Parents across America are finally getting what they want: a way to get those groceries back to the house quickly without waking up sleeping children.
Perhaps a bit of an exaggeration, but when the worlds of electric vehicles and crossover utility vehicles collide, the concepts of quick and quiet — often the fantasy of parents globally — suddenly become a possibility. With that, the latest Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E editions warrant further examination.
Let’s compare the 2024 Kia EV6 and 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E to see which fantasy vehicle could be your reality.
2024 Kia EV6
The exterior styling of the Kia EV6 is a winner. It’s compelling, forward-thinking, and almost makes you forget it’s a crossover you’re looking at. The look carries over to the interior. The EV6 is an early adopter of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, mixing aggressive styling with sustainable materials and processes. The results are an attractive and useful crossover that, even at its slowest, will push you back in your seat — a potent combination.
The starter version offers 232 miles of range, but it can be ordered up to get you 310 miles. If you want to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix, the GT model with its 3.5-second 0-to-60 mph time may be for you. Prices start at $42,600.
Kia EV6 Highlights
Technological marvel: The EV6 is often lauded for its looks, but this is a case of “it’s what’s on the inside that counts.” The battery can be used to power items while out and about and even support your home in the event of a power outage. It can also be charged from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes at a DC fast charging station.
Plenty of protection: Kia protects you in two ways: a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plan. Additionally, it gets five stars on frontal and side crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
0.1 seconds: The fastest Mustang Mach-E can get from hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. But the fastest EV6, the GT model, can do the same run in 3.4. Will you feel the difference? No. But, in the rarified sub-4-second world where only McLarens and Lamborghinis played just a few years ago, bragging rights hang on tenths of a second. The EV6 can brag.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia EV6 models for sale near you.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E helped to push the EV segment forward when it arrived in 2021. Whether or not it’s a Mustang misses the point (yes, it is — look at the badge). Like its namesake, it helped to open up a new segment to the public.
Since its arrival, the Mach-E has been a top seller in the segment, beaten only by the Model Y most months. It’s attractive with some Mustang styling cues, particularly the hood. And the GT Performance model is faster than its namesake. Prices start at $42,995.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Highlights
Starting range: The most affordable Mach-E (Select RWD, starting at $42,995) has an estimated range of 242 miles, narrowly beating the lowest-priced EV6 (Light RWD, starting at $42,600) with 232. It also wins on the trim levels in between, topping out at 312 miles of range — 2 miles more than the longest-range EV6.
Real cargo space: Both vehicles are SUVs, but only the Mustang Mach-E has real SUV cargo space. Its 59.7 cubic feet will swallow more groceries than the EV6’s 50.2.
Uncle Sam will help you buy it: The federal government offers a $7,500 tax rebate on electric SUVs priced under $80,000 and built in North America. Ford makes this one in Mexico, so it gets the deal. Kia builds the EV6 in South Korea, so no dice. Check your state and local tax rates for additional breaks.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ford Mustang Mach-E models for sale near you.
Similarities
Much as it is with gas-powered vehicles, seemingly every automaker has an offering in the midsize crossover EV segment, and the Mach-E and EV6 certainly fit the bill. They also enjoy a bit of a sporty exterior, and when completely spec’d out, they’re neck-snapping fast.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the Mustang — the pony car — or live in metro Detroit, this choice is simple. However, if you’re examining the whole package: looks, technology, performance, and price, it becomes a tough choice. All that taken into account, the better warranty on the Kia EV6 becomes the differentiating factor.
Kia EV6 by a nose.
Specs
| 2024 Kia EV6 | 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E | |
| Starting Price | $42,600 | $42,995 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Horsepower | 167 hp | 266 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Fuel Economy | 136 city/100 hwy/117 combined MPGe | 110 city/96 hwy/103 combined MPGe |
| Maximum Range | 232 miles | 247 miles |
| Also Available | Dual-motor, AWD | Dual-motor, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 117.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.3 inches | 185.6 inches |
| Width | 74.0 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 60.8 inches | 64.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.2 feet | 38.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 43.3 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.8 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4/50.2 cubic feet | 29.7/59.7 cubic feet |
