The 2023 Kia EV6 comes in a couple of good flavors, both of which are good day-to-day vehicles that happen to be electric. We like the option to drive a fun car on the daily or to go with a performance-oriented, throw the license out the window version.

There are several boxes that buyers of mid-sized crossovers like the Kia EV6 must check off. For most of those buyers, the EV6 will get a full score on that list of needs. It comfortably seats four or five, it has enough cargo room for most families’ box store grocery runs, and it is extremely safe.

On top of those factors, the EV6 is engaging to drive and full of smart technology and driver’s aids. Plus it looks good and doesn’t follow the blueprint of most other crossover-SUV models it is competing against.

Unless extreme range needs are your greatest concern, we’d definitely recommend the Kia EV6 be on your shopping list of new vehicle options.

Very much related, these two vehicles are a close match. Both the EV6 and the Ioniq 5 share a common platform, battery system, and drivetrain. The EV6 is, however, slightly cheaper to buy and more station wagon than SUV in its design comparatively. The Ioniq 5 has a bolder design language that may put some off.

The Chevy Bolt EV has had a host of issues since its debut and isn’t as stylish as the EV6. It is, however, slightly cheaper to buy and may be further discounted at the dealership due to its slower sales. The EV6, however, wins out for us with its better warranty and much more street-worthy looks.

A strong competitor, the Tesla Model Y has a few flaws that could give the EV6 the advantage. Cost is one big factor, with the Model Y being much more expensive when similarly equipped to an EV6. The Model Y has a longer range on paper, but real world results are less promising. For shoppers looking for a deal, however, the Model Y has been on the market much longer than the EV6 and has a richer used availability as a result.

The Kia EV6 has a starting MSRP of $43,920 for the base model (now called “Wind”), not including delivery or tax credits/incentives. Most purchase prices are below the $40,000 mark when purchasing a base model EV6.

The table below shows the EV6’s three trim levels and how much they will run you.

New for the Kia EV6 this year is the addition of a performance-oriented GT model. There is otherwise little change in the EV6, which debuted in 2022.

The GT model adds several performance upgrades for the EV6, including the second motor and all-wheel drive system. Both motors on the EV6 GT are upgraded to more powerful versions, pushing total output to 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. This reduces overall range to 206 miles per charge. Other additions to the GT model include 21-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive suspension dampers, and faux suede and leather upholstery.

The 2023 model EV6 we drove this year was the GT, which is a high-performance model of the EV6. We drove the standard EV6 with AWD in the 2022 model year, so we have experience with both options. Our assessment, in summary, is that the designers at Kia showed great bravura with this vehicle.

In either iteration, the Kia EV6 is quick, responsive, and engaging. But not to the level that one must put expert tier concentration and energy into it. It has more of a fun and confident feel instead. The amount of engagement the driver supplies is entirely up to the driver. Even at minimal “everyday” driving points, the EV6 is great. When more interest is had, probably because something just hit the radio hard and is blasting out that Meridian system, demanding your attention, the EV6 will live up to your challenge.

For real performance enthusiasts, the EV6 GT is a powerful goer with a lot of umph and a big, green button on the steering wheel that begs to be pressed for even more goodness. The natural weight distribution and low center of gravity of most EVs is not lost in the EV6 GT either, allowing good handling and a smooth feel when driving public roads at the edge of legality. We don’t recommend going past legality, of course, but it’s your driver’s license.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has conducted all crash tests except rollover tests on the 2023 EV6. The rating below notes that missing test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Kia EV6 its best rating of Top Safety Pick +.

The Kia EV6 is a new vehicle, so reliability ratings are difficult to come by. There have been few recalls and no serious consumer complaints are being tracked by the various groups who do so. With its long warranty and Kia’s background with best-in-the-business warranties, we feel it’s safe to assume that the EV6 is reliable.

The 2023 EV6 Wind model comes pretty well equipped for a base model vehicle. It includes, among many other things, great-looking wheels, dual-zone climate, and heated/ventilated front seating. Plus a 12.3-inch touchscreen and navigation with premium Meridian audio. It can, by default, be charged from high-speed chargers and be used to supply electricity for camping or emergency charge to another EV if needed. Plus it includes a full suite of advanced safety systems.

We would get the EV6 Wind all-wheel drive version for its more efficient (and faster) cabin heating and access to the Technology package add-on for those who want semi-automated parking and the associated 360-degree camera system. Adding AWD and the Technology package will up the price by about $4,000 for most buyers.

Kia’s warranty is one of the best in the business. By law, batteries must be covered for 8 years in the United States, but Kia (along with sister company Hyundai) cover it for 10. The powertrain warranty is in line with the warranties offered on most Kia vehicles as well. Similar to the battery warranty, Kia’s bumper-to-bumper warranty is 2 years longer than the industry average.

• Basic: 5 years / 60k miles
• PowerTrain: 10 years / 100k miles
• Battery: 10 years / 100k miles
• There are no vehicles with a better warranty
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

Because the EV6 is so new, it’s unlikely that used models will be readily available for most buyers. That will likely change in 2024-25, however, as leased models begin to enter the market when their three year leases expire. Given that Kia warranties follow the vehicle, not the owner, and are thus transferred to new owners, finding a used model will be a money saver and bring a lot of peace of mind. Especially given that maintenance histories with electric vehicles are much shorter and less complicated than those with gasoline models.

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