The 2022 Kia EV6 is Kia’s first electric crossover/hatchback. The EV6, unlike the Niro EV, was developed as an EV from the start. Without an engine or other typical components, Kia was able to provide the EV6 with an elegant style and reasonably wide seats despite its small size.
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The EV6 combines EV tech with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Like the Ioniq 5, it supports super-fast public DC fast-charging stations. Meaning? Kia claims a 350-kW charger can replace 70 miles in five minutes and charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes under ideal circumstances. Sadly, 350-kW stations are scarce. However, the EV6 will be ready for faster rapid charging in the future.
The EV6 drives well. Acceleration is quick enough to pin you to your seat but not so much that it reorganizes your internal organs. The smooth ride will please passengers. Even mild potholes won’t startle the cabin.
The EV6’s interior isn’t as futuristic as some other EVs’, but it’s visually contemporary and utilitarian. The broad digital displays on the dashboard are simple to see and resemble Mercedes and BMW cars. The EV6’s center console’s few tactile buttons make it seem more user-friendly than Kia’s touchscreen-only competitors.
The 2022 EV6 isn’t just a hopeful view into Kia’s all-electric future—a it’s terrific EV that can compete with other highly rated EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3 and Y, and Volkswagen ID.4. Our Expert Rating covers the EV6’s real-world range, usefulness, and more.
Drive the EV6? Few EV SUVs are as enjoyable as the EV6. Kia did a good job of distinguishing the Kia EV6 from the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Kia’s suspension is stronger than Hyundai’s, and the vehicle is livelier than the Ioniq 5. The EV6’s quick handling makes turns simple.
Fast. Our all-wheel-drive GT-Line test vehicle reached 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, faster than the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y Long Range. Smooth power and customizable brake regeneration make the EV6 simple to drive daily.
EV6 comfort? The EV6’s suspension isn’t as comfy as its rivals’. The EV6 takes up road irregularities and transfers them into the cabin, making potholes and bumps tiresome. The Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge have quieter cabins than the EV6.
Seats were another issue that needed modification after many days. The headrests protrude too much, preventing the head tilting. The EV6’s non-adjustable lumbar support bothered our drivers.
Interior? It’s easy to utilize the EV6’s cabin. We love the center touch panel that controls temperature and radio. Genius! However, there are some difficulties. Surprisingly poor rear visibility. The back window opening is too narrow, and heavy rear pillars create enormous blind areas. It’s hardly a deal-breaker, but you’ll have to be extra careful while changing lanes or reversing.
Choosing a driving posture is simple. Rear passengers have enough space. The EV6’s sloping roofline requires taller backseat passengers to watch their heads while getting in and out.
Tech? The EV6’s quick infotainment system supports USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is simple to use while driving. Our test car’s Meridian sound system distorted songs at higher levels and never produced complete bass. It’s much inferior than the Ioniq 5’s Bose system.
The adaptive cruise control stopped for parked automobiles, while Kia’s lane centering system had difficulties maintaining the EV6 in the middle of the lane. However, blind-spot monitoring worked well and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist helped in sluggish rush hour traffic.
Storage? The EV6 has just 24.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the back seats up. Ford, Tesla, Hyundai, and VW allow more in the back hatch. Like the Ioniq 5, the front trunk is laughably tiny and barely fits a laptop bag.
Better small-item storage. Door cubbies and the center console may carry handbags and shopping bags. The back passenger section has plenty of legroom for attaching child car seats. If space is a priority, the EV6’s rivals offer greater storage alternatives.
Range and efficiency? We tried the EPA-rated 274-mile all-wheel-drive EV6. The EV6’s real-world range was 261 miles, below Edmunds’ projection. Our 32.4 kWh/100 miles energy consumption matches the EPA’s estimate. Only the EV6 has failed to meet EPA projections.
Some Mach-E and Model Y versions can go over 300 miles on a charge. Even the Ioniq 5 performed better in our tests.
The EV6 works with the newest high-powered DC fast-charging stations. It’s wonderful to hear that the EV6 will be compatible with the next generation of 350-kW fast chargers, but they’re still uncommon. Most DC fast-charging stations provide 50 kW to 125 kW.
Is the EV6 affordable? Our EV6 GT-Line included a 360-degree parking camera, head-up display, and blind-spot monitoring. The EV6’s pricing matches Ford and Hyundai’s, but it’s not as good. At this price, the interior materials and sound system are subpar.
Kia has an industry-leading warranty. EVs have a 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty that includes the battery pack. Basic, corrosion, and roadside coverage lasts five years/60,000 miles.
New EVs like the EV6 are progressively flooding our highways. It’s exciting to drive yet has polarizing looks. However, if you want a next-generation EV experience, the inside may seem dull. The Ioniq 5 has more personality, and the Tesla Model Y offers something distinctive in this sector that Kia’s EV6 doesn’t.
Image credits: theCarSpecs.com
