PHOENIX — Visually, Kia’s all-new electric-only vehicle strikes an eclectic if not quirky exterior design. Sitting somewhere between a crossover, a wagon and a sportback sedan, it makes a more than favorable impression. Stunning would not be an exaggeration. The EV6 is sized similarly to the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

Kia offers the EV6 in three different models and drivetrains: The base model Light delivers 167-horsepower to solely the rear wheels; the mid-level Wind (tested here) and top-level GT-Line can be optioned with either a single 22-horsepower motor driving the rear wheels, or a pair of AC synchronous motors, one up front and one at the rear, combining for 320-horsepower with a muscular 446 lb. ft. of torque

The Light is equipped with a 58kWh battery rated at 232 miles of driving range on a fully charged battery, while the Wind and GT-Line deliver up to 310 rated miles via a 77.4 kWh power pack. For comparison, the EV6 (77.4 kWh) achieved 339 miles in real-world city/highway driving, besting Tesla Model Y which reached 324 miles. The Model Y has a base price of $57,940 versus our test EV6 Wind at $47,000. That’s nearly $11,000 less for a vehicle with more features and a greater driving range plus EV6 buyers are eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit that is not included with the purchase of any Telsa model.

As impressive is Kia’s fast-charging system, which can add over 200 miles of range in just 18 minutes when using a 350kW charger like Electrify America. This goes a long way to reduce travel times when your trip is beyond 310 miles. 70 additional miles can be added in less than five minutes All EV6 buyers will receive 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging on Electrify America stations.

Slipping behind the wheel, the seats are supremely comfortable with microfiber upholstered material. The floating center console houses the start/stop pushbutton, round gear selector, and a wireless phone charger just in front of the armrest-concealed storage bin.

We found the EV6 incredibly comfortable, roomy, quiet and with superb driving dynamics and a choice of four drive modes, precise steering, sporty handling on 20-inch wheels, virtually no body roll or bouncing, and a suite of Kia’s excellent Drivewise driver-assistance features that rival those on the most expensive of luxury vehicles.



The EV6’s outstanding driving range, excellent value and price advantage and impressive driving dynamics alone would be enough to merit your attention and purchase. But add the head-turning advanced styling and ridiculously fast recharging, and we think it isn’t just the best, most nearly perfect vehicle Kia has ever made.

We also think it’s the best all-electric vehicle for the money.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $47,000
Price as Tested: $48,710
Engine/Transmission: 77.4 kWh Lithium ion battery powers a 168kW electric motor (225hp) and direct-drive automatic transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 134/101/ MPGe – with 310 mile driving range when fully charged.
Seating: 5

Crash Test Results: The EV6 has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Where Built: HwaSung, Korea

Competes With:
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Tesla Model 3, Model Y
Volkswagen ID.4.

Fab Features:
One of the best EV driving ranges
Roomy, Comfy and refined, entertaining driving dynamics
Stylish, exciting design outside and in

— Jim Prueter