The 2023 Kia EV6 is worth a look if you're looking for an electric SUV that prioritizes driving enjoyment. It's got plenty of power, sharp steering and well-balanced handling. But there are better options out there if you're after a cushy ride or lots of cargo space.
The electric vehicle revolution is well underway and there are plenty of great choices out there. Among all-wheel-drive-capable electric SUVs, the 2023 Kia EV6 has you covered if you're looking for style and performance. It benefits from a sleek exterior and sharp handling and delivers as much as 310 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates.
Introducing the 2023 Kia EV6 GT-Line in striking red—a sophisticated electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge performance with premium comfort. Wit...
For 2023, the much-anticipated high-performance GT model debuts at the top of the EV6 lineup. With 576 horsepower, it's the most powerful production vehicle Kia has ever made, and it should accelerate to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the lineup, last year's base Light trim has been discontinued. That's fine by us since the previous midrange Wind trim is our pick for most people.
Among all-electric SUVs in the class, the 2023 Kia EV6 remains one of our favorites. Notably, it's related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both models share much of the same EV hardware, so your choice will probably come down to your styling preference. The Audi Q4 e-tron, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y are also worth checking out. The EV6 has its own set of advantages and drawbacks compared to these alternatives, as highlighted in our Expert Rating below. It's one of the sportier choices of the bunch and is an excellent pick if your tastes trend toward excitement.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Nick Yekikian
Good
8.0
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Kia EV6 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
9/10
How does the EV6 drive? If you want a fun EV SUV to drive, there are few options that are as entertaining as the EV6. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are related but Kia has done a nice job of giving the EV6 a character all its own. The Kia's suspension tuning is stiffer than the Hyundai's, and the whole car is distinctly a tad sportier than the Ioniq 5. The EV6's sharp steering makes it responsive and easy to control around turns.
It's also quick. Our all-wheel-drive GT-Line test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is quicker than a comparable Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 and about the same as the Tesla Model Y Long Range. The EV6 is also easy to drive every day thanks to its smooth power and adjustable brake regeneration.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the EV6? The EV6 doesn't have as comfortable a suspension as some of its competitors. On the road, the EV6 picks up road imperfections and sends them straight into the cabin, and the constant crashing over potholes and juddering over bumps can get old quickly. The cabin of the EV6 is also slightly louder than some of its competitors, namely the Ioniq 5 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
After a few long days, the seats stood out as another area that would benefit from improvement. The headrests jut out too far and your head can't fully tilt backward. Our drivers also took issue with the lack of lumbar support adjustability in the EV6.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The interior of the EV6 is slick to operate and simple to use, and it presents no real learning curve. We're fans particularly of the central touch panel that switches between climate and radio functions. Genius! That said, there are a few issues worth pointing out. Rear visibility is surprisingly not great. The thick rear pillars mean blind spots are large, and the rear window aperture is just a little too small. It's not a deal-breaker, but you'll just have to be more cautious when changing lanes or reversing.
It's easy to find a driving position you like. There's also plenty of room in the back for rear passengers. But taller backseat riders will have to be mindful of their heads when clambering in and out because of the EV6's sloping roofline.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The EV6's infotainment system is snappy, supports USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is easy to use even while driving. Unfortunately, the Meridian sound system in our test car distorted music at higher volumes and never delivered full bass. It is a major step down from the Bose system that comes in the EV6's sibling, the Ioniq 5.
We also experienced a little trouble with Kia's lane centering system, which had a hard time keeping the EV6 in the middle of the lane, and the adaptive cruise control had a habit of stopping for cars parked on the side of the road. Blind-spot warning, however, worked perfectly and using Kia's Highway Driving Assist in slow-and-go rush hour traffic provided welcome relief.
How’s the storage? The EV6 offers a paltry 24.4 cubic feet of luggage space with the rear seats up. The offerings from Ford, Tesla, Hyundai and VW all allow you to put more in the rear hatch area. The front trunk, like the Ioniq 5's, is comically small and barely large enough to store a laptop bag.
Small-item storage is better. There are helpful door cubbies, and the center console is good for holding larger items including a handbag or even a grocery bag. Parents will find the expansive legroom in the rear passenger area a boon for installing a car seat for kiddos too. All in all, though, the EV6's competitors do a slightly better job of offering up storage solutions if space is at the top of your wish list.
