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Kia EV6

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Expert Rating

Kia EV6

(2021 - present)

    Summary


    The Kia EV6 is The Car Expert’s Car of the Year 2022!

    Launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 is the Korean brand’s first production car that has been specifically designed as an all-electric model and is closely related to the Ioniq 5 from sister brand Hyundai. 

    The EV6 debuts new and very bold styling, and comes in single-motor two-wheel-drive form or with dual-motor four-wheel-drive. Buyers are able to choose it on the emphasis on range, which depending on model stretches up to a battery range of 316 miles between charges, or performance, the flagship GT version boasting a sub four-second 0-62mph time. 

    Like the Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 sits slightly higher than a regular perol-engined car but lower than an SUV.

    Reviews of the EV6 have been universally positive, the car earning very high praise. Auto Express describes it as “a little sportier and more dynamic” than its Ioniq sister; “the styling sets the tone with a swoopier, curvier look to its profile.”

    The Sun, however, argues that the EV6 is a “little more normal” than the Ioniq but adds “it does north of 300 miles between charges, drives well and has all the toys and luxury you would expect from a car at that price.”

    For quite a large electric car, the EV6 is also quite sporty; “It really is excellent at dealing with those junction pull-aways and gap-threading,” says Top Gear, adding “it’s also quiet, calm and relaxing.”    

    The electric-specific platform liberates more interior space but reviewers also like the design inside, especially the curved instrument panel. “It looks very smart, with as many interesting touches as the exterior,” says Carbuyer.

    More ticked boxes for the standard-fit ultra-fast recharging capability. “Nothing in this price range can get close to its recharging speeds, that will overshadow everything else when you are on a journey in a hurry,” says Electrifying.com.

    As of June 2023, Kia EV6 currently holds an outstanding Expert Rating of 88% based on 31 different UK reviews.

    EV6 highlights

    • Choice of excellent range or performance
    • Sprightly handling
    • Ultra-fast charging capability as standard
    • Well-designed and spacious cabin

    EV6 lowlights

    • More expensive than similar Hyundai Ioniq 5
    • Slightly firm ride

    Key specifications


    Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
    Engines: electric, battery-powered
    Price: From £45,245 on-road

    Launched: Summer 2021
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Discover EV

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Eurekar

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which EV?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: May 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 90%
    Child protection: 86%
    Vulnerable road users: 64%
    Safety assist: 87%

    The Kia EV6 has received a full five-star rating from crash testers Euro NCAP, praised for its occupant protection features, and the long list of safety assistance features it has for avoiding a crash in the first place.

    That said, Euro NCAP has given the EV6 a rather low vunerable road user score, as the car does not come with an ‘Active bonnet’ feature like other saloons – designed to mitigate the impact to a pedestrian’s head with the car’s bonnet in an accident.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of June 2023, the Kia EV6 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EV6 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia EV6 has received

    2023

    • Auto Trader Awards – New Car of the Year
    • Business Motoring Awards – Best Large EV

    2022

    • The Car Expert Awards – Car of the Year + Best Medium Car
    • European Car of the Year
    • EV Fleet World – Best EV Compact Executive Car
    • Parkers New Car Awards – Best Large Electric Car
    • Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best £40K+ SUV
    • Southern Group of Motoring Writers Awards – Car of the Year
    • What Car? Awards – Car of the Year + Best Electric SUV
    • What Car? Electric Awards – Best Large SUV

    2021

    • Top Gear Awards – Best Crossover
    • What Car? Electric Car Awards – Reader’s Choice Award

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Kia EV6, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Citroën ë-C4Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia e-Niro | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Nissan AriyaPolestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq iV | Subaru Solterra | Tesla Model Y | Toyota bZ4XVolkswagen ID.4 | Volkswagen ID.5Volvo XC40 Recharge

    Pigeon-holing the Kia EV6 is difficult, as it falls somewhere between conventional liftback car and a high-riding crossover. Based on the way the latest generation of EVs is designed, with batteries underneath the cabin floor, it’s becoming an increasingly popular layout. The mechanically identical Hyundai Ioniq 5 is obviously similar, as is the Polestar 2.

    A growing number of electric SUV-style crossovers are also lining up against the EV6; notably the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Nissan Ariya. Other than sitting up slighty higher, they offer very little difference in terms of cabin space and no inherent advantage in off-road performance.

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    The Kia EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car and a very good one – but it is more expensive than the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5.Kia EV6