The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Range and efficiency
- Wagon-like styling
- Relative value
- Lots of standard features
- GT performance
Dislikes
- No wireless smartphone compatibility
- Middling front seat comfort
- GT model’s hidden drift mode
- Not eligible for federal tax credit
Buying tip
features & specs
Well-balanced and loaded with value, the 2024 Kia EV6 is a must-see for electric crossover shoppers.
What kind of vehicle is the 2024 Kia EV6? What does it compare to?
If you’re looking for value without compromising style and efficiency, the 2024 Kia EV6 is one of the best picks in the segment. This crossover EV shares a platform and powertrains with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, but it’s sportier and better equipped to take on performance-oriented rivals like Tesla’s Model Y and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E.
Is the 2024 Kia EV6 a good car?
Yes. It’s one of the better mainstream crossover EVs on sale, thanks to its balance of performance, efficiency, and value, with a TCC Rating of 8.3 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2024 Kia EV6?
A lot, actually, and it results in some significant changes to the trim lineup and, perhaps more noteworthy, the EV6’s pricing structure. This year, Kia offers the 77.4-kwh battery pack in the Light trim, which means there are two new entry-level trims as well for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) Light models. The lineup now gets standard charge door marking and lighting. The EV6 GT model gets 12 additional miles of estimated range, for a total of 218 miles. And, while the base 58-kwh battery pack was cut from the 2023 lineup, it returns for 2024 to power the entry-level Light RWD trim.
Aside from lime-green accents, like contrast seat stitching and brake calipers that highlight the massive brakes and wheels, the EV6 GT blends into the rest of the EV6 lineup. It’s more wagonlike in profile than its competitors, and has a lower stance, too.
The base rear-wheel-drive Light is rated for 167 hp, while the rear-wheel-drive Light Long Range, Wind, and GT-Line produce 225 hp. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions of those trims rate 320 hp, while the GT truly impresses at 576 hp, 545 lb-ft of torque, 3.4 seconds to 60 mph, and drift mode.
Range tops out at 310 miles, with a DC fast-charge time of 18 minutes to 80%. With dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration, the EV6 takes 5.1 seconds to breeze to 60 mph.
With a low stance, aerodynamic profile, and independent suspension, the EV6 delivers a sprightly ride and athletic handling despite its heft, but better-tuned steering would go a long way for enjoyment.
The EV6 provides cabin and trunk room for four adult passengers and gear.
The EV6 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating last year, but it hasn’t been testing with the new criteria this year. It comes with plenty of advanced safety tech, comfort amenities, and a best-in-class 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. It includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, a pair of 12.3-inch displays for instruments and infotainment, wireless charging (but not wireless smartphone integration, and Meridian audio.
How much does the 2024 Kia EV6 cost?
A new base trim for 2024 means a much lower starting price, even though the destination charge increases $100 to $1,395.
With a single motor and rear-wheel-drive, the base Light starts at $43,925 with a $1,395 destination charge, and the Long Range version comes in at $47,275. With the dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive, the price bumps up to $51,175. Wind versions start at $50,025 with rear-wheel drive. The 2024 Kia EV6 currently does not qualify for federal EV tax incentives.
The GT-Line’s single-motor version costs $54,225 and the dual-motor version costs $58,925. The dual-motor 2024 EV6 GT has a price tag of $62,925, about $7,000 less than similarly-performing EVs.
Where is the 2024 Kia EV6 made?
The EV6 is produced in South Korea.
2024 Kia EV6 Styling
The 2024 Kia EV6 reshapes crossover expectations by combining sport wagon cues and dream machine vibes.
Is the Kia EV6 a good-looking car?
It is. The EV6 is aerodynamic and sculpted, as is typical of the EV crossover segment, but stretches over a longer, low-roofed profile that looks and feels like a European sport wagon. It looks good and stops short of overkill. We award an 8, with two points for the exterior and another for the more simple cabin.
