Verdict
Design | Consolation | Know-how | Efficiency | Security | Gas Financial system | Pricing | FAQs
The 2022 Kia EV6 is an objectively nice electrical crossover. Lengthy-legged, agreeably priced, freshly styled, and enjoyable to drive, it is little marvel Kia has struggled to maintain up with demand at the same time as sellers add every kind of markups. However the EV6 is simply one of many South Korean conglomerate’s trio of compact electrical crossovers. And once I set my objectivity apart, the EV6 is the final one I would take into account.
That is in the end down to non-public desire fairly than some vital evaluation, although. Mechanically, the EV6 is similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and really intently associated to the Genesis GV60. You possibly can’t go fallacious with any of those three EVs, though I personally choose the Ioniq’s styling and the Genesis’ out there efficiency and inside design. But when the Kia tickles your fancy, or in the event you’re merely struggling to seek out both of the opposite two in inventory, the EV6 is a brilliant, nice different with numerous vary and spectacular cost pace.
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65 Photographs
Design
Exterior Colour: Metal Matte GrayInterior Colour: BlackWheel Dimension: 19 Inch
Regardless of their relationship, all three of Hyundai Motor Group’s electrical crossovers have their very own distinctive exterior type. Kia’s is arguably essentially the most avant garde. The hood plunges down, presenting an angular, wedge-like form, which the squinty headlights and slim grille emphasize. The sill finisher kicks up aggressively because it strikes towards the EV6’s tail, ultimately merging with the C-shaped lightbar that wraps into the fenders. Matte grey paint is accessible, and it makes a good-looking car handsomer nonetheless, however I would advocate a gloss or metallic colour except you are keen to cope with the particular necessities that include this end.
The EV6’s cabin has way more in frequent with the Ioniq and GV60. The middle show slab, which homes two 12.3-inch shows, is similar, and normally the Kia and Hyundai have comparable materials selections and sprint/door shapes. Nonetheless, the EV6’s cabin isn’t as open and spacious because the Hyundai or Genesis. A middle console that extends additional ahead and the all-black inside are definitely guilty on that entrance. The non-obligatory suede upholstery seems to be nice and within reason reasonably priced, at the very least.
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Consolation
Seating Capability: 5Seating Configuration: 2 / 3Cargo Capability: 24.4 / 50.2 Cubic Ft
Even with 19-inch wheels, the EV6’s journey is relaxed because of the 55-series tires (the car pictured wears non-obligatory 20s on 45-series rubber). The thick sidewalls pay dividends, giving the Macpherson-strut entrance/multi-link rear suspension loads of leeway and contributing to the steady and remoted journey. There’s little or no tire roar right here, too, and a twist of the quantity knob simply beats no matter wind noise creeps into the cabin.
The place the EV6 falls brief is with ho-hum entrance seats. They really feel flatter and fewer supportive than the thrones within the Ioniq 5 and EV6, not to mention rival EVs just like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen ID.4. The rear bench is a greater place and advantages from a flat flooring that makes the world usable for 3 adults in a pinch.
Know-how & Connectivity
Middle Show: 12.3-inch TouchscreenInstrument Cluster Show: 12.3-inchWireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto: No
Enticing graphics and fast responses from the middle touchscreen, together with a format that guarantees fast, environment friendly navigation, make the infotainment system within the EV6 (and its siblings) one in all our favorites. The digital instrument cluster that works alongside the touchscreen has just a few totally different themes, though Kia may stand to be bolder – there’s little or no differentiation between the seems to be.
Some extent of rivalry throughout my week with the EV6, which I cut up with Editor-In-Chief Seyth Miersma, was the touch-sensitive bar that sits beneath the infotainment display screen. Press a button and it exhibits the local weather controls. Press once more, and the knobs for the dual-zone local weather begin adjusting the quantity and tuning the radio whereas quick-access buttons for the infotainment pop up – I did not know this and spent my first day behind the wheel considering the EV6 had no {hardware} controls for the audio system. The association is not dangerous, however I feel it is unnecessarily difficult. Miersma feels in any other case. Inform Seyth why I am proper within the feedback.
