Last fall I spent time in the EV6 GT-Line and was thoroughly impressed with how advanced this newcomer from Kia is. The EV6 is based on a new global platform that underpins both its RWD and Dual-Motor e-AWD versions along with Hyundai's IONIQ5. It's considered a mid-size crossover that seats five passengers with a wheelbase identical to Kia's Telluride. For 2023, Kia has added a new trim level known as the GT. It is a 576 horsepower all-electric Kia that will scoot from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds. Once again, Kia has changed the game with this 'sleeper' variant of the EV6 that is ridiculously fun to drive.
The EV6 GT is optimized for performance with a 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor. It comes with a world-first 800V multi-charging architecture that enables ultra-fast DC charging to recharge 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge in under 18 minutes.
Prices start at $61,600 for the GT and it comes standard with nearly everything. The only options include a cargo cover, floor mats, illuminated door scuff plates, and an interior light kit. Competition includes other midsize electric crossovers such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT, Hyundai IONIQ 5, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Toyota bZ4X, and Volkswagen ID.4. After a week in the EV6 GT, here's what stood out...
Exterior Style (+)
The GT offers a few updates on the exterior to signify its difference from the rest of the EV6 lineup. Most prominent are the bespoke 21" alloy wheels with neon accented brake calipers. These wheels are wrapped in Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. Both the front and rear fascias are also subtly updated with changes in the black accent pieces at either end of the vehicle.
The EV6 has a sleek, contemporary look with balanced proportions, sharp LED lighting designs, and a photogenic appeal from all angles. Up front Kia's "tiger nose" faux grille separates the hood from the bumper and hides a camera in the center. It's flanked by LED headlights that use their shape and a sequential lighting design to draw your focus to the center of the vehicle. The lower valance is sporty and aggressive with sharp angles, mixes of materials, and colors.
The side profile features a sloping character line that starts at the bottom of the front fenders and carries back across the rear wheels into perfect alignment with the LED taillights that extend around back. It defines the shape and is pleasantly balanced to the eye. The roofline slopes down to the back with blacked out A and B-pillars to shape the glass. Flush exterior door handles keep it looking smooth and pop-out when unlocked. Around the back LED taillights create a continuous flow as they stretch across the hatch and are balanced by a chrome accent across the bottom portion that features a textured surface. The reverse lights are tucked at the bottom centered in a stacked pattern of five slim rectangles surrounded by black.
Power (+)
The EV6 GT is engineered to compete with supercars as it is an AMCI-certified winner of a 0-60 race against a Ferrari Roma and Lamborghini Huracan Evo (according to an independent study from Kia). It is the most powerful Kia production vehicle produced with 576 horsepower and 546-pound feet of torque. It's dual motor e-AWD powertrain sends power to all four wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed rises to 161 mph.
Enhancements to the GT over the rest of the EV6 lineup include a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. Dynamic damping control offers sporty handling and a balanced, comfortable ride. Traction and stability are enhanced by an electronic Limited Slip Differential when cornering, by directing torque to the wheels with most grip. Larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes with monoblock calipers are standard.
The EV6 GT is throw you back in the seat fast. It surprised nearly every passenger I had in it, and all walked away with a big smile. It comes with the standard Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow modes... but also adds in GT and Drift modes. With the push of a neon button on the steering wheel, GT Drive Mode optimizes the performance of the motors, braking, steering, suspension, e-LSD, and Electronic Stability Control systems into their most dynamic settings. Keep both hands on the wheel as it will exceed your expectations when you hit that neon button and the gas pedal. It also comes with a My Drive Mode in which you can set personal driving preferences. While I did not attempt it, the GT also has a Drift Mode that allows drivers to distribute power to the rear wheels for an even more exhilarating experience.
Handling (+)
The power generated also transfers to highway driving where it can pass with ease and merge onto the highway with a smooth jolt. The ride is smooth, yet agile for quick maneuvers. It absorbs road imperfections with a quiet cabin and nicely tuned suspension. Steering is precise and well-weighted to direct it where you want to go. It was nimble around corners while maintaining a good grip on the roads and avoiding body lean. I felt at ease and in control on both wet and dry pavement. With its low center of gravity, powerful electric powertrain, and impressive handling, the EV6 GT is an engaging vehicle to go for a cruise in.
Range (+/-)
The GT has a range of 206-miles in ideal circumstances which is less than many competitors, but that is a factor of the overall power. Putting it in GT mode will quickly deplete your range. The overall range is less than the most comparable Ford Mustang Mach-E GT which gets 270 miles. By comparison though, the Mustang Mach-E GT tops out at 480 horsepower. The EV6 GT gets an estimated 85/74/79 city/highway/combined MPGe. Kia also includes a heat pump which helps preserve the electric range in cold weather driving conditions.
Charging (+)
The EV6 GT benefits from the ability to recharge at a rate like its eye-opening acceleration. It features 800V fast charging capabilities, which enables drivers to replenish 80 percent of battery capacity in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers. It will take approximately eight to nine hours to fully charge the EV6 using a 240-volt household outlet or Level 2 charger. The vehicle can be configured inside to cap charging at various levels or minimize the power drawn so be sure to check the settings before plugging in and walking away. The charging port is located on the back passenger side and blends in nicely under the taillights. It features an automatic door that will close/open at the touch of a button. A system in the vehicle will audibly announce that the car is now charging when plugged in and activated. Kia Connect also includes an app within the infotainment screen that will provide locations of the nearest charging station and the ability to map travel routes based on the charging network.
