Kia is finally breaking into the EV market with the release of the EV6 electric crossover SUV. The GT-Line is the most potent trim level, directly competing with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Mach-E went on sale in late 2020, so it has had plenty of time to garner consumer appeal.
Although it’s late to the electric SUV party, the Kia EV6 GT-Line shows serious potential. In fact, Edmunds says this model is faster than the Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium. What other appealing features does the Kia EV6 GT-Line promise?
A closer look at these exceptional electric crossovers
2022 Kia EV6 (top) and 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E | Kia; Ford Motor Company
While lower trims come standard with a 58-kWh battery, the Kia EV6 GT-Line packs a 74-kWh battery. Kia says this battery has an electric range of 310 miles. The car’s striking body lines set it apart from its rounded rivals.
The Kia EV6 measures almost 185 inches long, and its 114-inch wheelbase allows for excellent passenger legroom. Comfortable vegan leather seats with suede accents are standard, as are heating and ventilation. Over 24 cubic feet of cargo space is available with the rear seats up.
Each GT-Line trim comes with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Meridian audio system, and an expansive safety suite. This trim retails for $51,200 when paired with rear-wheel drive, while the all-wheel-drive version costs $55,900.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium looks more like a wagon than a traditional SUV, but it’s still stylish. Its extended-range battery promises 303 miles of range — seven miles fewer than the Kia EV6 GT-Line’s battery.
However, the Mach-E has more cargo space, with 29 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60 cubic feet with the back row folded down.
Riders sit on wide seats made from ActiveX synthetic leather. Edmunds says the seats are reasonably comfortable, though some riders might long for more adjustability.
In addition, the Ford Mustang Mach-E features a massive 15.5-inch touchscreen, and the SYNC 3 interface is famously user-friendly.
It also has many of the same comfort and convenience features found in the EV6 but at a lower price. The FWD Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium costs $48,775. Adding AWD brings the total to $51,800 — over $4,000 cheaper than the Kia EV6.
Edmunds found the Kia EV6 GT-Line faster than the comparable Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Kia EV6 GT-Line with AWD is the most powerful version, producing 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. When Edmunds test-drove it, the SUV reached 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Reviewers praised the car’s smooth power delivery, responsive steering, and solid suspension.
Ford says the Mustang Mach-E Premium produces 346 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It can reportedly hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. However, Edmunds‘ testing revealed this number to be slightly inaccurate. It’s still reasonably fast at 5.2 seconds, and the Mach-E’s fun handling delighted test drivers.
What’s next for the Kia EV6?
This is the new Kia EV6, and the fast version will do 0-62mph in 3.5s. It's an XC60-sized electric family car that, in GT guise, will outrun a Lamborghini Urus → https://t.co/BYDFurZhGK pic.twitter.com/yj3VBeTdKK
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) April 1, 2021
Even more powerful than the Kia EV6 GT-Line, the EV6 GT will enter production this year. Kia promises the potent GT will harness 576 hp and hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The automaker hasn’t revealed pricing yet, but it will probably cost at least $10,000 more than the GT-Line.
The EV6 GT should also be a worthy rival for the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance. Priced at $67,995, the high-performance Mach-E makes 480 hp and 638 lb-ft of torque. Its 0–60 split is an estimated 3.5 seconds too.
Once the Kia EV6 GT debuts, it’ll be interesting to see how it compares to the Mach-E GT Performance in real-world testing.
Keyword: The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line Is Faster Than the Ford Mustang Mach-E in Edmunds Tests