We’ve handpicked three of the top premium electric family cars to see which is the best
- Which has the best range & charging capability?
- Which is the most fun to drive?
- Which has the best interior?
- Which is the most practical?
- Which should you buy?
It’s impressive to see how far the electric car market has come over the last few years; half a decade ago, there were very few EVs on sale, the majority of which were either ultra-expensive luxury cars or tiny commuter vehicles with equally small ranges.
Wind the clock forward to today and prospective EV buyers have much more choice. The UK government has set a rule that all new cars must be electrified by 2030, and it seems like a new model is unveiled almost every week as manufacturers scramble to fill new niches in the market.
With electric cars now the mainstream, there are models to fit nearly every lifestyle and budget. The family car segment has always been one of the largest in the industry and there are now several electric options to choose from. Ranging from SUVs to hatchbacks, these all provide ample space and practicality, as well as a comfortable ride and sometimes even a few thrills.
We’ve rounded up three of the finest premium family EVs on the market right now – the Genesis GV60, the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y – and put them to the test to see which one should make its way onto your driveway. Each member of this trio offers its own distinct benefits, but there can only be one winner. Read on to see which is our favourite.
Which has the best range & charging capability?
Despite charging infrastructure seeing a massive boost recently, range is still a huge point of contention for EV buyers and often the one thing that deters people from making the transition to electric.
Thankfully, all three of the cars here offer range figures that make them usable everyday and on longer journeys. The Genesis GV60 is marginally the weakest model in this department; entry-level trims can manage around 320 miles on a single charge, whereas heavier top-spec models with larger wheels need plugging in after just under 290 miles.
The Kia EV6 improves on this, with entry-level models able to travel around 330 miles. Yet even on models specified with powerful motors and all-wheel-drive, this figure still remains over 300 miles. Both the Kia and the Genesis have access to 350kW fast charging – the fastest charging speed currently available in the UK. This allows you to top up your car from 0-80% in just 18 minutes if you manage to find one of the small handful of compatible chargers.
However, it's the Tesla that wins in this category. Just like the Kia, the standard Model Y Long Range can travel around 330 miles on a single charge, whereas the Performance model only sees this figure dip to just under 320 miles.
Yet, the main reason to buy a Tesla (apart from the kudos) is the access to the brand’s superb Supercharger infrastructure. At the time of writing, there are currently around 900 individual Superchargers in the UK, across dozens of locations. These allow Tesla drivers to charge at speeds of up to 250kW; allowing for a 10-80% charge in around 20 minutes.
Of course, all three cars are compatible with standard 100-150kW fast-chargers across the country as well as wallbox chargers or three-pin plugs at home.
Which is the most fun to drive?
Electric cars are rock solid proof that family transportation does not have to be boring; the instant power from the electric motor makes EVs feel much faster than the equivalent petrol or diesel model.
The Genesis GV60 is a key example of this; the entry-level car’s single electric motor ‘only’ produces 222bhp, however the instant shove as you put your foot down makes this number appear much greater. Top-spec models of the GV60 get a dual-motor setup with all-wheel-drive and a muscular 423bhp; however, while the Genesis can be relatively fun on a twisty road, it’s primarily set up for comfort.
Tesla has long held the crown in terms of acceleration; the brand’s range-topping Model S is currently the fastest-accelerating production car in the world. The Model 3, while not quite as brisk as its bigger sibling, is still supercar-rivalling in terms of speed. In Performance guise, the Model 3 can get from 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds; Long Range models take slightly longer at 4.8 seconds.
Be that as it may, it's the Kia EV6 which offers the biggest thrills behind the wheel. Under the metal, the EV6 shares many parts with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (as well as the GV60). However, here the boffins at Kia have tweaked the chassis for sharper and more direct handling. Weighing over two tonnes, the EV6 is surprisingly agile for such a big brute, yet all while remaining refined and comfortable.
