Kia EV6 - TopCarNews

Kia EV6 (2021 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

Launched in 2021, the Kia EV6 is the Korean brand’s first production car that has been specifically designed as an all-electric model and is closely related to the Ioniq 5 from sister brand Hyundai.

The EV6 debuts new and very bold styling, and comes in single-motor two-wheel-drive form or with dual-motor four-wheel-drive. Buyers are able to choose it on the emphasis on range, which depending on model stretches up to a battery range of 316 miles between charges, or performance, the flagship GT version boasting a sub four-second 0-62mph time.

Like the Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 sits slightly higher than a regular perol-engined car but lower than an SUV.

Reviews of the EV6 have been universally positive, the car earning very high praise. Auto Express describes it as “a little sportier and more dynamic” than its Ioniq sister; “the styling sets the tone with a swoopier, curvier look to its profile.”

The Sun, however, argues that the EV6 is a “little more normal” than the Ioniq but adds “it does north of 300 miles between charges, drives well and has all the toys and luxury you would expect from a car at that price.”

For quite a large electric car, the EV6 is also quite sporty; “It really is excellent at dealing with those junction pull-aways and gap-threading,” says Top Gear, adding “it’s also quiet, calm and relaxing.”

The electric-specific platform liberates more interior space but reviewers also like the design inside, especially the curved instrument panel. “It looks very smart, with as many interesting touches as the exterior,” says Carbuyer.

More ticked boxes for the standard-fit ultra-fast recharging capability. “Nothing in this price range can get close to its recharging speeds, that will overshadow everything else when you are on a journey in a hurry,” says Electrifying.com.

As of January 2022, Kia EV6 currently holds an Expert Rating of 84% from 24 reviews. Being an all-new model, there are still new reviews being published regularly so this rating may shift – either up or down – over the coming months.

EV6 highlights

Choice of excellent range or performance
Sprightly handling
Ultra-fast charging capability as standard
Well-designed and spacious cabin

EV6 lowlights

More expensive than similar Hyundai Ioniq 5
Slightly firm ride

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £40,900 on-road

Launched: Summer 2021Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The ride may just be a little too firm for some, but it is liveable, and the trade-off is a slightly more engaging drive. All-wheel-drive versions have very strong performance, while the claimed range and charging tech make the EV6 a very versatile machine, but it doesn’t come cheap.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10” Striking looks, generous space, well over 300 miles of range, the option of all-wheel drive and loads of tech ought to put this large car firmly on your shortlist and give you serious pause for thought before ordering that VW ID.4 or Skoda Enyaq.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Kia’s new EV flagship could be swish, spacious and swift enough to become the pick of the electric crossover bunch.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10“Interesting to look at, great to drive and all with excellent electric range – the Kia EV6 is a very good electric car.”
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Car

Model reviewed: Score: 10 / 10“Dynamically well-mannered for a 2.5-tonne crossover, the Kia is well polished, from its intuitive, sustainable interior to its e-GMP skeleton.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“The EV6 is a hugely important car for Kia, and it’s one that the manufacturer has truly nailed. With a good range and seriously impressive charging speed, it is an EV that can truly go the distance. It’s stylish to look at inside and out, and is really rather good to drive as well, comfortably setting it apart from many rivals.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.8 / 10“The Kia EV6 is one of the best electric cars on sale, with a great range and rapid charging.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“Kia’s new EV6 electric SUV offers a bold, modern design, a roomy and well-equipped cabin and a good all-round driving experience, plus super fast charging. It’s a great family EV.”
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Driving Electric

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The first of the new breed of pure-electric cars from Kia impresses, offering sportier looks and handling than its Hyundai Ioniq 5 cousin.”
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Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10“Don’t underestimate the importance of the Kia EV6. While rivals might be able to match its performance, efficiency, space and driving dynamics, nothing in this price range can get close to its recharging speeds.”
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Eurekar

Model reviewed: “The Kia EV6 is a very impressive newcomer. It looks striking, drives beautifully, is packed with tech and offers a great driving range between charges – all for a price that will raise a few eyebrows too.”
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Model reviewed: “For the time being, the EV6 is about as good as it gets in the new world of electric models and opens up fresh horizons for every motorist.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: GT-Line SScore: 8 / 10“The Kia EV6 is a rounded and fundamentally sound electric car that’s distinctive without being off-putting.”
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Model reviewed: “Kia’s gone big with its new EV. The EV6 GT packs major performance into a sleek and aggressive body.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: EV6 GT Line 77.4kWh RWDScore: 10 / 10“The all-electric Kia EV6 is excellent to drive, the interior is well designed, it has a 328-mile range, and it’s available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“With a great driving experience and that decent range, we think that the Kia EV6 could well be one of the plug-in hits of 2022.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“EVs like the Kia EV6 give car makers a chance to wipe the slate clean. It’s an all-new car which comes without the preconceptions of how it should look, feel and drive that petrols have to shoulder. It’s fertile ground for a manufacturer to produce something special and Kia has done just that.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: “Electric SUV shares underpinnings with Hyundai Ioniq 5.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: “Exciting new electric SUV offers long range and funky styling.”Score: 8.4 / 10“Exciting new electric SUV offers long range and funky styling.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“It feels very much like the future because that’s exactly what it is. Over-the-air software updates will keep it fresh. The Koreans are one step ahead with their electric car rollout.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: EV6 RWD GT-Line SScore: 8 / 10“The Kia EV6 backs up its striking appearance with an on-road performance that puts it right at the front of the EV pack.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 77kWh GT Line AWDScore: 6 / 10“It wasn’t quite the revolution we thought it could or would be. The Kia EV6’s Ioniq 5 stablemate feels less pretentious and more desirable, despite its awful ride quality. Perhaps we expected too much of the new Kia, which in this specification is perfectly adequate but not the most sparkling drive.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Score: 9 / 10“Kia proving that forward-thinking doesn’t need to be entirely wacky. An extremely attractive package that makes a lot of more premium manufacturers look at least two steps behind.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Kia EV6 is a fine electric car with a long range and the ability to charge up very quickly. It’s also huge in the back and good to drive.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of December 2021, the Kia EV6 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

The EV6 is equipped with a host of active safety systems including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and following and speed limiters.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Kia EV6 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the EV6 is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia EV6 has received

2022

Southern Group of Motoring Writers Awards – Car of the Year
What Car? Awards – Car of the Year + Best Electric SUV

2021

Top Gear Awards – Best Crossover
What Car? Electric Car Awards – Reader’s Choice Award

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Kia EV6, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Pigeon-holing the Kia EV6 is difficult, as it falls somewhere between conventional liftback car and a high-riding crossover. Based on the way the latest generation of EVs is designed, with batteries underneath the cabin floor, it’s becoming an increasingly popular layout. The mechanically identical Hyundai Ioniq 5 is obviously similar, as is the Polestar 2.

A growing number of electric SUV-style crossovers are also lining up against the EV6; notably the Skoda Enyaq iV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Nissan’s soon-to-launch Ariya. Other than sitting up slighty higher, they offer very little difference in terms of cabin space and no inherent advantage in off-road performance.

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Keyword: Kia EV6