Review: 2022 KIA EV6 GT Line AWD

My recent press loan for the week was the all-new-from-the-ground-up EV6 GT Line AW. When you start discussing true electric vehicles (not plug-in hybrids), there are two schools of thought. Some vehicle manufacturers are building their new electric vehicle (EV) offering from the ground up, while other automakers are converting some of their gas vehicles to electric. I have driven a number of EVs this year (8 total) and I will tell you that both design concepts have some very strong offerings for this growing segment.

The EV6 is the first ever Kia dedicated EV vehicle and also the first of many Kia EV vehicles that will be developed on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). With the introduction of the EV segment, there will also come a lot of new terminology associated with these vehicles. Gone are the days of discussing chassis and its subsequent strength and cross member rigidity. We will now discuss a vehicle's 'platform.' This EV6's E-GMP platform is specifically designed to utilize a significant amount of ultra-high-strength steel that will provide a lighter and stronger vehicle that will handle better allowing it to be safer to drive. Also, because there is not a heavy engine block or transmission, this ground-up platform build allows the engineers to create a wheel base footprint similar to many mid-sized SUVs. When you look at the pictures, notice how far back the rear wheels are from its traditional location. The stretching of the vehicle, like a Stretch Armstrong if you will, allowed my 6'4" 230-lb son to sit in the captain-styled back seat directly behind me (I'm 6'2") with more than enough head and leg room.

The EV6 is a true electric vehicle giving you an instantaneous response when you push the gas, er uh, throttle pedal, but it will definitely change how people view EVs going forward. It has won numerous awards around the world, and most recently was named the first ever Electric Vehicle of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association. When I drove it around town, I felt like I was driving a luxury sports car. The all-electric drivetrain will provide up to 310 miles of EPA-estimated range on a single charge while producing 446 lb-ft torque and a zero to 60 quarter-mile time in the mid-four-second range. It's time was certified by AMCI testing beating the 335hp Porsche Cayenne over the same distance. The EV6 is far from the traditional minimalists EVs of the past. It has a number of styling touches inside and out that make it feel like it was a well thought out and designed vehicle. The all-new EV6 is so well done, it would have been highly sought after by buyers even if it was just a regular petro.

The EV6 marks a new and transformative era in Kia electrification. This innovative offering leverages the many benefits of its advanced platform to offer a level of technological excitement and convenience that provide a superb ownership experience.

Sean Yoon, President & CEO, Kia Motors North America, Kia Motors America

In the News

Source: KIA | The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified a maximum all-electric range (AER) of 310 miles for the 2022 Kia EV6 when equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. The all-electric range (AER) for the entire EV6 lineup was announced ahead of the EV6 going on sale in the first quarter of 2022. More information about the certification is available at Fueleconomy.gov. The top rating of 310 miles AER applies to EV6 when configured with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, including EV6 GT-Line RWD and EV6 EX+ RWD. This rating represents an impressive overall efficiency of 4.0 miles/kWh. EV6 models fitted with all-wheel drive are EPA-certified at 274 miles AER, and the 58.0-kWh EV6 EX is rated at 232 miles AER. These range figures are a testament to the efficiency of EV6 in motor performance and aerodynamics. For occasional instances when a fast charge is desired, the EV6 can be charged quickly, thanks to a patented multi-charging system that supports 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW.

Specifications

Engine: 225 horsepower 168 kW Electric
Torque: 258 pound-feet
Transmission: Automatic
Wheels: 19" Alloy With Black Finish
Sound: Meridian Premium Audio System
Color: Steel Matte Gray
Fuel: 116/94/105 (MPGe city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $55,900
MSRP (shown): $58,105

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
KIA

About KIA

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electrified vehicles sold through a network of nearly 750 dealers in the U.S. including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America.