If you’re considering a new electric vehicle, take a serious look at the 2023 Kia EV6
Written by Colleen Ryan
Charging time isn’t the only thing about this car that’s fast
Positives
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what’s new?
The 2023 Kia EV6 enters its second year of existence as one of the most desirable new electric vehicles. Pricing starts at $48,700 (in 49 states).
With the ability to travel 310 miles, charge its battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, or thrill its passengers by hitting 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, the 2023 EV6 is a reliable alternative to Tesla (TSLA). Less money.
Technology is a strong point in the EV6, which has two large information displays as well as many standard driver-assistance features. The available all-wheel drive system can also automatically adapt to conditions, enhancing either traction or energy efficiency.
However, there are also industry-leading warranties and an established dealer network. Anyone considering a new electric vehicle should take a long, hard look at the 2023 EV6.
Kia EV6 2023 prices
The price of the 2023 Kia EV6 starts at $42,600. That’s for the Light trim level, which is only available in California. For the other 49 states, the Wind RWD is the new base model, which starts at $48,700. Adding the second engine for all-wheel drive costs an additional $3,900.
That amount rises to $4,700 with the GT line. The new-for-2023 GT features all-wheel drive as standard, as well as the most powerful powertrain, and starts at $61,600. It’s well equipped, so options are few and it’s not expensive.
With every new EV6, Kia also includes 1,000 kWh of free charging (over three years) using the Electrify America DC fast charging network — which works for approximately 3,500 to 4,000 miles. The 2023 Kia EV6 is available in all 50 states.
2023 Kia EV6 MSRP EV6 Light (California-only) $42,600 EV6 Wind $48,700 EV6 GT-Line $52,900 EV6 GT $61,600
These are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) and do not include the $1,325 destination charge.
The closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $41.5k, but the EV6’s Wind trim level is closer to $47.5k. The Ford (F) Mustang Mach-E starts at around $43K, the Tesla Model Y starts at around $47.7K, the single-engine Polestar 2 (PSNY) starts at under $50K, and the new 2023 Toyota bZ4X ( 7203.TO ) starts at $42,000.
If all that’s a little pricey, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV comes in at $27.8k, the Volkswagen ID.4 goes for $38.9k, or the Kia Niro EV starts at around $39.5k.
SEE: 2023 Kia EV6 vs. VW ID.4: Two very different approaches to going electric
Before purchasing a new EV6, check the purchase price at the Kelley Blue Book Fair to find out what you should really pay. Electric cars in general have strong resale values, and we expect that to be particularly the case for the sought-after EV6.
What’s new for 2023
The base Light model is now only available in California, and there’s a new GT version that tops the range with 576 horsepower. The Technology Package that was offered with all-wheel-drive versions of the Wind is now available with rear-wheel-drive models. It includes a 360-degree camera system, a blind spot monitor, and a remote smart parking assistant.
Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023: This highly rated futuristic SUV is at the forefront of a new wave of electric vehicles
Driving the Kia EV6 2023
Electric motors can deliver their full output almost instantly. No need to wait for the turbochargers to kick in or for the combustion engine to reach the sweet spot in its powerband.
This is especially effective in the new-for-2023 EV6 GT, which has an impressive 576 horsepower, a sportier suspension (stiffer and lower) than other EV6 variants, and upgraded brakes. It takes just 3.4 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph.
Don’t worry, the GT’s ride quality is still quite acceptable. It’s truly an amazing car, electric or not. It’s fast, exciting and an absolute delight.
The lower edges are also quiet and composed, while remaining comfortable enough for most tastes. In each model, the steering is precise and well-weighted, while the brakes feel direct and confident, although there are four levels of energy regeneration.
Placing the battery pack under the floor keeps the center of gravity nice and low, which increases the feeling of stability. The EV6 is also well balanced, with a 49/51 front-to-rear weight distribution.
Drivers won’t really feel this happening, but the EV6’s all-wheel drive system brings the front motor (only driving the front wheels) in and out of gear, depending on what’s needed at the time.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current crop of electric vehicles, including Kia’s EV6.
RELATED: The 2023 Kia EV6 is more than $17,000 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y. How does it compare?
Modern interior
The EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are essentially siblings under the skin, but the EV6 arguably has more design flair in its cabin. We certainly like being in the EV6 and can imagine people preferring the center console’s rotary gear selector to the Ioniq 5’s steering column stalk.