The real ace up the Kia’s sleeve, however, is the upcoming GT model. Currently, the Kia range tops out at the dual-motor model; this produces a potent 321bhp and gets from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. The GT is set to blow this out of the water as it will use a more-powerful dual-motor setup with a monstrous 577bhp – making it the most powerful Kia ever made. With a 0-62mph that’ll match the Tesla Model Y Performance, the EV6 GT will give even some of the sportiest EVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace a run for their money.
Which has the best interior?
A car’s interior is perhaps one of its most important factors as this is where you’ll inevitably spend a lot of time. Electric cars have been pushing the envelope in terms of cabin design, with the majority of models adopting a futuristic aesthetic in order to separate themselves from traditional petrol and diesel cars.
While Tesla has historically been a pioneer in this respect with its ultra-minimalist interiors, you may be surprised to hear that it has the least welcoming interior here. First and foremost, however, it would be wrong to dismiss how brilliant the Model Y’s infotainment system is. This remains one of the best in the car industry, with a huge 15-inch touchscreen that is lightning-fast to respond and absolutely crammed with features.
This is where the compliments end, however, as in Tesla’s plight for minimalism, it has removed several important interior elements. For example, there’s no instrument cluster behind the steering wheel; to see the current speed as well as other instrumentation, drivers must instead look at a portion of the central touchscreen. Other functions have also been buried in the screen such as the climate controls which makes them difficult to adjust when on the move.
It’s also worth noting that while Tesla placed an impressive second place in our 2022 Driver Power survey, a worrying 44% of owners reported faults with their car within the first year of ownership.
On the other hand, the EV6 feels surprisingly premium for a car that comes from a brand that has long been considered as a budget marque. The dual 12.3-inch screens appear as if they’ve been pulled straight out of a Mercedes S-Class and while they may not have the wow-factor of the Tesla, the setup is much more ergonomic. Interior quality is strong, too; while there isn’t a huge amount of expensive materials, everything feels well-screwed together.
It's the Genesis GV60 that wins in this category, however, as it takes several elements from the Kia and improves on them to create something that feels truly luxurious. The overall design is similar to the EV6, however it incorporates several avant-garde elements such as a separate full colour screen for the climate controls, a crystal gear selector and, of course, swathes of leather upholstery.
Which is the most practical?
A family car must be practical and every member of this trio offers space to compliment their undeniable pace. The Genesis, while still offering ample room, is the least practical of the bunch. The GV60’s boot provides 432 litres of space; while this is more than, say, a Volkswagen Golf, it does lag behind the competition here. Things aren’t all bad though, as despite the car’s relatively sloping roofline, there is still plenty of room in the rear of the Genesis.
The Kia EV6 does a bit better with its 490-litre boot; what sets it apart from the Genesis, however, is the additional cargo space that lies under the bonnet. On rear-wheel-drive models, the so-called ‘frunk’ offers a substantial 53-litre of room – this drops to a mere, yet still helpful 20 litres on all-wheel-drive cars. Just like the Genesis, the Kia is roomy enough for three adults in the rear, something that is helped by the flat floor.
The Tesla Model Y is the most practical car here; it offers 854 litres of space in the rear (if you stack up to the roofline) and a whopping 117 litres in the frunk. Furthermore, the Tesla has a slightly wider rear middle seat than the other two cars, meaning those sitting in the back will be much more comfortable.
Which should you buy?
This is a difficult question to answer as all three cars offer a great electric alternative to your run-of-the-mill premium family car. The Genesis may be the most compromised of the trio, but its luxurious interior and bohemian styling will make it a great choice for those wanting to stand out.
The Tesla Model Y is also a great choice for those looking to travel longer distances frequently. The expansive Supercharger network makes owning a Tesla a breeze, plus the Model Y’s impressive range eliminates one of the biggest compromises found with electric cars.
However, it's the Kia EV6 that provides the most complete package. Its maximum range comes very close to the Tesla, and while Kia drivers (for now) don’t have full access to the Supercharger network, the EV6 can still be charged up at a growing number of rapid chargepoints all over the country. Pair this with a practical interior that comes close to the Genesis in terms of tech and quality, the Kia really is one of the best EVs you can currently buy. Oh, and did we mention it comes with a seven-year warranty?
Keyword: Genesis GV60 vs Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y: which should you buy?