Efficiency & Dealing with
Engine: Single Synchronous Everlasting MotorOutput: 225 Horsepower / 258 Pound-FeetTransmission: Single-Velocity Automated
One factor I’ve realized after a number of years of EV testing is that it solely not often is smart to go for the extra highly effective mannequin. I made that argument in my overview of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and I will make it quickly with a bit on the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580. For now, although, I would prefer to contradict myself, as a result of the EV6 is deeply uninteresting in single-motor kind.
The rear-mounted electrical motor and 77.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery (the GT-Line is not out there with the bottom 58.0-kWh pack) are good for 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, however they wrestle to inspire the 4,255-pound crossover. There’s rapid off-the-line torque, naturally, however the efficiency feels extra serviceable than sensational. Maybe it’s simply that we’ve been spoiled by all-electric rocket ships, however the EV6’s 7.2-second dash to 60 feels downright leisurely, particularly in comparison with the 5.1 seconds it takes a dual-motor mannequin to attain the identical pace.
Furthermore, and that is my midwestern mind speaking, the concept of a rear-drive CUV has restricted attraction in Michigan. However there is perhaps a small dealing with benefit with the rear-driver, which is sort of 200 kilos lighter. The journey is agile sufficient however by no means feels particularly partaking. Physique motions are free however linear, whereas tossing this Kia right into a bend rapidly overwhelms the 235/55/19 tires and comfortable suspension tuning.
Braking is predictable, though as is normally the case, I relied on the adjustable motor regen. Like Ioniq and GV60, there are three steps along with a totally off setting and the sensible i-Pedal mode, which delivers one-pedal driving. The system’s major annoyance is that i-Pedal is not persistent; the motive force has to reactivate it each time the car begins.
Security
Driver Help Degree: SAE Degree 2 Fingers-OffNHTSA Score: Not Rated IIHS Score: Not Rated
The EV6 GT-Line consists of each lively security system within the Kia catalog customary. The spotlight is, after all, Freeway Driving Help 2, which blends adaptive cruise management and lane-keeping tech with an automated lane change perform. The system works fantastically on the highway, behaving predictably in each heavy site visitors or by means of freeway bends. HDA 2 features a navigation-based adaptive cruise management that may even sluggish for approaching corners.
Gas Financial system
EV Vary: 310 MilesCharge Kind: 110 Volts @ 12 Amps / 240 Volts @ 48 Amps / 50 Kilowatts DC @ 125 Amps / 240 Kilowatts DC @ 200 AmpsCharge Time: 68 Hours / 7.2 Hours / 73 Minutes (10-80 P.c) / 18 Minutes (10-80 P.c)
Pricing
Base Value: $41,400 + $1,295 DestinationTrim Base Value: $52,995As-Examined Value: $53,405
With out absurd markups, costs for the 2022 EV6 begin at $42,695 (together with a $1,295 vacation spot cost). However that evenly outfitted mannequin can also be down on energy and has a smaller battery. If you would like the absolutely loaded GT-Line with its bigger battery and 225 hp, plan on ponying up $52,995. The out-the-door worth for my tester, which added the $695 matte paint job and a $295 suede seat pack was $53,405. Including the dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup would add $4,700 to the worth, and whereas $58,000 is an efficient chunk of change for a automotive, the EV6 makes a compelling case.
I am undecided I would pay that although, as a result of the mid-range EV6 Wind is such a robust worth. With a beginning worth of $48,795 in rear-drive kind and $52,695 for all-wheel drive, it sacrifices a bit of that I would actually name vital. HDA2 disappears, however the usual HDA 1 system is nice – I promise, you will survive with out automated lane adjustments. Issues like a panoramic sunroof and augmented actuality HUD are good, however is any of these items price $4,200? And would you need any of it greater than the dual-motor association, which solely prices $3,900 on the Wind? Precisely.
