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 for 310 miles, charge its battery from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes, or thrill its occupants by hitting 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, the 2023 EV6 is a credible alternative to a Tesla
TSLA,
for a lot less money.
Technology is a strong point in the EV6, sporting two large information screens as well as many standard driver assistance features. The available all-wheel drive system can even adjust to conditions automatically, enhancing either traction or energy efficiency.
Yet there’s also the reassurance of industry-leading warranties and a well-established dealer network. Anyone contemplating a new electric car should take a long, serious look at the 2023 EV6.
2023 Kia EV6 pricing
The 2023 Kia EV6 starts at $42,600. That’s for the Light trim level, which is only available in California. For the 49 other states, the Wind RWD trim is the new base model, which starts at $48,700. Adding the second motor for all-wheel drive costs an extra $3,900.
That amount increases to $4,700 with the GT-Line. The new-for-2023 GT has all-wheel drive as standard, as well as the most powerful drivetrain, and starts at $61,600. It’s well-appointed, so options are few and not that 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 — that works out to around 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 fee.
The closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5
HYMTF,
starts at $41.5K, but a comparable trim level to the EV6’s Wind is closer to $47.5K. The Ford
F,
Mustang Mach-E is about $43K, the Tesla Model Y begins at around $47.7k, a single-motor Polestar 2
PSNY,
starts at just under $50K, and the new-for-2023 Toyota bZ4X
TM,
begins at $42K.
If this is all a bit pricey, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV comes in at $27.8K, the Volkswagen ID.4
VWAGY,
at $38.9K, or the Kia Niro EV starts at about $39.5K.
See: The 2023 Kia EV6 vs. the VW ID.4: Two very different approaches to going electric
Before buying a new EV6, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Electric vehicles, in general, enjoy strong resale values, and we expect this to be especially so for the desirable EV6.
What’s new for 2023
The base Light trim is now only available in California, and there’s a new range-topping GT version with a mighty 576 horsepower. A 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, Blind Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Read: The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: This highly-rated futuristic SUV is at the forefront of a fresh wave of electric vehicles
Driving the 2023 Kia EV6
Electric motors can deliver their full output almost immediately. No waiting for turbochargers to spool up or for a combustion engine to reach the sweet spot of its powerband.
This is especially effective in the new-for-2023 EV6 GT, which has a remarkable 576 horsepower, a sportier (firmer and lower) suspension than the other EV6 variants, and upgraded brakes. It needs only 3.4 seconds to sprint to 60 mph.
Don’t worry, the ride quality in the GT is still perfectly tolerable. This really is an amazing car, electric or not. It’s fast, thrilling, and an absolute joy.
The lower trims also enjoy composure and poise, while remaining comfortable enough for most tastes. In every model, the steering is precise and nicely weighted, while the brakes feel direct and confident, despite four levels of energy regeneration.
Placing the battery pack under the floor keeps the center of gravity sweet and low, adding to the feeling of stability. The EV6 is also well balanced, with a weight distribution of 49/51 front to rear.
Drivers won’t really feel it happening, but the all-wheel drive system in the EV6 brings the front motor (driving just the front wheels) in and out of operation, according to what’s needed at the time.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of electric vehicles, including this Kia EV6.
Related: The 2023 Kia EV6 is more than $17,000 cheaper than the Tesla Model Y. How do they compare?
Modern interior
The EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are essentially siblings beneath the skin, but it could be argued that the EV6 has a little more design flair to its cabin. We certainly like being in the EV6 and can imagine people preferring the rotary gear selector in the center console to the stalk on the Ioniq 5’s steering column.
Right out of the Mercedes-Benz
MBG,
book of interior design come dual 12.3-inch screens set into a single unit, curved slightly, and finished with glare-resistant glass. One display provides driver information, 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. That doesn’t mean they feel cheap, however. The level of quality throughout the cabin as a whole is impressive.
Thanks to a platform designed especially for electric vehicles, the 2023 EV6 has a flat floor and plenty of interior room for a 5-seater. The wheelbase (the distance between the axles) is the same as the Kia Telluride midsize 3-row SUV.
Rear passenger space is maximized by special front seats that have a slimmer back than a typical example, made possible by a thin frame of ultra-light steel. The GT comes with model-specific lightweight front sport seats. If that sounds uncomfortable, fear not, they’re fine. They just hold their occupants nicely in place when taking fast corners.
