Kia EV6 2024: Going All Out
August 09 2024, World Cars Kia
After 14 years in the business, I can easily tell when a manufacturer designs a vehicle just to fill a gap in its lineup or when they aim to offer the most competitive new product on the market. As you might have guessed, the Kia EV6 falls into the latter category, and this is due to several key factors. First, the model is well-designed on all fronts. It's a practical and functional vehicle, which isn't always the case. Additionally, it offers a range that far exceeds the average, and to top it all off, the brand has even decided to create a variant with more exhilarating performance. In short, the Kia EV6 is one of the rare products that make me believe electric vehicles aren't uninteresting.
Kia hasn't made any major improvements to the model for 2024, which isn't necessarily a problem since the EV6 is still up-to-date. In fact, I would even go as far as to say that the Korean manufacturer's SUV remains a true benchmark in its segment and is definitely a model to consider if you're in the market for an electric vehicle.
Range and Pricing
The 2024 Kia EV6 is a serious and competitive vehicle. That's why I seriously wonder how the Korean manufacturer manages to offer it at such an aggressive price range. The model has a starting price of $55,995, and this is before any government rebates. The entry-level version (Wind) is rear-wheel drive, which might not be ideal for Canada, especially in winter. That's why I recommend opting for the all-wheel-drive Land version, which has a starting price of only $61,662. Finally, if you want to experience the ultimate thrill that the Kia EV6 offers, there's also the all-wheel-drive GT version. The performance of this version could make many exotic cars blush, especially with a starting price of $69,995.
Category and Competition
Despite appearances, the Kia EV6 is indeed an SUV, which makes it particularly interesting from a stylistic perspective. It belongs to the most competitive vehicle category within the electric vehicle niche, but fortunately for the brand, the SUV has many strong points in its favor. It's one of the few models I could recommend without hesitation in this segment.
Rivals: Chevrolet Equinox EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona EV, Kia Niro, Mazda MX-30, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, Vinfast VF8, Volkswagen ID.4
Design and Technology
With its sleek look and low roofline, the Kia EV6 resembles anything but an SUV, which is what makes it so aesthetically appealing. It offers a fairly high ground clearance, and its interior is very spacious, making it as versatile as other models in its category. In any case, its modern appearance turns heads, and it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful electric SUVs currently available on the market.
The interior of the 2024 Kia EV6 is very modern and minimalist, which I like a lot. The dashboard boasts a sleek design, and the finish is impeccable. It feels like a luxury vehicle, which is great for the brand. I also really like the steering wheel's design, which is unique. The Korean manufacturer has done an excellent job with the technology too. The EV6 SUV's multimedia system is fast and smooth.
Performance
The 2024 Kia EV6 offers four powertrain options, starting with the standard-range, rear-wheel-drive version. This one has a single electric motor with 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its average range is 373 kilometers on a full charge. Next is the extended-range, rear-wheel-drive version. The power is slightly higher here, with 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The range is around 499 kilometers. Things start to get more serious with the extended-range, all-wheel-drive version. This one features multiple electric motors for a combined total power of 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, this powertrain offers a range of around 454 kilometers on a full charge. Finally, if performance is what you're after, there's the GT version with a total power of 576 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 260 km/h. Unfortunately, the performance of this version negatively impacts the range, which is around 332 kilometers.
Weak Points
The range of the GT version isn't very competitive. The hatchback design makes the rear trunk less spacious than it should be.
Strong Points
It's an eye-catching and very stylish vehicle. Its interior is modern and features a high-end finish. The Korean manufacturer's SUV offers cutting-edge technology and very comprehensive standard equipment. The performance of the GT version is breathtaking.
Signature Element
The 2024 Kia EV6 is simply the benchmark for electric SUVs at the moment.
Final Word
Competition is getting fiercer in the electric vehicle segment, but few manufacturers have managed to offer a complete package without major flaws. Fortunately, Kia has succeeded with the EV6, and that's why I highly recommend the model.