Straight out of the Mercedes-Benz interior design book, dual 12.3-inch displays are housed in a single unit, slightly curved, and fitted with anti-glare glass. One screen provides information to the driver, and the other is a touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Recycled materials contribute to the fabrics, and no animal products were used in the manufacture of the simulated leather seating surfaces. But that doesn’t mean they feel cheap. The level of quality throughout the cabin as a whole is impressive.
With a platform designed specifically for electric vehicles, the 2023 EV6 has a flat floor and plenty of interior space for seating five. The wheelbase (distance between the axles) is the same as the mid-size 3-row Kia Telluride SUV.
Space for rear passengers is maximized by special front seats that have thinner backs than the typical model, thanks to a thin frame of ultra-light steel. The GT comes with model-specific lightweight front sports seats. If this sounds uncomfortable, fear not, they are fine. They just hold their passengers nicely in place when taking fast turns.
The rear seats can also be folded, split and folded in the time-honoured 60/40 way. Cargo space is 24.4 cubic feet, and can expand to 50.2 cubic feet with both rear seats folded. This is somewhat disappointing, as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 has 27.2/59.3 cubic feet. And both cars lose out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E in this regard. The EV6 also has a small storage area under the hood.
Expressive external appearance
In pursuit of optimal aerodynamic efficiency, the 2023 EV6’s door handles are flush with the body. In the smallest pieces, they are pulled by hand. Those in GT-Line and GT exit automatically.
Given the wind-resistant body shape, potential buyers of the new EV6 will have to decide for themselves whether it’s an SUV or a higher-than-usual hatchback. This slightly raised position provides space for the floor-mounted battery.
Either way, there are plenty of details to please the eye. Like the different alloy wheel designs and the way the taillight wraps from one rear fender to the next. GT-Line and GT models also come with a wide-panel power sunroof.
The higher the trim level, the more premium paint options. The most expensive is Steel Matte Gray for $695.
See also: How long can you expect an electric car to last?
Our favorite features and technologies
800V fast charging This is pretty much the latest in charging technology. DC fast chargers allow electric vehicle batteries to add about 70 miles of range in less than five minutes. The 2023 EV6 is capable of going from 10% to 80% (about 217 miles) in 18 minutes.
Vehicle Loader (V2L) In addition to providing power to the 2023 EV6’s electric motor(s), the battery pack also has an outlet to power various devices and even act as a backup in case of a power outage at home. This feature becomes standard in 2023.
Meridian audio: This is a well-respected name among audiophiles. Meridian settings are also found on Jaguar and Land Rovers. The EV6 comes with an impressive 14-speaker system as standard.
Wireless Charging Simply place the smartphone on the pad on the center console, and it will recharge automatically. It’s standard on every 2023 EV6 model and is just a nice little convenience feature.
The heat pump isn’t the most exciting feature, but it’s one worth having. It captures heat from the powertrain and directs it to the cabin – and even to the battery when needed, enhancing energy efficiency. It’s optional on the Wind and GT-Line, and standard on the GT.
Remote Smart Parking Assistant The driver can control the 2023 EV6 from outside the car, using the buttons on the key fob to make it easier to enter or exit the car in tight parking spaces. This is optional on the Wind model, and standard on the GT-Line and GT.
SEE: American drivers have lost their love for the latest car designs and technology, study finds
Engine and transmission
The California-only Lightweight model is available with rear-wheel drive only. The less expensive EV6 is also the least exciting, with just 167 horsepower, but 258 pound-feet of torque still gives it very quick acceleration.
The Wind and GT-Line models have the same drivetrains, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) models getting 225 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from a single electric motor.
Two electric motors create a specific type of all-wheel drive (AWD), one for each axle. Both Wind and GT-Line versions with all-wheel drive have a combined 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque.
The new 2023 EV6 GT also has two electric motors and all-wheel drive, but produces 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque.
Each version of the 2023 EV6 is rated to be able to tow up to 2,300 pounds — however, that will impact range.
Power for every 2023 EV6 model comes from a lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Charging at home with 240 volts can take about seven hours. When connected to a DC fast charger, it can charge up to 217 miles of range in just 18 minutes.
(More to follow) Dow Jones News Agency
09-18-23 0502ET
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