2023 Kia EV6: A Head-Turning New Electric SUV

The 2023 Kia EV6 comes into this new model year with three different versions of this new electric SUV to appease different driving tastes.

The base model of the EV6 gives you a great start, while the GT model brings a high-powered delivery that brings the heat in an electric performance SUV. This isn’t an SUV that just looks great; it brings the desired qualities to be a car that offers plenty of substance. You will find a comfortable cabin, impressive driving range, and the right charging capabilities. You’ll find a lot of reasons to enjoy this impressive EV; let’s look at a few of them.

But first, a few pros and cons

Before we give you all the reasons you’ll love the EV6, let’s highlight the pros and cons of this new electric SUV:

Pros

• Good range
• Rapid charging
• Excellent tech
• Top safety scores
• Compelling design
• Exciting GT performance

Cons

• Not eligible for the federal tax credit
• Wonky gauge design
• GT has a limited driving range and no power seats

The Kia EV6 is bigger than you think

Pictures don’t do the EV6 justice. This SUV seems much larger than what appears in photos and videos. This is a good thing, especially for drivers with knee and back issues. This could be the most sedan-like high-riding SUV, which makes it pretty interesting. There’s plenty of visibility over the short front end, and the rear comes up in a ducktail point to give you a bit more length to this amazing car. The flush-mount door handles pop out when you approach the vehicle, making it easy to open and close the doors without trouble. The EV6 stands up tall and offers the SUV qualities you want while being sleek and stylish, making it a great fit.

Charging is a bit of an adventure in this Kia

Unless you completely depend on Level 3 public charging stations, you need to check the box to add a charging cable to this Kia. This SUV doesn’t come with a Level 1 or 2 charging cable, which seems a bit strange. Some public charging stations have trouble with the Kia setup, which makes at-home charging more desirable. Of course, you’ll also need to get used to backing your EV6 into your garage because the charging port is on the rear of the passenger side of this EV; a bit of a strange location, but it can work pretty easily.

Bright, easy to see screens on the EV6 dashboard

Most new EVs offer large screens to give you an easy way to see all of the controls and infotainment options available. The Kia EV6 isn’t unique in this way. You’ll find a pair of side-by-side screens which give you the look and style desired. The screens take some getting used to, but the automatic side cameras that activate with a turn signal are great. There’s also a surround-view camera that makes it much easier to park without any incident.

AWD models offer better handling and performance

If you want a more active and fun experience behind the wheel of this Kia SUV, you’ve got to add the AWD option. This does mean you’ve got a second electric motor, a higher price, and more power. If you’re used to some active driving, this powertrain is worth adding to the mix. You’ll have a much more exciting and fun SUV to drive, despite paying a little more. If you want to drive the most performance-oriented version of the EV6, you’ve got to choose the GT model, which can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds or less.

What does the EV6 GT offer?

The 2023 Kia EV6 GT brings you an aggressive build with 21-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned neon brake calipers, and a great-looking rear diffuser. This car also brings improved steering response and precision by using an advanced chassis. The GT model includes a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. This package ensures excellent performance from the top model of this electric SUV. While the GT model might have lower driving range numbers compared to the other models, it is the most exciting version of the EV6.

Charging ports located in smart places

Whether it’s charging or shifting gears, the control features of the EV6 are located in unique places that will soon make sense to most drivers. The USB-C ports for rear passengers are on the sides of the seats to put them out of the way when getting in and out of the vehicle. The large Qi charger is on the center console, which makes it easy to find and a great place to put your phone while charging and driving. There’s also a 110V power outlet in the front of the second-row seat base to make powering up items easy and convenient.

Kia didn’t make a big frunk

If you’re hoping for a frunk in the new Kia EV6 that rivals the massive size of the Ford F-150 Lightning’s power frunk, forget it. This SUV rides on an EV platform, not an old ICE platform, which means it was designed specifically for the electric powertrain. The frunk in the EV6 is small, not much larger than a typical glove box, but it does have a little bit of room when you want to keep a few small items in this space.

The EV6 works as a power generator

Kia gives this electric SUV the V2L charging power, which means it can charge other EVs, run electric items at campsites, or power some of your home appliances during a power outage. The power output is limited to 1.9-kW, which isn’t a high number, but it can be enough for these duties. Of course, it would be nice if the US version of this SUV matched the 3.8-kW output of the European models of this SUV. That number is enough to power a home during a power outage, which would be perfect for most new EV drivers.

The new 2023 Kia EV6 is an impressive vehicle to drive. You’ll find a few items you need to get used to before driving, but this electric SUV is stylish, sporty, fun, and easy to enjoy.