier look than the Hyundai.
Sport mode is not recommended. However, the increased throttle and steering response make the car feel a bit unruly.
Kia EV6 Electric Motor
The current options include a single motor version with 226bhp, rear-wheel-drive and a more potent model with a front engine and four-wheel-drive that helps to deploy its 321bhp. The entry-level version was the fastest, going from 0-62mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds.
Dual-motor cars can reduce this time to 5.2 seconds. Both cars have a maximum speed of 114mph electronically. Although there isn’t quite the power rush you get in a Tesla Model 3 Power or Porsche Taycan it feels immediate enough.
Although the EV6 looks larger and heavier than the Ioniq 5 in photos, it still achieves the UK’s national speed limit in the UK without much fuss and with effortless performance. The EV6 is quick to respond when you push the accelerator, giving it plenty of confidence to overtake slower traffic even in Eco mode.
An all-wheel-drive GT version with four-wheel drive is also planned. This model can reach speeds of up to 162 mph and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. This will be the most powerful Kia ever built, and it boasts 577bhp. It also has performance comparable to a Tesla Model X, or a Porsche Taycan. It will travel up to 251 m.
Kia has done a great job in keeping mechanical sounds from the suspension or electric motor out the interior. This makes it almost silent at lower speeds. It helps that the motor is under the car, far from the driver in the single-motor version. In the all-wheel drive version, there is still a slight motor whine. The suspension isn’t too firm. As speed increases, the most noticeable sound is made by the tyres. As stated, the EV6 has a fairly firm suspension, so bumps can be felt inside the car, but not more than other models.
Kia EV6 dashboard
The dashboard is centred around a pair 12.3-inch, curved displays. They are both easily read thanks to sharp graphics. The one houses the instrument displays. The second has a touchscreen for media settings, navigation and media. There is also a ledge underneath that can be used to steady your hand while using the touchscreen. The controller is a touch-sensitive one that allows you to switch between the climate and audio systems with just a swipe.
Its design is also in line with a car that costs more than PS40,000. Chrome, gloss-black trim and fabric all look professional. The seat upholstery also uses the equivalent of 111 plastic bottles per vehicle. To provide useful information, an augmented-reality head up display can be used to project important information ahead of the driver.
Equipment
The standard equipment options include LED exterior lighting and 19-inch alloy wheels. Rear parking sensors, folding mirrors, and automatic wipers. A heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, dual zone climate control, and heated seats are all available.
V2L (vehicle-to-load) allows the EV6 and other electric vehicles to function as a large battery charger on wheels. The EV6 can charge phones and laptops with a three-pin connector. Owners can also use it to power a 55 inch TV and air conditioner for 24 hours. This could come in handy during a power cut or off-grid camping.
Kia EV6 interior space and storage
The flat floor of the electric Kia makes it spacious and uncluttered. The front seats have plenty of space, so you won’t feel cramped or weighed down by a tall dashboard or large centre console.
Three passengers can sit on the back seat with ease, while the floor is smooth. There’s also no chance that they will bang their knees against the front seats. Because of the lower roofline, headroom in the Ioniq 5 isn’t as great as it was in the Ioniq 5. The EV6 is not recommended for tall adults who need to be seated in the back.
Kia EV6 boot space
The boot is practical and has a variable height floor. You can choose whether you want a smooth loading lid or maximum space. Although the boot’s volume of 490-litres should suffice for most drivers, it is regrettable that there are not more useful features such hooks and cargo nets to protect your belongings as you drive.
Rear-wheel drive models come with a 52-litre “frunk” storage area under their bonnet. This space is great for carrying charging cables, umbrellas and muddy boots. This space is smaller if you go for a four wheel-drive model. It’s only 20 litres.
This may be the first model built using Kia’s E-GMP platform. However, it is a strong brand with people who have already switched to electric cars. Kia Soul EV, Kia e-Niro, and Kia Soul EV are durable models with an impressive driving range that doesn’t seem to diminish over time.
Reliability and reliability of Kia EV6
Both Kia Hyundai and Kia have a strong reputation as leaders in EV technology. Models have been sold in large numbers throughout the world. This information will hopefully have helped to inform many of the decisions needed to make Kia’s first electric car better.
Kia is second only to Porsche in the 2021 Driver Power satisfaction survey. It is near the top of all categories and scores high in reliability and build quality. We were also impressed by the style and enjoyment of their Kias.
Safety
The EV6 is a tech flagship for the brand and is filled with safety features. Autonomous emergency braking is available on all versions, including the basic version. This protects cyclists and pedestrians as well other vehicles. You can also use the navigation-based smart cruise control system to help you drive in heavy traffic. GT-Line cars have blind-spot warnings. They also include semi-autonomous park, highway driving assistance, and an augmented reality head up display. This system can help to avoid collisions while parking.
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