The 2022 EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle built on the company’s revolutionary Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The E-GMP architecture utilizes significant amounts of ultra-high-strength steel to provide a structure that’s both lighter and stronger, delivering better handling, safety, and a wheelbase similar to many mid-size SUVs.
By John Coulter
The 2022 Kia EV6 won the Car Of The Year Award In Europe, beating out the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mach e.
RWD or e-AWD Capability: The EV6 SUV comes standard with RWD and a multi-link rear suspension to deliver responsive and sporty handling. Available models with Torque-vectoring e-AWD feature dual motors to deliver superior acceleration and all-weather grip.
Instant Acceleration: With an all-electric drivetrain, the EV6 offers a powerful driving experience. All models feature the instantaneous response of an electric motor, with select trims capable of delivering 446 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds – beating the 335-hp 2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe in independent ¼ mile tests certified by AMCI Testing.
Having been tested in some of the coldest climates on the planet, the EV6 is built to handle the elements. No matter the weather, the EV6 can help keep you comfortable and in control with these available features:
• A Heat Pump, which helps preserve all-electric range in cold weather driving conditions.
• Heated Front and Rear Seats to keep you and your passengers comfortable.
• Heated Steering Wheel to warm your hands on cold days.
• Dual Motor e-All Wheel Drive.
• Remote start with cabin preconditioning.
There are 5 trims that offer 2 different battery sizes: 58.0kWh (up to 232 EPA-estimated miles) and 77.4kWh (up to 310 EPA-estimated miles):
• EV6 Light (RWD) – MSRP: $40,900
• EV6 Wind (RWD) – MSRP: $47,000
• EV6 Wind (e-AWD) – MSRP: $50,900
• EV6 GT-Line (RWD) – MSRP: $51,200
• EV6 GT-Line (e-AWD) – MSRP: $55,900
Important facts about the pure electric EV6:
– The EV6 is eligible for a federal Tax Credit of up to $7500, HOV stickers, and state and local utilities incentives of up to $2750.
– The rear-wheel-drive version with the bigger 77.4 kWh battery pack gets 310 miles of EPA range on a single charge.
– The EPA estimates an EV6 will save you. $7,000 in fuel costs over 5 years compared to the average new vehicle. For the smaller 58.0kWh battery, MPGe is 136/100/117 city/highway/combined.
– The EV6 comes with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year / 100,000-mile warranty, which includes the EV6’s battery.
– The EV6 comes with 1,000 kWh of charging credits on the Electrify America network. Drivers will have up to 3 years to use these credits. The electric vehicle’s versatile system works with both 400v and 800v DC fast chargers. Using an 800v DC fast charger provides up to 217 miles of range in only 18 minutes.
– EV6’s Curved Panoramic 12.3-inch Screens provide a stunning, 24 inches of combined curved display for navigation, diagnostic, convenience, entertainment, and immersive vehicle information features. An integrated blue light filter helps reduce eye strain and driver fatigue. Infotainment features include: a 6-speaker Audio System, Apple car Play and Android Auto, Bluetooth Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity,
– Augmented Reality Head-Up Display: The available groundbreaking head-up display (HUD) shows key safety information and route guidance in augmented reality, providing additional info to help keep your eyes focused on the road ahead of you.
– EV6’s Virtual Valet Parking Assist, allows you to remotely park and exit parking spaces from outside the vehicle. Vehicle sensors automatically control the steering wheel, vehicle speed, and gear shifts to easily guide your vehicle into both perpendicular and parallel parking spaces.
– Kia Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology is one of the best in the automotive industry. It includes: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Car, Cyclist and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Junction Turning Detection, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning w/ Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Park Distance Warning – Reverse, Rear View Mirror with Dynamic Parking Guidance, Rear Occupant Alert.
– The EV6 front seats use giga steel, which maintains comfort while increasing rear seat leg room. Front and rear seats are supportive and spacious. The electric vehicle offers 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded.
Edmunds reviewers say: "In place of novelty or minimalist aesthetics, the dash is attractively modern and functional. The wide display panels atop the dashboard are easy to read at a quick glance and have the stylistic flair of some Mercedes and BMW vehicles.”
Car and Driver reviewers say: "Long trips are a pleasure thanks to the quiet cabin, and we noticed zero squeaks and rattles."
Cnet.com/roadshow’s Antuan Goodwin: Simply the Best. With its class-topping balance of performance, range and features, Kia's first dedicated EV may be the best model the automaker has ever made. All told, this model is a huge step forward for Kia – the company's engineers and designers have put their best foot all the way forward with this one.”
WRITTEN FEBRUARY 2022