EV6 GT-line. Source: Kia
South Korean automaker Kia is celebrating after winning yet more awards for its EV6, including being names “Best Electric SUV” by US News and World Report this week.
It’s yet another award highlighting the popularity of the Hyundai Motor Group’s two big-name marques, Hyundai and Kia. The Kia EV6’s latest award racks up another for the Group’s e-GMP platform alongside wins for the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The EV6 was described as a “a well-rounded vehicle” that featured “exciting new design” and “spacious interior, not to mention silent and swift propulsion”
The EV6 – priced locally from $67,990 before on-roads – also nabbed the ‘Best Affordable EV’ and ‘Best Electric Vehicle’ titles.
Kia EV 6. Source: Kia
Award considered electric car specific features
US News & World Report analysed each vehicle’s overall review score, starting price, Level 2 charging rate, and EPA fuel economy and range estimates.
The judges considered a total of 82 electrified models. These included battery-electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles. Judges chose the best combination of quality, value, and efficiency in their particular segment.
Jim Sharifi, managing editor of the mag called the EV6 “a top choice with a comfortable and attractive interior.”
He added that it also has “a comprehensive suite of active safety features.”
“Perhaps the biggest selling point, however, is the EV6’s exceptional driving range of up to 310 miles,” he said.
The Kia EV6 interior. Source: Kia
EV6 deliveries reportedly increased in North America by 49% in the car’s second month in showrooms. In March, the automaker sold 3,100 EV6 models.
“The EV6 has been lauded as a success since its launch earlier this year and represents an important first step toward Kia’s transformative ‘Plan S’ electrification strategy that will deliver 11 all-new electrified models across the world by 2026,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America.
Other electric winners
Also among the winners was the Tesla Model Y for Best Luxury Electric SUV. Lucid Motors also nabbed a win with the Lucid Air for Best Luxury Electric Car.
Only launched in March, the Kia EV6 has a long way to go to catch up to the already hugely popular Ioniq 5, after it was unveiled in early 2021 and launched later that year.
Source: Lucid Motors
The Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – both built on Hyundai’s e-GMP platform – also nabbed the joint World Champions of the inaugural “Best Cars of the Year” award in January.
Meanwhile, amongst the Ioniq 5’s already burgeoning trophy cabinet are a Popular Science award, the German Car of the Year award, Green SUV of the Year award, and the UK Car of the Year 2022.
Keyword: Kia EV6 electric crossover sweeps more best electric car awards