The Kia EV6 marked a significant step beyond electric cars that the brand had offered before. With its upgraded larger battery, the EV6 now has more than 300 miles of range, while ultra-rapid charging speeds make pit stops on long trips a breeze.
A Comfortable Ride
While it charges faster than most of its competitors, there are more efficient rivals, such as the Polestar 2, which can go further between charges. There are also more comfortable and practical alternatives to consider, such as the Skoda Enyaq, which offers a more compliant low-speed ride plus a much larger boot.
Range and Charging
The Kia EV6 is part of the same family of cars as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60. The general rule of thumb with these EVs is that the Hyundai is the ultra-techy car, the Genesis is the luxury one, and the Kia is the sporty one. If it’s maximum performance that you seek, though, you’ll want to take a look at our in-depth review of the Kia EV6 GT.
Pricing
Pricing for the Kia EV6 starts from a little over £45,500 for the entry-level Air trim, which is exclusively rear-wheel drive. Next up is GT-Line, which is a little over £48,500. However, those wanting to upgrade this model with the optional four-wheel drive will need to stump up a little over £52,000.
Driving Dynamics
The EV6’s dual-motor set-up delivers superb acceleration – 0-62mph takes just 5.3 seconds, and it’s matched to an eager throttle response that’s easy to modulate. But as fun as this is, we feel that acceleration that’s on a par with some serious hot hatchbacks is a little unnecessary for a family car.
Handling
The steering in the EV6, although not as light as its Ioniq 5 or GV60 siblings, is pleasingly direct and allows you to accurately place the car when navigating your way through a tight village or along a busy city street. It’s also backed up by good brake pedal feel, with the regenerative braking system blending with the regular mechanical brakes well.
Regenerative Braking
Kia’s excellent regenerative braking system offers several levels of braking strength, and can be adjusted on the fly with paddles behind the steering wheel. There’s a one-pedal driving mode called i-Pedal, which is especially good for stop-start traffic because it’s strong enough to bring the car to a smooth stop and hold it in place until the traffic ahead clears, and you can accelerate away.
Comfort and Practicality
A long wheelbase means that stability is reassuring at high speeds, and aside from a little road rumble, refinement is great. Kia has added soundproofing around the rear motor for the facelift, which means that even under hard acceleration, motor whine is well isolated from occupants.
Lane Follow Assist 2.0 (LFA) System
The strain of long motorway journeys can be eased by Kia’s Lane Follow Assist 2.0 (LFA) system, which automatically keeps the car in its lane (with constant supervision from the driver). Unlike rival systems, Kia’s steering tech can work independently of the adaptive cruise control, so you can choose for the car to steer itself, maintain speed itself, or both. LFA is standard on every EV6 model.
Comparison
“Seeking a comfortable ride while maintaining sufficient body control through corners to contain a two-tonne-plus mass throws up varying results, even on the same platform. The Kia EV6 has the firmest suspension, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 the softest, and the Genesis GV60 sits between them.” – Alex Ingram, former chief reviewer.
Conclusion
The Kia EV6 is an appealing all-rounder, albeit one with a few drawbacks. While it charges faster than most of its competitors, there are more efficient rivals, such as the Polestar 2, which can go further between charges. There are also more comfortable and practical alternatives to consider, such as the Skoda Enyaq, which offers a more compliant low-speed ride plus a much larger boot.
Used EV6 Models
If you’re keen to save on your new Kia, you can do so by building your perfect Kia EV6 through the Auto Express Buy a Car service. If you prefer a shorter commitment, we also have plenty of top EV6 leasing deals to choose from. Alternatively, you can choose from a wide selection of top-notch used Kia EV6 models that are in stock and ready to go.
Leasing Deals
We have a range of top-notch leasing deals available for the Kia EV6, with options to suit your budget and driving needs. Whether you’re looking for a short-term lease or a longer-term commitment, we can help you find the perfect deal.
Used Models
We also have a wide selection of used Kia EV6 models available, with options to suit your budget and driving needs. From entry-level Air trims to high-spec GT-Line S models, we have something for everyone. Take a look at our used car listings today!
Final Thoughts
The Kia EV6 is an excellent all-rounder that offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. While it may not be the most efficient or comfortable option available, it’s certainly a compelling choice for anyone looking to switch from petrol or diesel power to electric.