Range and Efficiency
7.5/10
How are the range and efficiency? We tested the all-wheel-drive 2022 EV6, which has an EPA-estimated range of 274 miles. In Edmunds' real-world range test, the EV6 exceeded this range by a small margin, traveling only 283 miles. Our tested energy consumption — 29.5 kWh of electricity used for every 100 miles of driving — is also slightly better than the official EPA estimate of 32 kWh/100 miles.
For reference, certain models of the Mach-E and Model Y will get more than 300 miles of range out of a single charge. Even the related Ioniq 5 was able to go farther in our testing.
On the upside, the EV6 is compatible with the latest high-powered DC fast-charging stations. It's worth noting that these powerful 350-kW chargers are still pretty rare — most DC fast-charging stations you'll come across are capable of providing 50 kW to 125 kW, but it's nice knowing that the EV6 will be compatible with the next generation of more powerful fast chargers.
Value
8/10
Is the EV6 a good value? The EV6 GT-Line we tested came packed with features such as a 360-degree view parking camera, a head-up display and a blind-spot warning system to name a few. The EV6 is priced on par with competitors from Ford and Hyundai, but the EV6 doesn't fully stack up in some areas. The quality of the interior materials doesn't quite cut it at this price, and the lackluster sound system is something buyers may notice.
Kia's warranty is one of the best in the business. It offers a 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty on its EVs that includes the battery pack. You also get five years/60,000 miles of basic, rust and roadside coverage.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The EV6 is one of a new crop of EVs that are slowly filling up our roads. It has distinctive styling that's bound to split opinion, but it's genuinely fun to drive. That said, the interior looks familiar, which some may see as a little bland if you're looking for a next-generation EV experience. We think the Ioniq 5 has a little more personality, and the Tesla Model Y delivers something unique in this space that Kia hasn't quite captured with the EV6.
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10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
Choose the trim, color, options, packages and more for your Kia
The 2023 Kia EV6 is a compact EV that is part crossover and part hatchback. The EV6 is sold in three trim levels: Wind, GT-Line and GT. All models draw power from a 77.4-kWh battery pack with different power outputs and drive configurations. Compare the 2023 Kia EV6 trim levels in-depth.
Which EV6 trim does Edmunds recommend?
The entry-level Wind trim gets our recommendation in the EV6 lineup. It's already plenty powerful and quick for the majority of drivers. Shoppers in wet and snowy regions may want to add all-wheel drive for improved traction, while those who don't need it will enjoy the rear-wheel-drive version's longer range.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Estimated battery warranty remaining is 7 years or 58,000 miles for this car.
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Cost to Drive
$68/mo
EV6
vs
$280/mo
SUV Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
Am I Ready for an EV?
EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station takes longer than filling up a gas tank
Adding a 240V EV charger at home can be costly, based on factors like needed electrical-panel work, permits, distance from your panel, and available incentives
The 2023 Kia EV6 has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls found
Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
Recall Number:
24V867000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC327
Manufactured from:
2021-11-17 to 2024-07-22
Number of vehicles affected:
62872
Defect Description:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 13, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC327. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 24V-200. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V-200 will need to have the new remedy completed.
Recall Number:
24V200000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC302
Number of vehicles affected:
48232
Defect Description:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2024 EV6 vehicles. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will update the ICCU software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC302.
Recall Number:
24V057000
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC295
Number of vehicles affected:
1243
Defect Description:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Niro EV and 2023 EV6 vehicles. One of the drive shafts may have been improperly heat-treated, allowing it to break under load and resulting in a loss of drive power.
Defect Consequence:
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Dealers will replace the drive shaft, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC295.
I purchased my EV 6 wind all wheel drive last March and after 5500 miles with no problems think it is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The weak point in Kia’s armor is their dealership structure
The policy of dealers to “markup” above list price is unethical and I would not buy again for that reason
UPDATE: I owned the beautiful EV6 awd with tech package for 12 months. By … driving in In In Eco mode I managed a range of 300 miles on numerous occasions. Over this period I had ZERO issues and only service required was a tire rotation at 8000 miles ( covered by warranty) Fit and finish as good as our 2020 Mercedes. The interior and technology is excellent and very comfortable. The EV6 is also very quick
1.75 Years of ownership Love it, hate some of the
4 out of 5 stars
David S, 04/03/2022
2022 Kia EV6 Wind 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
Update: Bought the car when few were available and options severely limited, while there was a 4 or 5 month wait for the Tesla Model Y. Wanted the tax credits and bought before the EV6 prior to loosing the Credit and credit was not available for the Tesla at that time.
