After attending the New York International Auto Show where I focusing mainly on electric vehicles, I came back wanting to a Kia EV6 review. Why? Because it was definitely one of the more memorable vehicles.
If you’ve been looking at EVs, you might have noticed a trend. THEY ALL LOOK ALIKE. And most of them are trying to be something. Like someone told them that they needed to create a futuristic car so they sat down and came up with all these weird design elements simply for the sake of being weird.
The Kia EV6 was one of the few that seemed to say let’s create a really cool car and let’s make it electric instead of we have to make an electric car so let’s make it weird and different.
I like weird and different but I also like my luxuries and the Kia EV6 has plenty of them.
Video Review of the Kia EV6
I can talk ad nauseum about the week I spent in the Kia EV6 and I will. I’ll also show you plenty of pics. But if you really want some honest thoughts, a good look at the interior, exterior, how it drives, and some cool features, I encourage you to watch my video review.
The Best of the Kia EV6
First things first – this car has style. If you read my take on the EVs from the New York Auto Show, you’d know that they all have a very distinct hey let’s make a futuristic car vibe. Not all of us want that. Honestly, I think that’s where the Ford Mustang Mach-E went wrong. Too minimalist for the base buyer. Kia has created an exterior (and interior) design that make it stand out while not alienated a customer, especially one that’s new to electric vehicles.
Inside, you’ll find a nicely appointed interior with a few design choices to make it feel just a little different that a regular ol’ gasoline engine vehicle. It doesn’t feel like luxury but it feels like a well-made and well-thought out space.
One of my favorite features is the infotainment system. Take the time to explore all of the options including the Quiet Mode (which quickly allows you to mute the sound in the back for sleeping children) and the Ambient Sounds you can listen to during a drive (like rain, forest sounds, etc.). You can read more about that option in my Genesis GV80 review.
The trunk also provides a good amount of space. It’s technically a hatchback which means you get the feel of a sedan but a better about of cargo space.
The other really cool feature is the Power Onboard Generator which allows you to use your EV6 as a charger or to power electric devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, home appliances, electric bikes, camping equipment, and more with the Vehicle to Load adapter.
Room for Improvement the Kia EV6
I have no major complaints about the Kia EV6. It’s a solid, fun car to drive, primarily due to the torque you get when driving electric. And that’s where my first minor complaint comes in.
Kia made this car too fun to drive because my soon-to-be 16 year old LOVED it. He’s now convinced that he wants his first car to be electric, simply for the fun of driving it. However, this 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line RWD with the suede seat package come in at around $52,710, before any tax credits. I don’t know about you but that’s a little high for a first car price.
For the average car buyer though, the price for the EV6 starts at $40,900 and can drop as low as $33,400 with tax credits.
On a more serious note, the heated/cooled seat controls were a touch too sensitive and based on their positioning, I kept turning them on when I definitely didn’t want them on.
I was also wishing for wireless Apple CarPlay, like I had in the Kia Sorento, but it’s only a wired option offered here. In fact, the technology in general can also be a bit overwhelming. It’s a high tech car and while I’m not complaining about the bells and whistles, sometimes it seemed a little too complicated. You could almost need a course just to cover all the menu options and the really aggressive safety features.
My final thought is on a few exterior design elements. The rims are flat. The door handles are flat. But that’s the price you pay when you need lots of aerodynamics to maximize your range.
Fast Facts: Kia EV6
- Starts at $40,900
- Available in RWD and e-AWD
- Range = 300 miles
- 225 hp, 258 lb ft torque
- 68 hours to charge with regular AC charging
- 73 minutes with DC fast charging