2022 Kia EV6 Review

The 2022 Kia EV6 is a small crossover/hatchback that is the first in Kia's lineup to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. That means, unlike the Niro EV (which is an electrified version of the Niro hybrid), the EV6 enjoys the advantages of being designed as an EV from the get-go. Without an engine or other traditional components to worry about, Kia was able to give the EV6 distinctively sleek styling as well as relatively roomy seating considering the car's tidy overall dimensions.

Underneath, the EV6 shares much of its EV tech with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. And like the Ioniq 5, it is compatible with the latest, super-quick public DC fast-charging stations. What does that mean? In optimal conditions, Kia says you can replenish 70 miles in less than five minutes and charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in under 18 minutes when using a 350-kW charger. Unfortunately, these 350-kW stations are very rare. Even so, you can consider the EV6 to be future-proofed to take advantage of more powerful fast charging as it rolls out in the coming years.

There's a lot to like about the EV6 from behind the wheel. In both rear- and all-wheel-drive forms, acceleration is brisk enough to pin you to your seat, but not so much that it reorganizes your internal organs like some other EVs. Passengers will like it too thanks to the pleasantly smooth ride quality. You'll still feel a lot of small bumps and seams in the road, but even moderate potholes are kept from sending sharp jolts into the cabin.

The EV6's interior isn't as futuristic as the cabins of some other EVs, but that also means it's attractively modern and functional. The wide digital panels atop the dashboard are easy to read at a quick glance and have the stylistic flair of some Mercedes and BMW vehicles. A smattering of physical buttons on the center console goes a long way in making the EV6 feel like it was designed with the user in mind, rather than adhering to the touchscreen-only ethos that pervades the Kia's competitive set.

The 2022 EV6 isn't just a promising glimpse into Kia's all-electric future — it's a legitimately great EV that can go toe-to-toe with other highly rated EVs such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model 3 and Y, and Volkswagen ID.4. Read our test team's Expert Rating to get our full report on the EV6's real-world range, utility and more.

The 2022 Kia EV6 is a compact EV that skirts the line between crossover and hatchback. The EV6 is sold in four trim levels: Light, Wind, GT-Line and 1st Edition. Kia offers different combinations of battery packs and electric motors that result in different power outputs and range. Here's what you'll need to know.