The 2022 Kia EV6 represents the brand’s first clean-sheet of paper pure EV for its lineup. It’s space-age in its design, mainstream in its features and specs, and has Tesla Model Y square in its cross hairs.
Based on the Hyundai-Kia E-GMP dedicated EV architecture the EV6 shares much of its spec and mechanicals with the also new Hyundai Ioniq 5. Though they share much, the EV6 has its own wheelbase of 114.2-inches and length of 184.3-inches.
Design is fashion forward with many of Kia’s “Opposites United” design language phrases and statements for the eyes. It seems Kia uses a french curve in their design studio where Hyundai uses a straight edge. It’s voluptuous and Jetsons at the same time.
Inside you will find a mid-century modern feel with generous use of recycled plastics and soft trims including its “Vegan Leather” seating surfaces (vinyl). The look is appealing and the layout very functional and spacious.
Seating up front is exceptionally comfortable with soft surfacing bolstered by firm support – the best of both. Rear seating is a bit close to the floor but supportive none the less. Those rear seats fold down with a flick of a lever for a near flat load floor.
A completely flat floor afforded by the large 77.4 kWh battery pack underneath allows for generous leg room and space for storage such as the sizable bin underneath the cantilevered center console. Details like top notch switch gear and generous tech make it a very nice place to spend time behind the wheel.
Performance comes from a 225 horsepower AC motor at the rear axle. With 258 pound feet of torque, it moves the 4,400 ish pound EV6 from 0-60 in about 7.2 seconds. Power is smooth and well customizable with three drive modes. Regenerative braking can be dialed into your liking with paddles on the steering wheel including an i-Pedal function that brakes when you lift the accelerator.
EPA estimated range is 310 miles for our EV6. We did however find that in our 110 degree days here in Phoenix the actual range was significantly less at around 215 miles. This is because much of the battery energy has to be used to support heavy HVAC use but also to power its own liquid cooling system to keep it in safe operating range.
It’s a common thread with all EVs that extreme temperatures take a bite out of the range but this was a pretty significant range drop in our experience.
On a brighter note, handling was much better than our experience with the mechanically similar Hyundai Ioniq 5 earlier this year. The Hyundai had an extremely unforgiving and bouncy ride. Kia on the other hand tuned their suspension much better for a ride more stable and free of undesirable body movements. On the highway it was one of the quietest cars we’ve tested with a 52.6 dB sound level in our 70-mpg cruise test patch.
Our EV6 Wind RWD tester is near the lower end of the trim grade scale, just one up from the entry point. As tested it comes in at $48,710 including destination and its optional Glacier paint color. You can spend a lot more going up to the AWD GT-Line model.
Big picture, we found the 2022 Kia EV6 to be delightfully designed, fun to drive and comfortable to live with on the daily. The high heat range drop was a downer but that aside, we’d recommend anyone looking for a mid level EV crossover to give it a good look.