The EV6 wears muscular lines without getting too bulky, and boasts a range of elegant wheel designs from 19 to 21 inches. The stubby nose gives attitude up front, and the sides’ rocker garnish flows toward the back’s elegant light bar. A raked rear window and integrated roof spoiler wrap up the tail’s sporty look.
The EV6 lacks the glass roof that’s become a go-to element of rival electric crossovers, though a low, long dashboard lets in plenty of light. The GT gets lime green contrast stitching throughout.
2024 Kia EV6 Performance
With a wide range of performance options, the 2024 Kia EV6 can confidently take on more established EV sport crossovers.
Though the smaller 58.0-kwh battery pack makes a return for 2024, it’s unlikely to be a volume seller, and the larger 77.4-kwh battery offers blistering acceleration and comfortable cruising, good for a 7. Rated alone, the 2024 EV6 GT would merit an 8.
Is the Kia EV6 4WD?
Base trims come with a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while dual-motor versions come with all-wheel drive.
How fast is the Kia EV6?
The new entry-level Light model, rated for 167 hp, is unlikely to blow off anyone’s socks, though it does make the EV6 affordable at a lower price point than before. Kia hasn’t yet published estimated 0-60-mph times for this model. The next group of trims uses a permanent-magnet motor good for 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Most EV6s use a dual-motor setup that makes 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. Most rear-drive single-motor models can run from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, while the dual-motor versions shave that time to 5.1 seconds.
The EV6 GT upgrades both front and rear motors for a combined output of 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque.
The EV6 carves corners with impressive agility, and the firm suspension system, with a front strut and rear five-link setup, is still mostly comfortable. However, the EV6 has a dull, light steering feel that is a significant distraction from the overall experience.
EV6 GT performance
The GT model, with its larger motors, has a 161-mph top speed and can run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. That time beats the Tesla Model Y Performance and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, and is right on the tail of the Porsche Taycan. The EV6 GT won’t pin you in your seat like a Taycan, but it’s particularly potent between 20-50 mph. The GT gets three more driving modes, though the Drift mode is unfortunately nested in a complicated sequence of steps.
A sport-tuned suspension complete with adjustable dampers enhances the GT’s handling, though the corners still have some squishiness. Front 15.0-inch brake rotors look cool and offer enhanced grip over other EV6 models, but we’d like even more, particularly considering the GT’s 4,795 pounds of heft. In corners, the EV6 self-corrects without sacrificing the experience, thanks to an electronic limited-slip differential, a rear-drive bias, and 21-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber.
2024 Kia EV6 Comfort & Quality
Kia makes the most of the 2024 EV6’s cabin space.
With a profile that’s more sport wagon than crossover, the Kia EV6 might not look particularly spacious, but the cabin is surprisingly roomy. We award a point each for passenger and storage volume, and another for the cabin’s serene design, for an 8 here.
In terms of length and width (184.8 and 74.4 inches, respectively, for GT-Line and GT versions), the EV6 holds its own compared to the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, but its height of 60.8 inches is at least three inches shorter than those competitors. You’ll only notice climbing in and getting out.
Once inside, the EV6 feels more like a crossover, particularly when nestled in the firmly-bolstered, 8-way power-adjustable front seats. The EV6 GT boasts front sport buckets, a novelty for Kia, that give riders an enthusiastic hug. Though the GT-Line and GT have a sunroof that claims some of the front headroom, taller passengers will still have enough space.
The driver’s seating position feels sportier than other crossovers, thanks to the raked windshield and the cowl that starts above the front axle. Standard synthetic leather upholstery is reasonably soft, and the front seats come heated and cooled for a premium feel.
The reclining rear seats offer legroom of 39.0 inches. Four adults will be comfortable in the EV6, but the middle rear seat is best used as an armrest. The cargo hold measures 24.4 cubic feet, which expands to 50.2 cubes when the 60/40-split rear seats are folded. Rivals offer more cargo space, though. There’s a cubby under the floor for charging cord storage, or it’ll take up the space in the frunk. The cabin offers deep door cubbies, a deep storage bin, and an open console.
