LOOKS

The Kia EV6 GT is somewhat of a mix between a crossover/SUV and a hatchback, and some people might be inclined to call it a wagon. It’s not as bulky in design as you would expect from a typical crossover.

Whatever you want to call it, the EV6 features some funky-looking but cool designs on both the front and back ends that definitely make it stand out vs. its rivals. The front grille and headlight designs are unlike any I’ve seen, and the rear spoiler design will draw attention.

The EV6 GT features 21-inch alloy wheels (Lower trim models will feature smaller tires), a power sunroof, power liftgate, and rear privacy glass. And the door handles are embedded in the door and pop out when the car is unlocked.

Moving inside the vehicle, the sport-style seating in the EV6 GT is stylish in looks, but the faux-suede seats also take some time to get used to and aren’t the most comfortable I’ve experienced.

On the positive side, all interior controls on the vehicle are nicely laid out and easy to use. The unique setup of the controls also allows for extra storage space up front for small items, including a space below the center console.

On the down side, I felt the interior had too much plastic for the price you are paying for the EV6 GT. Even seat adjustments in the GT were done manually without power controls, which I thought was odd for a vehicle at this price point. (other EV6 models do offer power seats).

In terms of cargo space, the EV6 GT offers 24.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 50.2 cubic feet with the second row down. These numbers are low compared to rivals. There is technically a “front trunk” included, but it’s so small you can’t put much in it.

You do get a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and the vehicle is roomy for all passengers.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Now we’re reached what really matters: How does this bad boy drive?

The Kia EV6 GT trim level that I tested features All-Wheel Drive and a dual-motor setup (one up front and one in the rear) that delivers a tremendous output of 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. It also features a 77.4 kWh lithium Ion battery pack.

Lower trim levels are also available with a single electric motor in the rear, and the EV6 comes in a variety of RWD and AWD options. Most EV6 options below the GT level offer either 320 horsepower (AWD models) or 225 horsepower (FWD models).

The GT featured an electronically controlled suspension, as well as an electronic limited slip differential that helps improve launches, as well as steering at high speeds, and performance on rainy or snowy roads.

The EV6 GT’s 0-to-60 time will blow you away, coming in at under 3.5 seconds, and 0 to 100 takes just 8 seconds. To say you get a good launch is quite the understatement. Opt for lower trims and you’ll still accomplish 0-to-60 in roughly 5 seconds.

If we’re being honest, this powerful drive quality is why some people will buy the GT version of the EV6 instead of the other options. The key to unlocking the true fun of this vehicle is the green “GT” button on the steering wheel, which will allow you to launch the car like a rocket.

The immense sense of power and enjoyment you will experience once you press the GT button is hard to describe, and something you really have to experience firsthand.

The adaptive suspension keeps the ride smooth even when you are powering down the road. Braking, handling and cornering are top notch. The GT also features a stiffer chassis, and more responsive brakes.

This is the type of car you'll want to take to the local racetrack for an adventure.

Outside of GT mode, you can opt between. Eco, Normal and Sport modes. 

 
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The infotainment system on the EV6’s 12.3-inch touchscreen doesn’t have the most modern design, but it works as well as the systems you’ll find in rival EVs. The touchscreen controls are easy to master, and voice commands also proved efficient in my testing. Navigation proved effective in getting me where I needed to go, and it was easy to set new destinations.

Below the main screen is a separate row of controls, which you must manipulate to transfer between climate and radio controls. It’s a bit unique to have this dual-purpose design, and it takes time for the driver to get familiar with the setup.

In other tech features, an additional 12.3-inch screen is in front of the driver to display all critical information, and you also have access to a well-placed wireless phone charger.

The EV6 features a respectable but not spectacular audio system, and a three-month trial to satellite radio. You can also connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB.

Moving on to safety, Kia’s Drivewise Driver-Assist Technology includes a bevy of features, including:
— Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist  
— Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist 
— Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist 
— Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist 
— Parking Distance Warning, Forward / Reverse 
— Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, Reverse 
— Safe Exit Assist 
— Highway Driving Assist 2 
— Remote Smart Parking Assist 

The EV6 also features a cutting-edge, augmented-reality head-up display, plus adaptive cruise control, and Surround View Monitor cameras that proved very helpful in parking situations.

Airbags are plentiful, including dual front airbags, driver's knee airbag, dual front seat-mounted side and full-length curtain airbags.

All the key systems did their job well, especially the blind spot warnings and lane departure warnings. There’s even a driver attention warning that alerts you if it appears the driver is getting inattentive.

RANGE, CHARGING

How far you can go on a full charge in the Kia EV6 will depend on the trim level you choose and wheel size selection.

Before I get to the GT, I’ll let you know that lower trims of the EV6 will offer between 232 and 310 miles of range. (RWD models top out at 310, and AWD models top out at 282)

Moving up to the GT model means your range will drop below that range. The 2023 model that I tested offered 206 miles of range, but the good news for 2024 is that number has been boosted to 218 miles. 

The EV6 GT is now rated at 83 MPGe (88 city/77 highway).

The improvement is welcome, but it’s still a disappointing number compared to rival EVs from Ford, Tesla and others.

In terms of the charging experience, I charged my EV6 GT test vehicle with a public charger, and went from 39 percent to 78 percent battery in just over a half-hour for a charge of roughly $10. Like all EVs, I recommend that anyone who buys one has a Level 2 charger installed at home so they don’t have to rely on public charging, and can instead charge their vehicle overnight while they sleep.

PRICE

The base model of the Kia EV6 starts around $44K, and the EV6 GT that I tested was priced near the top of the price range at $62,865. Trims include Light, Wind, GT-Line, and GT. For those who can’t afford the GT and its extreme power boost, lower trim levels of the EV6 will offer a respectable drive quality and be easier on your pocketbook.

While these prices are not numbers that everyone can afford, in the electric crossover segment where it competes that’s actually competitive and better than some rivals. For example, the BMW iX M60 electric SUV will run you over $100K, The Genesis GV60 crossover will run between $54K and $70K. Its closest competitor is probably the Ford Mach-E GT, which will run you at least $60K. The Tesla Model Y ranges from $44K to $53K, but can’t match the horsepower of the EV6 GT.

For true mass adoption, EV prices will need to come down from these levels, but as it stands now the EV6 offers a competitive price range.

As usual, Kia knocks it out the park with the warranties, with an industry leading 10-year/100,000 mile warranty on both the powertrain and battery, and a 5-year/60,000 mile overall bumper-to-bumper warranty on the EV6. You’ll also get 5 years/60,000 miles of roadside assistance.

BOTTOM LINE

With tremendous power that outshines the EV competition, the Kia EV6 GT will appeal to EV buyers who are more concerned with maximizing the fun factor in their ride than they are about maximizing range or having a luxurious interior.

There are a lot more practical EV options out there, but they’re nowhere near as fun as the EV6 GT.

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