A view at dusk of the EV6.
In a bid to out-Tesla Tesla, the new Kia EV6 GT-Line matches the range and utility, at a more palatable price point. We even like the way it looks. Between its quick charge capabilities and next-gen appearance, not to mention the cargo room and comfortable ride, we think Kia has a winner! But Napleton News has a bone to pick with the company, too. Read on for more.
The new Kia EV6 GT-Line is a cross between a crossover and a sedan. For simplicity’s sake, let’s call it a CUV. It has four doors and seats five passengers. The EV6 is available in several trim levels ranging from (base) Light, (mid-range) Wind and GT-Line and top-shelf GT (available late 2022). Wind, GT-Line and GT models are all available in rear or all-wheel drive. The entry-level Wind features a 58-kWh battery and an electric motor making 167 horsepower. Its mileage range checks in at 232 miles.
Our tester was the mid-level GT-Line with rear-wheel drive. It includes a 77.4-kWh battery making 225 horsepower and a range of 310 miles. It manages an EPA rating of 134 city MPGe /101 MPGe. And here’s the best part: The EV6 is outfitted with an 800-volt fast charging circuit. Slowly being introduced into many EVs, it speeds up the charging process, getting rid of those projected two hour lunch stops just to get an additional 40 miles of range. When connected to a DC fast charger, the EV6 can charge an additional 70 miles in five minutes. It can take on up to 80 percent or 217 miles of range in under 20 minutes.
As a bonus, buyers receive 1,000 kWh of free charging via Electrify America charging stations. That’s good for around 12 full charges. On the downside, the EV6 does not include a home charging cable, even as an add-on option. We find that a bit odd.
The Kia EV6 GT-Line is one of the boldest over-the-edge vehicles we have ever driven. Our tester featured a steel gray matte paint finish that is (surprise!) hand washable. The look is sleek and futuristic with sleek LED head and daylight running lights in front. A rear taillight graphic lights up the hatchback from left to right. The upturned deck lid even serves as a spoiler of sorts.
The sides feature ground-effect side skirts and an aggressive front fascia. They are complemented with aerodynamic alloy wheels and a rear under-bumper diffuser. It helps rid the chassis of any trapped air that lingers underneath. A hidden charging door at the right rear corner of the body can be accessed by the push of a button on the dashboard.
The interior of the GT-Line is practical and futuristic at the same time. The first thing you’ll notice is a wrap-around display screen comprising two 12.0-inch touchscreens mounted side-by-side in front of the driver and center console. The seats are comfortable and feature heating, and thankfully for Florida, ventilation to help keep your backside cool. A pedestal-style center console allows storage above and below. Finally, you’ll notice something is missing: The transmission tunnel. Since the EV6 incorporates an electric motor at the rear axle, or two of them if it’s AWD, there is no driveshaft running from the front engine bay to the rear axle. That means there’s more space inside. By the numbers, it’s relatively large. At 114.2 inches, Kia boasts the EV6 has the same wheelbase as the best-selling Kia Telluride.
The seating inside can be outfitted with vegan leather. We don’t know why they call it that. Some of it is developed from cactus, pineapple husks and other plant byproducts. Other interior bits are from recycled plastics. You can’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk.
By the numbers, the cargo capacity of the EV6 brings 27.7 cubic feet behind the 60:40 folding rear seat. Fold those forward and that space grows to 53.5 cubic feet. That’s quite a load from your local warehouse store.
Honestly, we were nervous. How would you feel opening the rear hatch of the EV6 and after looking around, realized that the home charging cable is missing? Actually, it’s not missing at all. It is just not a part of the package. Sure, you can go to your local Kia parts department to purchase one for approximately $1,100. But there is a better deal with the Kia Level 2 home charger. It will require some installation, but at $749, it is cheaper and faster than the slow-as-molasses 120-volt charger.
After a two-hour stint on the Napleton Northlake Kia supercharger, we were freshly topped off to the tune of 334 miles. When we got home from a long drive, a quick look showed there was still over 200 miles of range left in the batteries. With no anxiety, we went inside for the night, knowing that a variety of recharging options were all around us. A local Walmart has several superchargers available, and there is a supercharger at our local Kia dealership. Think about it: You don’t have a gas tank buried in your backyard. Why should there be an electric powerplant there either? Instead, get into the habit of charging during the day, perhaps at work, or while shopping or on the way home.
Be done with it once you are home.
Acceleration was silky smooth in normal and sport modes. We chose ECO mode to stretch out the mileage. The ECO driving mode felt as though we were in a “one-pedal” driving style. That’s a function in some electric vehicles that begins a charging function anytime you lift your foot off the accelerator. It’s somehow reassuring seeing the battery gauge go back into charge mode. Mind you, it may not be ready for that cross-country road trip yet, but soon.
Handling was en pointe, thanks to the low center of gravity caused by placing batteries between the wheels at the bottom of the EV platform. The front-to-rear weight bias of 49/51 helped keep the chassis well-sorted which allowed it to be driven in a spritely manner.
Driving and owning an EV will take some adjustments. But as we found out, it’s not the grid that needs to be adjusted. It’s our heads. Once your anxiety is put to rest, you’ll learn to love it as much as you did your first car.
| 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line | ||
| Engine Type | Electric Vehicle | |
| Horsepower | 225 hp | |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission | |
| Fuel Economy (Equivalent) | 134 city/101 hwy/117 combined mpg equivalent | |
| Suspension F/R | Strut / Multi-link | |
| Turning Circle | 38.2 ft. | |
| Also Available | Dual Motor AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | Not yet rated | |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | |
| Overall Length | 184.8 inches | |
| Width | 74.4 inches | |
| Height | 60.8 inches | |
| Cargo Room (Behind 1st and 2nd row) | 53.5/27.7 Cubic Feet | |
| Headroom, Front | 36.8 inches | |
| Headroom, 2nd | 38.0 inches | |
| Legroom, 1st | 42.4 inches | |
| Legroom, 2nd | 39.0 inches | |
| Shoulder, 1st | 57.8 inches | |
| Shoulder, 2nd | 55.6 inches |
This post was published on October 12, 2022
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