In-depth reviews

Kia EV6 review

The first of the new breed of pure-electric cars from Kia impresses, offering sportier looks and handling than its Hyundai Ioniq 5 cousin

Overall rating

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Sleek looks
  • Sporty handling
  • Good range and charging speed

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Slightly harsh ride
  • Not quite as practical as Ioniq 5
ModelRangeWallbox charge timeRapid charge time
RWD328 miles12hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)18mins (10-80%, 233kW)
AWD314 miles12hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)18mins (10-80%, 233kW)
GT263 miles12hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW)18mins (10-80%, 233kW)

Kia EV6 verdict

Kia has long been an electric-car trailblazer, with the original Soul EV being one of the first mainstream electric crossovers you could buy. But the Kia EV6 model heralds the start of a new generation of impressively high-tech electric cars. With a long range, super smooth and engaging driving dynamics, plus a cutting-edge cabin with the latest infotainment software and charging technology, the EV6 is one of our favourite electric vehicles bar none.

Range details, specs and alternatives

The difference between the EV6 and Kia’s other electric cars is that it’s not based on architecture shared with petrol and diesel-engined models, which often results in some compromises when it comes to design and interior space. Just like the VW Group did with its 'MEB' technology, Kia and sister brands Hyundai and Genesis developed a platform exclusively for electric cars. It's called 'E-GMP' and is ready to underpin a wide variety of models from the Korean trio in the coming years.

The first to be based on these foundations are the Hyundai Ioniq 5Genesis GV60 and Kia's EV6, all of which we've driven. There's a slight difference in philosophy between all three cars, with the EV6 intended to be a bit sportier and more dynamic than the Ioniq 5 hatchback and GV60 SUV.

That's immediately apparent in how it looks: the Kia is sleeker and sharper than the boxy, retro-inspired Hyundai, with its four-door coupe-style fastback shape not dissimilar to a Mercedes CLS. The slightly confusing silhouette means rivals span everything from the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.5. You could even throw executive cars like the BMW i4 into the mix.

Where it does remind you of the Hyundai is in its sheer size: it's 4.7 metres long, and nearly three metres of that is the wheelbase between the axles, leaving plenty of room for both passengers and battery packs.

Speaking of battery packs, while other markets get the option of a smaller unit, UK buyers must make do with the 77kWh battery also found in the Hyundai and Genesis. No bad thing, of course, as it means every EV6 has a range of more than 300 miles – aside from the hot 577bhp Kia EV6 GT, which we’ve reviewed separately.

So the biggest decision a Kia EV6 buyer needs to make is whether to go for rear or all-wheel drive. The former claims a range of 328 miles (depending on spec), while the latter can do 314 miles. It’s the longer-range car that we’d recommend.

While you’ll trade a little range, going for the AWD car boosts power from 226bhp to 321bhp, slashing the 0-62mph time from 7.3 seconds in the single-motor car, to 5.2 seconds in the dual-motor model. Both cars get super-fast 800-volt charging tech, for a 10-80% top-up in just 18 minutes (at speeds of up to 233kW) at a suitably rapid public charger.

Available in Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trims, the basic spec only comes in rear-wheel drive form. All cars get twin screens for the infotainment, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel trimmed in a vegan leather alternative. Stepping up to GT-Line costs around £3,000, and can be optioned with or without a heat pump, for more efficient running in the colder months.

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

GT-Line cars get wireless phone charging, premium seats with suede trim, and dual-LED headlights with auto high beam. These models also get Kia’s V2L charging system, which means you can run things like electric barbecues, laptop chargers or even a washing machine off the car’s battery. In theory, you could even charge another EV, or run power back into the grid if your supplier supports this.

GT-Line S comes fully-loaded with an opening glass roof, a power tailgate, Meridian stereo and a head-up display. These cars also get extra driver aids, as well as remote park assist. You’ll pay around £4,500 more than the equivalent GT-Line to upgrade.

For a more detailed look at the EV6, read on for the rest of our in-depth review…

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023

More on EV6

Show me:
Top 5 best electric sports cars 2023
Best electric sports cars
Best cars

Top 5 best electric sports cars 2023

You needn’t pick a petrol car if you want maximum driver thrills; the market for electric sports cars is hotting up
20 Mar 2023
Top 10 best electric cars 2023
best electric cars
Best cars

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Here, we run through our favourite new electric cars that you can buy right now in the UK…
6 Feb 2023
Best electric car videos: our most popular videos of 2022
BMW i4 thumbnail
Best cars

Best electric car videos: our most popular videos of 2022

These are the most popular reviews, walkarounds and advice videos we published over the past 12 months
30 Dec 2022
Kia EV6 GT review
Kia EV6 GT
In-depth reviews

Kia EV6 GT review

Flagship EV is the most powerful Kia ever, with enough performance on tap to rival a Porsche Taycan GTS
4 Aug 2022
New 577bhp Kia EV6 GT starts from £61,595
Kia EV6 GT
News

New 577bhp Kia EV6 GT starts from £61,595

First examples of the high-performance electric range-topper expected to be with customers by October
20 Jul 2022
Twin test: Kia EV6 vs Volkswagen ID.4 GTX
Kia EV6 vs Volkswagen ID.4 GTX
Group Tests

Twin test: Kia EV6 vs Volkswagen ID.4 GTX

The sporty SUV boom continues, with two new electric entries raring to be put to the test – so can either the well tailored EV6 or landmark ID.4 GTX p…
21 Jan 2022