The 2024 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 Kia EV6 wasn't the automaker's first electric vehicle when it debuted in 2022, but it put the world on notice that the South Korean car company could build a world-class EV. A small crossover SUV, the 2024 Kia EV6 has distinctive styling and impressive range and charging capabilities to back it up. Edmunds has found in its independent testing that the EV6 can go more than 300 miles on a single charge and then speedily charge back up to quickly get you back on the road.
We like that Kia offers a few versions of the EV6 to appeal to a wide variety of EV shoppers. The EV6 Light is the base version. It's attractively priced and comes with a pleasing amount of features. For 2024, you can also get it with the EV6's optional battery pack that provides significantly more range. In the middle of the lineup are the Wind and GT-Line trims that add even more features. So far, it's all pretty sensible. But if you want something a little bonkers, there's the 576-horsepower EV6 GT that zips from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Competitors to consider
The Kia EV6 is one of the more compelling electric vehicles you can buy. It faces increasing competition, however. The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Honda Prologue electric SUVs are new for 2024, and they expand a list of rivals that already includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Ariya and Tesla Model Y. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to learn more about how the EV6 stacks up.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
8.0
out of 10
We drove the 2024 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 repeated 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. The blind-spot warning system, however, worked perfectly and using Kia's Highway Driving Assist in slow-and-go rush hour traffic provided welcome relief.
Storage
7.5/10
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, Hyundai, Tesla 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 2024 Kia EV6 is a small electric crossover SUV that's available in Light,Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line and GT trim levels. Kia offers different combinations of battery packs and electric motors that result in different power outputs and range. Keep reading below for more details of the EV6's specifications and the features offered with each trim level. Compare the 2024 Kia EV6 trim levels in-depth.
Which EV6 trim does Edmunds recommend?
Go for the Wind trim level. It provides an appealing mix of performance, range and upscale features while keeping the price relatively in check.
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 8 years or 72,000 miles for this car.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$100
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
The 2024 Kia EV6 has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
2 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.
The overall sentiment from owners about the 2024 Kia EV6 is mixed. Owners love the car's fast acceleration, comfortable interior, and advanced features. However, they also mention issues such as complicated controls, unreliable charging, and problems with customer service. The car’s performance in snowy conditions and high insurance costs are also concerns for some owners.
This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews
U-DRAG RACE: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N vs. Kia EV6 GT | Acceleration, 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! We’ve got a sibling rivalry in this episode, as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N takes on its Kia EV6 GT platform mate. Which high-performance EV will take home the trophy?