The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line Is A Brilliant Mainstream Electric Crossover (That Needs One More Knob)

The all-new Kia EV6 is the first purpose-built electric car from the brand. Sharing its E-GMP platform with Hyundai Ioniq 5 (but little else), the EV6 is available with two battery sizes in rear and all-wheel drive. The “Opposites Unite” design language turns heads, the cabin has unique styling featuring recycled materials and in moderate temperatures, it should easily hit it’s 309-mile range. And when the GT-Line’s 77.4kWh pack is spent, it charges from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes using 350kW commercial fast chargers. Tom Voelk checks out a well equipped GT-Line rear wheel drive and finds it fun to drive and ready to take on Ford Mustang Mach-E, Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo XC40 and C30 Recharge and Tesla Model Y and 3.

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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos.

00:00 Intro
00:56 Model Line Up
1:25 Estimated Ranges
2:03 0-60 Times
2:46 Powertrain
4:36 Charging
5:50 Driving Dynamics
7:54 One Pedal Driving
8:57 Interior
10:30 Volume Knob
11:13 Vehicle to Load Adapter
11:45 Interface
12:25 Back Seat
13:34 Design
14:35 Cargo

[dlg]

"The chassis structure is as rigid as an Elon fanboy"
That clever turn of phrase made my day.

[minime]

Great review! We took delivery of our EV6 instead of the MachE mostly because of availability (still no build date). We don’t feel like we compromised at all.

[kcw]

Yet another well done review. Hyundai-Kia continues to impress. This is the best looking ev I’ve seen yet at any price. Ironman face.

[joshmatlock]

I had a Bolt EUV and that was stated at 0-60 in 7 seconds and it felt quicker than any car I'd ever driven. EVs just feel fast. They're fantastic.

[FeisarX]

Switching between AC and Audio controls without all the clutter... and keeping the knob control for both... I love this idea. I'm sad most of the journalists (not all) are crapping on it.

[ExcellentDude]

It's quite strange when you see the rolling footage, it looks like a small hatchback. Then when you see Tom sitting in it, it's actually a pretty big vehicle.

[tj]

Bought my First Edition on June 27th. Absolutely love it! Each day I drive it, I continue to smile.

I have bumped heated seat/wheel controls a few times when using touchscreen. Also, the piano black trim is pretty, but very prone to fingerprints.

I’m just taking a trip to the Wisconsin Dells from Kalamazoo & the charging is very easy. Only needed 2 full charges at about 1 hour, allowed me to arrive in the Dells with approximately 190 miles left. Gets plenty of looks, especially since it’s Urban Yellow.

Great review, & looking forward to many years of happy motoring.

[robertbrody]

Just picked up a matte grey EV6 GT-Line AWD First Edition. How nice is it? I traded my Mercedes AMG in and I feel like I upgraded. It's an amazing car and quick. Instant torque will make you smile. Done paying crazy gas prices and will soon trade my nice Mazda CX9 in for a 2nd EV as well!

[SuperMistland]

I just got a WInd RWD, and it is sublime. I get giddy every time I walk up to it. The interior (in my opinion ofc) is nicer than many more expensive cars that feel a bit gaudy or outdated.

[Kishan]

Another delightful review, really love the EV6. Seems like a no compromise EV. And Seattle is beautiful as always!

[charliehippler]

Tom, your narration and wit is half the pleasure of the reviews! Keep up the good stuff!

[anthonyc]

EV6 is so sharp looking! Bummer it doesn't have a full glass roof because it's super dark in the cabin with those small windows. 4.5 seconds to 60mph in the AWD is crazy quick and will even beat a Tesla Model Y off the line.

[flyonwall]

This is an awesome car. I had a chance to check out the EV6 when I brought my Soul in for routine maintenance. The biggest problem I have with the EV6 is the price. At $56k, the EV6 is $20k more than my 2021 Soul EX. Just came back from a trip up north in Wisconsin and averaged 35 mpg. Living in an apartment and having to park on the street also poses a problem with having an electric vehicle. A hybrid would be more practical. Other than that, KIA did a wonderful job on the EV6.

[stopthefomo]

GT-Line GT are sold out in CA and literally disappear within hours of inventory allotment so I had to "make do" with the Wind AWD but it's still a wonderful car lacking only a sunroof and 20" wheels. Perfect daily driver with 274 mile range for suburban commute but its 4.5 0-60 does not feel as fast as my C40 (also rate at 4.5) and feels closer to 5 - still very good. I am getting getting real world ranges consistent with the 274 EPA range but keeping it charged between 15% and 85% means real world 200 miles of usable range but I always drive in "sport mode" so I'm getting closer to 180 miles. What it beats Tesla and Porsche, with a real "fast charger" I've personally seen it give me over 100 miles of range (from 20%) in under 10 minutes - this is a game changer. And getting ventilated seats for under $55K is pretty great. The Meridian audio system is AMAZING and impressive, well balanced, and obviously needs a real subwoofer. One pedal driving is more aggressive (what I prefer) in "Sport Mode" and is most similar to the C40 which I believe is class leading.

[mtumasz]

Well done with Dad! Mine’s 79 and has been driving an i3 for over a year. EV’s are perfect at EVery age😜

[guy]

LOVED this video! I've had my current Honda SUV for 17 years and wanting to trade for my first electric car. The biggest thing for me is the cost. It's been a while, but car prices are beyond high. Looking at the Kia EV6 and right on the edge of taking the leap.

[JDelta]

I thought I would like the Hyundai variant more but this is starting to catch my eye more. Thanks again to those who helped make this video as good as it is. Also, thanks for the fun facts.

[joshmatlock]

This and the Ionic 5 and game changers and legit Tesla competition. Very much needed. I hope these help get to the EV tipping point.

[sdkzzang]

I've been watching your content ever since you started posting your review videos on itunes. Hope all is well, and keep at it!

[colbypennington]

Aww man! I must have barely missed you at the Portland Auto Show!! One of these days, when you’re in Portland, I do want to grab some coffee and talk cars. Than you for doing such a fantastic job with these videos.


And thank you Martin Campbell, for always being there to drive the car!!