By Sean Tucker
The Kia EV6 is a stunning new entry on the scene and costs a lot less. Which one is right for you?
Tesla has dominated the electric car market for years. Its best-selling vehicle, the Model Y SUV, makes an excellent practical case for itself. But electric car buyers have more choice than ever before. The Kia EV6 is one of the most interesting new entries, with stunning looks and a powerful model with supercar-like numbers. Let’s see how these two electric vehicles compare.
2023 Kia EV6
The 2023 Kia EV6 is one of the most intriguing new cars on the road, with breathtaking looks and a range of up to 500 kilometers. Part SUV, part hatchback, part futuristic high-tech tiger, it’s one of the best looking new cars inside and out. A high-performance GT version has 576 horsepower. Prices start at $48,500, while a GT costs $61,400.
Kia EV6 highlights
Stunning design inside and out: The EV6 straddles the line between hatchback and SUV, and does so with exquisite style. On the outside, it sports the best interpretation of Kia’s “digital tiger” design language, with a slim nose and broad shoulders. Inside it’s contemporary and beautiful, with a pair of screens in a single bezel that looks like one huge, curved screen surface.
10-year powertrain warranty: Kia’s designs have improved, but the best case for buying one has never changed. The industry’s longest warranty means no major financial surprises over ten years of ownership. That 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is hard to beat.
Easy service: Kia has nearly 800 dealers in the US, and any one of them can handle any service or repair the EV6 needs. Tesla (TSLA) has built a cellular service network that can handle many field repairs across much of the country, but Tesla owners still have to tow their car to the nearest service center for major work. They are not found in every state. Major problems can mean towing your Tesla hundreds of miles for repairs.
See: Why GM dealers quietly repair Teslas
Tesla Model Y from 2023
The Tesla Model Y is America’s best-selling electric car. For months it has been one of America’s best-selling luxury cars. With SUV space, excellent range and access to the country’s most extensive charging network, it offers an easy way to go electric. Prices start at $65,990.
Tesla Model Y Highlights
The Tesla Supercharger Network: EV ownership is becoming easy in many locations, but in others the hurdle remains the charging infrastructure. You will probably do most of your charging at home. But on the road, Tesla owners have it easier than anyone else. Thanks to the company’s extensive charging network, public chargers are easy to find. They don’t work with non-Tesla cars.
Serious cargo space: The EV6 and the Model Y are both midsize, but the Model Y offers 22 cubic feet more cargo space with the rear seats folded. The EV6 also has a comically small frunk (yes, the front trunk is called a frunk. Admit how fun it is to say). The Model Y’s frunk provides usable space.
That Tesla cachet: Tesla owners are a community. Tesla vehicles come with access to that world. Kelley Blue Book research shows that customers purchasing other vehicles tend to research multiple models; but Tesla buyers tend not to even explore other cars. If you’ve always wanted a Tesla, chances are a Model Y will scratch that itch.
Read: Tesla finds a loophole in states where dealerships are banned: tribal countries
agreements
The Model Y and EV6 are both all-electric SUVs, roughly mid-sized, with ranges of around 300 miles in most cases. Each offers a powerful model with approximately 380 horsepower.
Conclusion
If you’re considering going electric, the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y each offer great ways to do it. They are two of the most appealing electric SUVs, and each is available in a powerful model with a 0-100 km/h time of around 3.5 seconds. The Kia can be found for much less money and comes with the assurance of an extensive dealer network for easy maintenance. The Tesla has a proven track record and gives you access to a wider charging network. Only your own priorities can tell you which set of traits is right for you.
See also: The 2022 Kia EV6 vs. the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4: Which electric SUV is better?
Specifications
2022 Kia EV6 2023 Tesla Model Y Starting Price $48,500 $65,990 Popular Powertrains Engine Electric motor Dual electric motors Horsepower 225 hp 447 hp Torque 258 lb-ft 376 lb-ft Transmission 1-speed direct drive 1-speed direct drive Fuel Economy 134 city/101 hwy/117 combined MPGe 131 city/117 hwy/125 combined MPGe Maximum Range 310 miles 330 miles Also Available Dual-motor, AWD Performance model Specs Basic Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty 10 years/100,000 miles 4 years/50,000 miles Battery Warranty 10 years/100,000 miles 8 years/100,000 miles Max Seating Capacity 5 5 Wheelbase 114.2 inches 113.8 inches Overall Length 184.3 inches 187 inches Width 74.0 inches 83.8 inches Height 60.8 inches 64 inches Turning Diameter 38.2 feet TBD Headroom, Front 39.0 inches 41.0 inches Headroom, Rear 38.0 inches 39.4 inches Legroom, Front 42.4 inches 41.8 inches Legroom, Rear 39.0 inches 40.5 inches Shoulder Room, Front 57.8 inches 56.4 inches Shoulder Room, Rear 55.6 inches 54 inches Cargo Volume 24.4/50.2 cubic feet 30.2/72.1 cubic feet
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
22-06-12 0501ET
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