The rear seats also recline, and split and fold in the time-honored 60/40 fashion. Luggage space is 24.4 cubic feet, which can expand to 50.2 cubic feet with both rear seats folded. This is mildly disappointing, since the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has 27.2/59.3 cubic feet. And both vehicles lose out to the Ford Mustang Mach-E in this regard. The EV6 also has a little storage area under the hood.
Expressive exterior
In the pursuit of optimum aerodynamic efficiency, the door handles of the 2023 EV6 are flush to the body. In the lowest trim, they’re pulled out manually. Those in the GT-Line and GT pop out automatically.
Looking at this wind-cheating body shape, potential buyers of a new EV6 electric vehicle will have to decide for themselves whether it’s an SUV or a hatchback with a higher-than-usual ride height. This slightly elevated stance makes room for the floor-mounted battery.
Either way, there are plenty of details to delight the eye. Like the various alloy wheel designs and the way the taillight snakes around from one rear fender to the other. The GT-Line and GT also come with a powered wide-panel sunroof.
The higher the trim level, the more premium paint choices. The priciest is Steel Matte Gray for $695.
Also see: How long you can expect an electric car to last
Our favorite features and tech
800-volt fast charging
This is pretty much the cutting edge of charging tech. DC fast chargers allow EV batteries to add about 70 miles of range in less than five minutes. The 2023 EV6 is capable of going from 10% capacity up to 80% (around 217 miles) in 18 minutes.
Vehicle to Load (V2L)
As well as providing energy for the electric motor(s) in the 2023 EV6, the battery pack also has an outlet to power various appliances and even act as back-up in the event of a power outage at home. This feature becomes standard for 2023.
Meridian audio
This is a well-respected name among audiophiles. Meridian setups are also found in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. The EV6 comes with a superb 14-speaker system as standard.
Wireless charging
Just put a smartphone on the pad in the center console, and recharging happens automatically. It’s standard in every 2023 EV6 and just a great little convenience feature.
Heat pump
Not the most exciting feature, but one worth having. It captures heat from the drivetrain and directs it into the cabin — even to the battery when required, enhancing energy efficiency. It’s optional in the Wind and GT-Line, standard in the GT.
Remote Smart Parking Assist
The driver can control the 2023 EV6 from outside the car, using buttons on the key fob to ease the vehicle into or out of tight parking spaces. This is optional in Wind trim, standard in the GT-Line and GT.
See: American drivers are falling out of love with the latest car designs and tech, study finds
Engine and transmission
The California-only Light trim is only available with RWD. The most affordable EV6 is also the least exciting, with only 167 horsepower, but 258 lb-ft of torque still gives it pretty quick acceleration.
The Wind and GT-Line models have the same drivetrains, with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models enjoying 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a single electric motor.
Two electric motors create a particular kind of all-wheel drive (AWD), one per axle. Both the Wind and GT-Line versions with AWD have a total of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque.
The new-for-2023 EV6 GT also has two electric motors and all-wheel drive, but it develops 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque.
Every version of the 2023 EV6 is rated to tow up to 2,300 pounds — that will affect range, however.
In every variant of the 2023 EV6 energy comes from a lithium-ion polymer battery pack. Charging at home on a 240-volt supply can take about seven hours. When connected to a DC fast charger, 217 miles of range can be uploaded in just 18 minutes.
Electric motor/58.0-kWh battery (Light RWD)
167 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 136/100 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 232 miles
Electric motor/77.4-kWh battery (Wind RWD & GT-Line RWD)
225 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 134/101 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 310 miles
Dual electric motors/77.4-kWh battery (Wind AWD & GT-Line AWD)
320 total horsepower
446 lb-ft of total torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 120/98 MPGe (Wind AWD), 106/86 MPGe (GT-Line AWD w/20-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range: 282 miles (Wind AWD), 252 miles (GT-Line AWD w/20-inch wheels)
Dual electric motors/77.4-kWh battery (GT AWD)
576 total horsepower
545 lb-ft of total torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 85/74 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 206 miles
More Kia EV6 fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.
See: ‘Dirtier to build but cleaner to drive’: This is how many miles you need to drive an EV to reduce its carbon footprint, study finds
5-year/60,000-mile warranty
Kia has some of the best warranties among mainstream car companies (along with sister company Hyundai). The basic new-car coverage on a 2023 EV6 is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s a couple of years or another 24,000 miles more than what’s typical. It’s a similar story with the drivetrain warranty — Kia’s is for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
KBB’s car review methodology.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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