2024 Kia EV6 Safety
Good crash-test scores and tech make the 2024 Kia EV6 a safe choice.
How safe is the Kia EV6?
The NHTSA finally crashed it and awarded it five stars, though its test results on the front passenger side were limited to four stars. The IIHS changed its criteria this year to better assess front passenger as well as rear passenger safety, but it hasn’t updated the Top Safety Pick+ status bestowed on it by the IIHS last year. For now, it’s an 8. It could be a 9 based on IIHS results.
The only point the EV6 misses is due to its limited outward vision because of its pinched rear end and low roofline.
The EV6 also scores for its driver-assist tech that includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitoring system.
Kia offers the EV6 with a surround-view camera system, rear automatic braking, remote automatic parking, and a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system that enables limited hands-free driving. These options earn a point, as well.
2024 Kia EV6 Features
Kia impresses with well-equipped EV6 models at every price point.
The 2024 Kia EV6 features an excellent warranty, good standard features, an intuitive infotainment system, and strong overall value. Each of those attributes is worthy of a point, for a 9 here. With more luxurious options, it would be a perfect 10, though the option for a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) connector, which can power appliances and other gear, is a compelling one.
Standard features include LED headlights, twin 12.3-inch displays, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and cooled front sets, a hands-free power tailgate, a Meridian stereo system, a wifi hotspot, wireless smartphone charging, and 19-inch wheels.
Kia backs the EV6 with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty.
Which Kia EV6 should I buy?
The EV6’s pricing varies based on the powertrain, so you’ll pay more based on performance and efficiency. The Wind model is the best value and offers the longest range at $50,025, though we’d get the dual-motor AWD version, which includes a heat pump, for $53,925.
How much is a fully loaded Kia EV6?
For $62,925, the EV6 GT delivers thrills thanks to bigger motors, three additional drive modes, standard AWD, a rear limited-slip differential, and adjustable dampers. It rides on 21-inch wheels wrapped in performance rubber.
2024 Kia EV6 Fuel Economy
The Kia EV6 is efficient in all but the performance GT trim.
Is the Kia EV6 good on energy?
With up to 310 miles of range from single-motor RWD versions and an average of almost 3.6 miles per kwh, or 117 MPGe in volume models, the Kia EV6 rates a flawless 10.
The Kia EV6 features an 800-volt architecture and the choice of 50.8-kwh or 77.4-kwh battery packs. It’s the most efficient electric crossover on the market after the Tesla Model Y, based on its average mileage per kilowatt-hour.
The base EV6 Light with rear-wheel drive is the only model with the 58.0-kwh pack, and offers up about 232 miles of range.
In dual-motor AWD configuration, the EV6 requires more juice and yields less range. Wind models travel for 282 miles at an average of 3.2 miles per kwh, or 109 MPGe. GT-Lines’ 20-inch wheels result in a range of 252 miles and an average of 2.9 miles per kwh, or 96 MPGe.
The EV6 GT prioritizes performance, rides proudly on 21-inch wheels and summer rubber, and yields 218 miles on a charge and efficiency of 2.4 miles per kwh, or 79 MPGe, which is 12 miles more than the 2023 model.
All-wheel-drive versions of the EV6 feature a heat pump as well as up to four regenerative braking settings to recapture energy and send it back to the battery pack. In most driving scenarios, Eco mode turns off the front motor, so it’s possible to exceed the EPA’s range and efficiency ratings.
Charging
The Kia EV and its cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, share an 800-volt architecture that enables the fastest DC fast charging in the mainstream EV segment. It’s capable of charging from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes plugged into a 350-kw CCS connector. It’s peaked at about 240 kw during our testing in mild temperatures. On a 240V Level 2 home charger, the EV6 takes about seven hours to charge from 10% to full, thanks to its 10.9-kw onboard converter.
