2022 KIA EV6 – Test Drive, Reviews, Ratings, Specs

The Ultimate Electric Urban Commuter

As electric-vehicles become more mainstream, the KIA EV6 separates itself with a funk and urban approach in the form of a fun and playful; roomy hot-hatch. Also unique to the KIA EV6 is an 800-volt electric powertrain, which runs more efficiently by operating at higher voltages. With an estimated range of 310 miles, the KIA EV6 offers a wide range of power options ranging from 167 all the way up to 57 horsepower. The latter shockingly accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds! Apart from its funky styling and a highly capable electric powertrain, the KIA EV6 platform feels rock solid.

Trims and Pricing

Five trims are offered with the choice of either RWD or AWD. The base Light RWD starts off at $42,695 with the highest GT-Line AWD trim topping off at $57,695.

Light RWD	$42,695
Wind RWD	$48,795
Wind AWD	$52,695
GT-Line RWD	$52,995
GT-Line AWD	$57,695

Base AWD models get a dual motor setup that puts out 320 horsepower while the larger battery-pack models get an increase power output to a whopping 570 horsepower. RWD models get a single motor that only puts out 167 horsepower for the smaller battery pack, but 225 for the larger size pack variant.

Powertrain

Both RWD and AWD models come with either a smaller 58kWh of a larger 77.4kWh battery pack. Models with the larger pack gets a performance boost of 225 and 577 horsepower for the RWD and FWD models respectively; otherwise, 167 and 320. We’d be a bit concerned with the power output for the single-motor RWD with 167 horsepower though.

Models with the smaller 58kWh pack gets a range of 232 miles while the larger 77.4kWh pack gets a range of up to 310 miles. Other performance metrics include a more powerful 11-kW onboard charger with DC-fast charge capability of charging from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. On level two charging, it will take around 7 hours to charge from 10 to 100 percent.

Interior, Tech and Features

Unfortunately, most EV’s skimp out on interior quality to make up for the hefty price tag. Still, the KIA EV6 manages a simple and basic; yet, delightful interior with suede leather seats, an intuitive bi-functional media/climate digital center screen console, and snazzy interior LED lighting. Another nice feature of the KIA EV6 is its smooth and and snappy 12″ infotainment touchscreen that’s also very easy to use with plenty of screen real estate. Both Android Auto and Apple Carplay are compatible and higher up trims can be upgraded to the high-end Meridian 14-speaker sound system.

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Test Drive and Final Thoughts

Under test is the dual motor AWD GT-Line trim and it feels surprisingly well made with a rock-solid body that feels like a tank. Normal city driving is a breeze with torque and acceleration was very quick and easy to pickup. Minimal road exterior noise infiltrated the cabin and the overall drive was very pleasant. Although the interior was a homogenous black, the interior LED lighting made it seem modern and intuitive.

It’s a positive thumbs up in our books with its rock solid construction with a unique 800V powertrain that squeezes out more electric efficiency with a modern and snazzy twist to its exterior aesthetics. The only thing worth complaining about is the lack of availability, because I want one – it’s just that good.