2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 is a four-door electric hatchback that Kia is marketing as a crossover. The EV6 offers up to 320 miles of range and is one of the lowest and sleekest-looking of a peer set that includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4, and its Hyundai cousin, the Ioniq 5.

This is an entirely new vehicle, on a new modular platform that’s the basis for a whole set of electric vehicles to be sold under the Hyundai (Ioniq), Genesis, and Kia brands. It reflects a clean-sheet approach optimized for battery-electric tech, with no accommodation for gasoline engines or hybrids.

The form of the 2022 Kia EV6 doesn’t fit into a particular market niche, and it’s a little lower than other crossovers that making it appear like a much larger and longer car than it is. Although it’s just 184.2 inches long, it rides on a 114.2-inch wheelbase—the same as the large Telluride SUV that seats up to eight people.

With seats for five, the 2022 Kia EV6 makes the most of the passenger compartment, with the flat battery pack under the cabin floor and the climate control, which is typically just inside the cabin, moved under the hood. Headroom is just adequate, but the cabin feels long, with plenty of sprawl-out space in the back seat and a 24.4-cubic-foot cargo area.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Available with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle or an electric motor on both axles, the 2022 Kia EV6 can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive.

While all-wheel-drive models have the larger battery pack and either 320 or 576 total horsepower, the base rear-drive example has a smaller battery and just 167 horses.

Opting for the bigger battery boosts the rear-drive EV6’s total system output to 225 horses. We drove a GT-Line AWD in Europe and enjoyed its satisfying acceleration, agile handling, and adjustable regenerative brake settings.

Those seeking maximum straight-line performance will appreciate the 576-hp GT, which has an estimated zero-to-60-mph time that’s under 3.5 seconds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Every single-motor EV6 has a combined EPA rating of up to 117 MPGe; the dual-motor variant is rated at 105 MPGe. Once we can test both setups on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we can evaluate their real-world efficiency. For more information on the EV6’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.

Interior, Passenger Space, and Cargo

Inside, the 2022 Kia EV6‘s design and layout are not as daring as the outside, but the configuration and features look more attractive and futuristic than any other current Kia model.

Although the center console doesn’t slide back and forth and there are no front-seat footrests like there are on the upcoming Ioniq 5, the 2022 Kia EV6 mixes high-tech content such as a digitized dashboard with practical elements such as a floating center console with copious storage solutions and a large bin underneath it.

Other touches that stand out are the two-tone, two-spoke steering wheel, the prominent start button on the center console, and the gold accents that are tastefully placed throughout the cockpit. The 2022 Kia EV6 has a flat floor and a wheelbase as long as the three-row, mid-size Kia Telluride, so passenger space is generous.

There are also 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 54 cubes total with the rear seatbacks folded flat. There’s more storage space under the front trunk, too, but it’s not as big as expected.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system runs through a 12.0-inch touchscreen that’s an extension of the 2022 Kia EV6’s 12.0-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the design and performance of the menu structure and navigation are unimpressive.

Along with the ability to accept over-the-air updates and respond to myriad voice commands, the system includes popular features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, the stereo can be upgraded to the available Meridian unit with 14 speakers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Kia packs the 2022 Kia EV6 with a variety of standard driver-assistance technology that includes automated emergency braking and automatic high beams. There are several other optional assists that can be added for an even safer experience.

For more information about the EV6’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Photos

Full Specifications

Dimensions

Engine and Transmission

EV6 Gas Mileage

Seating and Interior Space