A Solid, Sporty, Futuristic EV With the Stamina of a Long-Life Battery
Kia has quickly built a reputation for building reliable, affordable and stylish cars — but unlike Honda, Toyota, Nissan and others, Kia has always felt a little more “sports car tuned”. Crazy? Maybe, but Kia’s new EV6 looks to continue the meteoric rise of Kia’s streak of best-selling sedans, SUVs, crossovers — and now, powerful, tech-rich electrics.
The 2022 Kia EV6 is the company’s first dedicated EV, built on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will power a fleet of new Kia EVs. With an estimated range of up to 310 miles and quick charging rates thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the EV6 seems to have the right formula — in a gorgeous package — loaded a ton of tech. The design is daring and futuristic, shark-like and streamlined. This electric will, once again challenge the dominance of Honda, Toyota and Nissan.
Kia is launching the EV6 with six trim levels and a starting price of $40,900 (not including a $1,215 destination fee). The least expensive version is called Light.
Kia’s New Generation: The EV6
Kia is breaking the EV6 out of the gate with a variety of choices. Available with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle or an electric motor on both axles, the EV6 can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive. While all-wheel-drive models have the larger battery pack and either 320 or 576 total horsepower, the base rear-drive example has a smaller battery and just 167 horses. Opting for the bigger battery boosts the rear-drive EV6’s total system output to 225 horses.
You’ll have a choice of battery sizes, the Kia EV6 offers two: a 58.0-kWh and a 77.4-kWh pack. Obviously, the larger of those will provide a longer driving range. The smaller, standard battery has an EPA-rated range of 232 miles; the larger, long-range battery is EPA-rated at up to 310 miles.
A sparse, smart and sophisticated interior
EV6’s interior design is a departure — it is much more attractive and futuristic than Kia’s current vehicles. The EV6 mixes high-tech content such as a digitized dashboard with practical elements such as a floating center console with copious storage solutions and a large bin underneath it. Other touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the prominent start button on the center console, and the gold accents that are tastefully placed throughout the cockpit. The EV6 has a flat floor and a wheelbase as long as the three-row, mid-size Kia Telluride, so passenger space is generous. There are also 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 54 cubes total with the rear seats folded flat. There’s more storage space under the front trunk, too, but it’s not as big as expected.
Kia didn’t skimp on tech
The infotainment system runs through a 12.0-inch touchscreen that’s an extension of the EV6’s 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the design and performance of the menu structure and navigation are unimpressive. Along with the ability to accept over-the-air updates and respond to myriad voice commands, the system includes popular features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, the stereo can be upgraded to the available Meridian unit with 14 speakers.