The 2023 Kia EV6 is an electric SUV that impresses with its level of technology, driving range, performance, and eye-catching design. Mainly based on the same EV platform and electric powertrain used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 has a sleeker exterior than its mechanical sibling and rides on a wheelbase longer than Kia’s own Telluride 3-row SUV. This length translates to a cabin with plenty of stretch-out space for anyone seated in the first or second row.
6 Trims, One Only in California
Now in its second year of production, the EV6 comes in six trims: Light (RWD), Wind (RWD), Wind (e-AWD), GT-Line (RWD), GT-Line (e-AWD), and GT (e-AWD). The Light (RWD) trim is only available in California.
The entry-level Light (RWD) trim comes with a 58.0 kWh battery with an estimated 232 miles of range, while the other five trim levels come with a 77.4 kWh battery and 206 – 310 miles of range (depending on setup). Every EV6 gets DC fast charging. Thanks to standard 800-volt charging hardware, an EV6 can recharge from 10% to 80% of battery life in less than 20 minutes on a 350-kW supply. This capability goes a long way toward alleviating range anxiety and worries that a low battery will lead to an hours-long wait to get back on the road.
The EV6 Light (RWD) trim starts at $42,600 (excluding destination charge). Standard features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Kia Connect, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. A long lineup of active safety features is also standard on all trims. For those living outside the Golden State, the EV6 Wind (RWD) is the base model with a starting price of $48,700. Standard features include the Light (RWD) list, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system, and more. A long lineup of active safety features is also standard on all trims.
The Top of the Line is a Performance Special
But what does the EV6 offer when fully loaded in top-of-the-line GT trim? The quick answer is performance and lots of it. With its dual electric motors and standard all-wheel drive, the EV6 GT has a total of 576 horsepower and can rocket from zero to 60 mph in only 3.4 seconds. That makes the GT significantly faster than the Wind or GT-Line trims, though one notable tradeoff is driving range. In the EV6 GT, the EPA-estimated range of 206 miles per charge is far short of the 310 miles provided in the Wind (RWD) and GT-Line (RWD) configurations. Still, the EV6 GT is a veritable rocket in straight-line speed, yet still delivers a comfortable ride and quick steering reflexes – not to mention a veritable treasure trove of tech and safety features.
Here’s what you get on a fully loaded 2023 Kia EV6 GT.
2023 Kia EV6 GT Fully Loaded Features:
- Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
- 77.4-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack
- 800-volt DC fast charging capability
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Electronic limited-slip rear differential
- Performance brakes, 4-piston front calipers
- Drive Mode Select, including exclusive GT drive mode
- Electronically controlled suspension
- Heat pump
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 12.3-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless device charging
- Meridian premium audio system with 14 speakers
- Steering-wheel-mounted audio, phone, drive mode, and cruise control buttons
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth hands-free
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Voice command
- Four USB ports (2 front/2 rear)
- GT sport front seats with 6-way manual adjustment
- Heated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Augmented reality head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera
- Multi-color LED accent lighting
- Remote park assist
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit assist
Considering all that comes standard on the GT trim, there aren’t many extra-cost options. These consist primarily of minor add-ons, like a cargo cover ($150) and cargo net ($55).
This features list justifies the GT’s asking price of $61,600, $19,000 more than the entry-level Light (RWD) trim. While the price isn’t cheap, the EV6 GT’s high performance and content are comparable to rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and its luxury-branded cousin, the Genesis GV60.
Here are some of the features we like most on the 2023 Kia EV6 GT:
Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
We could have simply listed this as “wildly quick” or “hold-on-tight performance.” The acceleration provided by the EV6 GT is outstanding and this trim’s most notable feature. With 576 horsepower, the GT is world-class fast but remains comfortable enough to take the edge off long drives and arduous daily commutes.
Remote Smart Parking Assist
We’ve all been stuck in a crowded parking lot with barely any wiggle room to open the doors. Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist allows an EV6 owner to use buttons on the key fob to move the vehicle out of these tight parking situations. This feature is standard on the GT.
Digital instrument panel and infotainment screen
Positioned side-by-side, these 12.3-inch screens offer a wealth of information and impart a modern, cutting-edge look to the cabin. Easy to navigate and with quick response times, Kia did its homework with the EV6’s interior tech.
Safety features
The GT has every safety feature available on the EV6, including rear-cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic reverse emergency braking, and much more.
More 2023 Kia EV6
You can build and price your 2023 Kia EV6 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more. Plus, you can see Kia EV6 models for sale near you.