Primary Technology (+/-)
Hopping inside, you'll immediately be drawn to the modern, tech-oriented interior. Sitting across the dash is a panoramic dual integrated 12.3-inch center cluster and infotainment screen that form a wide, horizontal, curved display. The graphics are crisp, clear, and use blue-light filtered screens to reduce eye-strain. Visuals are good on both displays for vehicle information and camera functions.
The Kia Connect system integrates with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, but requires a cord. Beneath the infotainment touch screen is a strip of controls for both audio and climate. At first glance, you might think one of those control sets are missing but tap the small orange up arrow once and the same row of buttons and knobs will flip back and forth between climate or audio. It's simple, but still slightly confusing as I found myself often turning up the heat instead of volume depending on the screen, I was last on. Also, standard is a wireless phone charger, meridian premium audio system, and Intelli Q technology that corrects audio volume according to speed.
Bonus Technology (+)
Kia features a new augmented reality head-up display that shows key safety information and route guidance projected to the windshield. It uses a full color display that appears to be over the hood of the car. It will provide speed alerts, advanced driver assistance alerts, lane guidance, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions. The EV6 GT also adds two additional sounds unique to the GT that join the roster of customizable Active Sound Design options.
Another bonus feature is the remote smart park assist in which you can start and move the EV6 without sitting inside. It operates just like Hyundai's system and is a neat trick that is quite easy to use. While standing near the vehicle, you can start it up via the remote and once activated, you can control the car at the touch of a button by moving it forward or back as if it was a remote-control car. The feature is very user friendly and safe. Releasing the button immediately stops the EV6 or it will stop itself if it detects an object or person.
Interior (+)
Hopping inside, premium, EV6 GT-only touches adorn the cabin, including neon accents, lightweight front bucket seats, and a striped motif on the upper dashboard and front center armrest. Ambient lighting across the door panels, center console and dashboard delivers a soothing glow.
As mentioned, the EV6 has the same wheelbase as the Kia Telluride, meaning that there's a lot of interior space. The layout is modern with the dash being dominated by the dual 12.3" screens that stretch from the left to the center. The rest of the dash is made from a textured material with a unique design on the right side. The center console has a floating design and doesn't connect to the dash to further enhance that open space feel. With the floating design, Kia can add a large storage space underneath suitable for a decent size purse or even a small gym bag. Two cup holders and an additional tray are all in line in and adjacent to the appropriately placed wireless charger. Kia implements an extensive use of recycled plastics throughout the interior which all look to be of a decent quality. The overall clean, but modern look is appealing.
Seats (+)GT models get exclusive vegan suede-trimmed, deeply bolstered performance front bucket seats that are inscribed with the 'GT' moniker and neon green piping. It offers standard seating for five with more space than many competitors. There is plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room all around. The performance seats are slim and hug the driver and front passenger but maintain comfort and support. They may not be ideal for larger adults. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard along with heated rear seats. The seating position feels more car-like than SUV-like, but visibility is good.
Cargo (+/-)There's 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.2 cubic feet with the seats folded flat (well, almost flat). Up front is a small storage space under the hood suitable for a charging cable. Overall space is average to low compared to other similarly sized EVs. Comparatively, the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra offer 27.7 / 56.9 cubic feet and the Volkswagen ID.4 offers 30.3 / 64.2 cubic feet.
Safety (+)Like most other modern Kias, the EV6 GT comes standard with a comprehensive advanced driver assistance system, 20 to be exact. Some of the popular ones include:
* Blind-spot avoidance
* Driver attention warning
* Forward collision-avoidance
* Highway driving assist
* Intelligent speed assist
* Navigation based smart cruise control
* Rear cross-traffic alert / collision avoidance
* Augmented-Reality Head-up display
Other features to enhance safety and convenience include a surround view monitor system that uses four cameras to provide a 360-degree perspective with guidelines and crystal-clear graphics. A parking collision-avoidance assist-reverse system will detect objects behind the vehicle while a rear occupant alert will prompt the driver to check for unattended passengers if the rear doors were ever opened before the car was started. And finally, safe exit assist will alert passengers opening their doors to not exit if it detects approaching traffic.
Final StatementThe EV6 is a great vehicle to begin with and the GT model takes it to the next level. Its subtle changes on the outside are enough to let the enthusiast types know you're driving something special, while maintaining an otherwise low-key profile. The inside is transformed to a true sports car vibe with the front bucket seats and all the technology. The performance is beyond fun with incredible power, crisp handling, and grippy tires. The EV6 GT delivers on its promise of being a performance vehicle and sets a new benchmark in the electric crossover segment.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2023 Kia EV6 GT AWD
Powertrain: 77.4 kWh Lithium Ion Battery / Dual Electric Motors
EV Range: 206 Miles
Exterior Color: Runway Red
Interior Color: Black Suede bucket seats
Options: Carpeted floor mats ($170)
MSRP as Tested: $62,865 (with freight & handling)