2024 Kia EV6

The 2024 Kia EV6 is one of the most distinctive and visually exciting electric vehicles available and among our top-rated models in its segment. The EV6 is dubbed an SUV but somewhat defies categorization as it blends aspects of a hatchback, sports car, and possibly something from out of this world. And we haven’t even touched on its innovative, tech-forward interior.

In the nascent world of mainstream electric SUVs, the EV6 has become a breakout star. With its wide range of trims, ample technology, and even a high-performance GT model, the EV6 can go toe to toe with the best-selling Tesla Model Y as well as rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and the Kia’s kissing cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric vehicles, including the Kia EV6.

The Kia EV6 enters its third year with minor but welcome updates. The base EV6 Light rear-wheel-drive model is now available in all states and not just California, while additional models join the lineup with the larger 77.4-kWh battery. The top-line, high-performance, modest-range EV6 GT gets a range increase to 218 miles, 12 miles over the prior model.

At its $42,600 sticker price, the EV6 starts slightly below the Tesla Model Y ($43,990 at the time of this writing), Ford Mustang Mach-E ($42,995), Nissan Ariya ($43,190), and Subaru Solterra ($44,995). It is slightly more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($41,650), Toyota bZ4X (estimated $42K), and Volkswagen ID.4 (estimated $39K).

But with EVs, sticker prices aren’t the end of the story. EV tax incentives can bring prices down by thousands of dollars, and to get the most money back, you’ll want to check our state-by-state EV tax incentive guide to see what might be available to you. Perhaps the biggest thing to know here for the EV6, however, is that as of this writing, it does not qualify for the federal tax incentive that can shave as much as $7,500 off some EVs, including the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.4 (the Ford Mach-E currently qualifies for up to $3,750). To receive those incentives, the government has mandates on where the vehicle is manufactured, as well as stipulations on where the batteries are built and where materials are sourced from. Many vehicles that once qualified lost status in early 2023. That said, you might still be able to take advantage of a federal incentive if you lease an EV6 instead of buy, as there are different rules for leased vehicles.

The 2024 Kia EV6 is enjoyable enough, surprisingly exciting, or downright audacious. It all depends on which one you get or, more precisely, which power output and drive configuration you order it in. We’d skip the base EV6 Light RWD model, which has only 167 horsepower and takes eight seconds to reach 60 mph. That isn’t slow, but it sure isn’t fast, especially for an EV. Stepping up just one trim to the new EV6 Light Long Range RWD rectifies that with a larger battery pack and 225 horsepower that enables the 0-60 mph scoot in a fleeter 7.2 seconds. If you opt for all-wheel drive (AWD), you get a second motor, 320 total horsepower, and a seriously exciting trip to 60 that takes just 5.1 seconds.

And then there is the Kia EV6 GT – the monster of the group with 576 horsepower and the ability to reach the 60 mph benchmark in a blistering 3.4 seconds. Yes, that’s faster than some Lamborghini models.

Beyond and perhaps regardless of the numbers, we’ve found the Kia EV6 perfectly enjoyable to drive. It has composure and poise yet is comfortable enough for most drivers. The steering feel is also precise and well-weighted, while the brakes are direct and inspire confidence, even with four levels of regeneration. Speaking of stopping, we love that the Kia EV6 has one-pedal driving. This allows the vehicle to come to a complete stop simply by lifting off the accelerator pedal. It might feel odd the first day you use it, then you’ll never want to return to “normal” driving again. Of course, even with one-pedal mode activated, the brake pedal still functions as normal, too.

The Kia EV6’s cabin feels futuristic, and it certainly has the kind of innovation this Kia’s exterior advertises. This Kia’s interior also stands apart from the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Though these two models are similar beneath the skin, their designs showcase each one’s aesthetics. Where the Ioniq 5 is more open and airy, the EV6 feels more driver-focused and intimate. A big reason for this is due to the wide center console that separates the front seats. In the Hyundai, that space is open. Which do you prefer? In the Kia, that console houses essential functions such as the start/stop button and a rotary dial that puts the vehicle into drive, reverse, park, etc.

Then there’s the ample tech. Dual 12.3-inch screens – one in the center for infotainment duties, the other in front of the driver acting as an instrument cluster – are straight out of a luxury vehicle. As with other EVs, this Kia uses recycled materials for fabrics and the like, and no animal products are used in the manufacture of the simulated leather seating surfaces. That doesn’t mean they feel cheap, however. We think the level of quality throughout the cabin as a whole is impressive.

Thanks to a platform designed especially for electric vehicles, the EV6 has a flat floor and plenty of interior room for a 5-seater. Rear passenger space is maximized by a long wheelbase (longer than the bigger Kia Telluride’s, even) and special front seats that have a slimmer back than a typical example, made possible by a thin frame of ultra-light steel. The GT comes with model-specific lightweight front sport seats that are manually operated. If that sounds uncomfortable, fear not, they’re fine. They hold their occupants nicely in place when taking fast corners.