Though I love the styling of the EV6, I would be torn between the EV6 and the Tesla, today due to the significant … price drops for the Tesla. though I find the styling of the Tesla uninspiring. What I love about the Tesla is that it has significant advantage over the EV6 with OTA Updates while you get OTA for the EV6 only twice a year for the Navigation. Further you only get them if you subscribe for $200 a year Kia Connect otherwise you have to download them on a USB stick. For all other updates you have to take it to the dealership, what a bloody waste of a day and time. I also love the Tesla Supercharger network and ease and use of it.
Do Not except superior charging with Kia and other 800V EVS with Tesla even though Kia will go to NACS plug. Tesla system was developed from ground up for Tesla's. For the Hardware and software to sync with all the new adapters will not be a panacea for current 800V CCS. Kinks and bugs will be numerous and will take time to sort out, meantime EA, EVGO and others will have sorted out their issues. Further EV6 charges is superior in its charging curve than Tesla with DCFC.
Tesla has the upper hand with long distance Route Planning and Battery Preconditioning as well as their overall software. EV6 has only this year put in Battery Preconditioning in a very convoluted way and their Route Planning is at best dismal and that is being kind.. Will see if improvements for the newest Nav update improves route planning. Another negative for the EV6 is you must subscribe to their Kia Connect to use Voice Commands and here is another bugaboo, Kia's Commands is almost useless so not worth the money to for the service.
What I love about the Kia EV6 over the Tesla is the superior charging, styling, cooling seats & heating seats. Reclining capabilities and I do like the superior cockpit for the driver. More driver centric and I find the ride superior over the Tesla. I prefer the handling and smoothness of the EV6 on curvy B roads and out bad city streets. I also prefer the fact that there are easier controls over one Screen which diverts the eyes and attention of the driver. I know there are those who love the Tesla screen but being behind and on the side of Teslas and watching the how bad some of these Tesla drivers are I can forgo the bloody screen. I also love the turn screen monitor quite helpful in both dense urban highway driving.
Love the Sporty interior for the Kia EV6 though some of the finishes are hard cheap plastics, like the back of the front seats and some of the lower side panel other finishes are quite nice. Plenty of space in the front for storage, virtually none in back seat. Frunk is pretty useless. EV6 has an ease to replacement of Cabin Filter and adding fluids. Other attributes to EV6 is smoothness and blending of the braking. Superior regenerative breaking vs almost any other EV out there.
The EV6 is in a class by itself in its iconic styling and will not only standout but I believe it will stand the test of time.
Pros. Styling, Excellent drive and ride quality, Driver Cock Pit, heated and ventilated seats, intuitive controls for seats and climate. Driver safety devices including blind spot monitoring blind spot warning, Pedestrian and Cyclist stopping Camera with 360º and Birds Eye camera. Decent Adaptive Cruise Control, Decent luggage space, Heat Pump, great leg room for passengers front and back. Excellent front storage. Good Adaptive high and low beam for front lights. Oh yes it has some knobs gotta love knobs, no fiddling through menus to get to change stations and volume as well as temperatures. Though screen quality is very good software is not cutting edge. Ability to easily self park in tight spaces. Very good efficiency with combine highway and high speed driving ,I can get from 3.2 to 3.9 depending weather and speeds, the 3.4 are speeds in the 80 mph plus driving city driving gets between 4.5 to over 5 kW/mi. Most of my driving though is between 45 to 85mph. Very quiet, though I do get some tire noise. Very good efficiency while using climate controls. Excellent build quality, no rattles or fit imperfections. Oh and of course the superior DCFC which I do quite frequently and the main reason I purchased the EV6 Most of driving consists of 300 plus drives. By the time I use facilities or order lunch the car is done charging, so as far as a need to use screen time to occupy oneself while charging the truth as I mentioned before the car would be charged before I could access it. But I can only speak for myself. Also after long drives I do not find myself fatigue nor complaining of back pain as I do with other vehicles. Oh yes one other small thing, I do not see exhaust from a tail pipe. I am now driving 11 years with EVs and love that aspect. Forget the instant torque, the smoothness the quietness of an EV, the lack of tail pipe is number 1 for me.
Cons: NO OTAs, Poor rear visibility, no rear windshield wiper Need it for when it is dusty or has not rained for days but in rain and movement no need for wiper. Poor visibility of driver screen when steering wheel is in certain positions. Poor visibility because of A&B pillar, luckily there is the pedestrian and side warning systems and excellent visibility with side mirrors. NO wireless CarPlay. Must pay for substandard Kia Connect, but Connect does give you slightly better route planning and Battery Preconditioning but only slightly better than without but very Poor audio command controls. App is no more than 6 out of 10. Navigation screen is archaic, wish Google or Apple Maps could interface with car for route planning and battery preconditioning. Paint quality appears to be adequate.