The rear seats also recline and split and fold in a 60/40 fashion. Luggage space is 24.4 cubic feet, which can expand to 50.2 cubic feet with both rear seats folded. In this respect, we see the results of the EV6’s sleek and sloping exterior design. The blockier Hyundai Ioniq 5, by comparison, has 27.2/59.3 cubic feet. The Tesla Model Y, meanwhile, touts 76 cubic feet of cargo space. The EV6 also has a little storage area under the hood, in what’s known as the frunk (front trunk)

The Kia EV6 has one of the most distinctive designs we’ve seen in recent years. It’s hard to categorize, but it sure is alluring. In the pursuit of optimum aerodynamic efficiency, the door handles of the 2024 EV6 are flush to the body. In the Light and Wind trims, they’re pulled out manually. Those in the GT-Line and GT pop out automatically. Looking at this wind-cheating body shape, potential buyers of a new EV6 electric vehicle will have to decide for themselves whether it’s an SUV or a hatchback with a higher-than-usual ride height. This slightly elevated stance makes room for the floor-mounted battery. Either way, we think there are plenty of features to delight the eyes, such as the various alloy wheel designs and the way the taillight snakes around from one rear fender to the other. The GT-Line and GT also come with a powered wide-panel sunroof.

800-volt fast charging
This is pretty much the cutting edge of charging tech. DC fast chargers allow EV batteries to add about 70 miles of range in less than five minutes. The 2024 EV6 is capable of going from 10% capacity up to 80% in 18 minutes.

Vehicle to Load (V2L)
As well as providing energy for the electric motor(s) in the 2024 EV6, the battery pack also has an outlet to power various appliances and even act as a backup in the event of a power outage at home.

Meridian audio
This is a well-respected name among audiophiles. Meridian setups are also found in Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Wind, GT-Line, and GT models get this 14-speaker system as standard.

Wireless phone charging
Place a compatible smartphone on the pad in the center console, and recharging happens automatically. It’s standard in every 2024 EV6 and just a great little convenience feature.

Heat pump
It’s not the most exciting feature, but one worth having. It captures heat from the drivetrain and directs it into the cabin — even to the battery when required, enhancing energy efficiency. It’s standard in AWD models.

Remote Smart Parking Assist
The driver can control the 2024 EV6 from outside the car, using buttons on the key fob to ease the vehicle into or out of tight parking spaces. This is optional in Wind trim and standard in the GT-Line and GT.

The 2024 Kia EV6 electric SUV offers two sizes of battery packs, one or two motors, and various power levels, all affecting its range and efficiency. The least-expensive EV6 Light RWD has a range of 232 miles between charges. EV6 Light Long Range RWD, EV6 Wind RWD, and EV6 GT-Line RWD get up to 310 miles between charges, the most of the lineup. The EV6 Light e-AWD and EV6 Wind e-AWD are rated to travel up to 282 miles, while the EV6 GT-Line e-AWD does 252. The most powerful EV6, the GT, has the least range at 218 miles. Still, that’s 12 better than last year. At its 310 number, the EV6 is competitive with the Mustang Mach-E, which can travel up to 312 miles, and beats the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 303 miles and Nissan Ariya with 304. Still, the Tesla Model Y boasts up to 330 miles of range.

Charging times vary widely depending on what’s juicing up the battery. At its fastest on a public Level 3 DC fast charger, the EV6 can go from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes under the best conditions. More common will be Level 2 chargers like a 240-volt in-home unit that can recharge the EV6 in around seven hours.

The 2024 Kia EV6 Light RWD is the only model to use the 58-kWh battery pack, making just 167 horsepower. All other EV6 variants use a 77.4-kWh battery pack. The other rear-wheel-drive Light trims and RWD Wind and GT-Line trims also have a single motor but increase horsepower to a more recommendable 225. All-wheel-drive (AWD) Light, Wind, and GT-Line trims have a second motor and 320 horsepower. Finally, the 2024 Kia EV6 GT packs two motors and a significant 576 horsepower, making it the high-performer of the bunch. All models except the base EV6 Light RWD are rated to tow up to 2,300 pounds.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Kia has some of the best warranties among mainstream car companies (along with sister company Hyundai). The basic new-car coverage on a 2024 EV6 is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s a couple of years or another 24,000 miles more than typical. It’s a similar story with the drivetrain warranty — Kia’s is for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Safety

This generation of Kia EV6 nabbed the coveted Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the 2024 model is still being evaluated using the agency’s new testing protocol. That’s as good as it gets. However, it did receive the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest 5-Star overall rating.