Would I buy it again, Hmm, there are better interiors, infotainment systems, Cars with OTA, faster 0-60, better efficiency, but none of them thus far are over all as well packaged as the EV6 at least as of this writing. So yes even with some of the drawbacks I would buy again
Over three years of ownership and still loving it.
5 out of 5 stars
Paul, 03/01/2022
2022 Kia EV6 Wind 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
UPDATE:
Three plus years of ownership (20K+ miles) and I am happy to report no issues or problems with the vehicle. We’ve only had to have the vehicle in for a few software updates and to replace a defective speaker under warranty. No maintenance costs, tires and brakes are still in good condition and there are no squeaks or rattles inside the vehicle. Also, no battery degradation … that I can tell. Overall, this has been one of the best cars I have ever owned. While I normally trade cars frequently this one is staying in the stable for a long time as our main in town driver.
The car is still fun to drive with plenty of pick-up and handles fine for an electric vehicle. The only disappointment is the quality of the surround view cameras. The surround view cameras on Mercedes and BMW are significantly better and less impacted by rain.
I would not hesitate to purchase a used EV6 based on my experience with the vehicle.
Original Review:
My wife and I decided to take the plunge and purchase an electric vehicle. We initially test drove a Ford Mustang Mach e and ordered one after test driving it. Due to Ford’s inability to deliver we decided to move on.
We test drove an Ionniq 5 and liked it, but couldn’t find the model we wanted. Because the EV6 is based on the same architecture as the Ionniq 5 I started looking for the EV6.
While EV6s were available in Atlanta, prices were over $10K over MSRP for the 1st Editions, which I wasn’t willing to pay. I found one in Montgomery, AL that was less than 5% over MSRP and bought it. I never thought I’d pay over MSRP for a vehicle, but according to the WSJ 82% of people are paying over MSRP these days for new cars.
I’ve only owned the car for a little over a week, so this review is limited.
My initial impression after driving the car home a 190 miles from the dealership where I bought it are that the car rides great and is very quite. I give the Meridian sound system an A+. The interior is a great place to spend time and I much prefer the layout of the EV6 digital screens to the large center screen used by Tesla and Ford on their EVs.
The GT Line that I purchased comes very nicely equipped with heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel and a 360 degree camera view which is great when backing out of parking spaces. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room despite it being a relatively small vehicle. The roofline is low and therefore egress and ingress might be a bit challenging for tall people.
The awd version that I purchased comes with the extra front motor raising both horsepower and torque. Acceleration is exhilarating and is stated by Kia to be in the mid 4 second range. There are certainly faster vehicles out there, but this is plenty for me.
This car won’t be confused for a Porsche Cayman in the twisties as it does have some body roll in corners despite the battery pack creating a nice low center of gravity.
The car feels solid, the doors have a nice solid feel when closing.
I'll Never Own an ICE Vehicle Again
5 out of 5 stars
Reverendbiker, 12/16/2022
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)
I own a T-shirt with a pic of a Harley Road King and the caption "If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand." That's the way I feel about my 2022 Kia EV6 First Edition. As an old gearhead (I've owned 22 vehicles, mostly performance oriented) and I have to say that the EV6 is my favorite. From the eerie quite to the acceleration from the two motors' instant-on torque, this vehicle … provides a driving experience that must be experienced to be believed.
Look--electric vehicles aren't for everyone. I don't need a car for driving long distances (there's an Audi A6 diesel in the garage for that) so the EV6 277-mile range is more than enough for me. I installed a level 2 charger in my garage so I can charge overnight and always have a full tank of electrons. Cost of running and maintaining it is less than 1/3 that of my previous vehicle, a Mustang GT. Fast, nimble, and a pleasure to drive on the back roads of Central Texas, it's a treat to drive. I often find myself looking for an excuse to take it out of the garage. Sheesh-you'd think I was 16 years old again...
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Kia EV6, so we've included reviews for other years of the EV6 since its last redesign.
U-DRAG RACE: BMW M2 vs. Kia EV6 GT | Quarter Mile, Handling & More!
Welcome back to Edmunds U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race! In this episode, the redesigned BMW M2 takes on the all-electric and ultra-quick Kia EV6 GT. Will BMW's smallest sports car's handling prowess make up for the Kia's power advantage?