In May, Kia revealed its version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, known as the EV6, and both are launching 2022 models.
The 2022 Kia EV6 costs $42,115, including destination, and arrives at dealerships in the coming weeks.
The EV6 is Kia's first vehicle based on a platform designed specifically for battery-electric power, in contrast to the automaker's existing electric vehicles like the Soul EV and Niro EV, which are based on platforms originally designed for internal-combustion power.
The platform is Hyundai Motor Group's new E-GMP design. It made its debut in the Ioniq 5 and will also soon appear in a Genesis crossover expected to be called an eGV60, or something along those lines. The platform is made from 75% high-strength and ultra high-strength steel, and it features a five-link independent rear suspension.
Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform
All vehicles based on the E-GMP platform will have well over 200 miles of range and the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes thanks to 800-volt hardware and an 11-kw onboard charger. In the case of the EV6, Kia says it targeting 300 miles of range with the 77.4-kwh pack and the ability to add 70 miles of range in less than five minutes of charging. EPA ratings will be announced closer to the market launch.
Multiple configurations will be offered. The range starts off with the EV6 for $42,115 and EV6 GT-Line for $52,415 grades offering a choice of 58.0- or 77.4-kwh batteries, with rear- or all-wheel drive. Power figures start at 167 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque with the small battery and RWD capable of an EPA-rated range of 232 miles. A 225-hp version with the 77.4-kwh battery pack and rear-wheel drive will be offered with up to 310 miles of EPA-rated range. The dual-motor AWD GT-Line features features the larger 77.4-kwh battery with 320 hp and 274 miles of EPA-rated range. That last version will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
For performance fans, Kia will offer an EV6 GT with 576 hp and 546 lb-ft torque. It will be capable of dashing to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. The EV6 GT will also feature a software-based limited-slip differential for getting the power down during cornering.
2022 Kia EV6
The EV6 will also have Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, which will allow it to charge tools, laptops, electrical appliances, and even other EVs. A 110-volt power outlet inside will provide the device charging, an adapter from the external charge port will handle other charging duties, and the vehicle-to-vehicle charging will be a slow drip akin to a 110-volt outlet.
Many of these configurations are shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Another similarity with the Hyundai is a funky exterior design. The EV6 was previewed by 2019's Imagine by Kia concept, which at its debut was described as a commuter car that combines elements of a crossover, a sedan, and even a sporty coupe. That's generally what we see in the EV6. Kia said the vehicle was designed by a new philosophy called Opposites United, which combines contrasting elements like sharp lines with smooth, sculptured surfaces. Wheel sizes will range from 19 to 21 inches.
The EV6 measures about 185 inches in length, making it 2.3 inches longer than the Ioniq 5, even though its wheelbase is 3.9 inches shorter than its Hyundai counterpart. In comparison, the rival Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y have lengths measuring 180.5 and 187 inches, respectively. Its wheelbase is 114.2 inches, which is a match for the three-row Telluride SUV.
The body design and EV platform combine to give the EV6 lots of interior space. It has 102 cubic feet of passenger room, 27.7 cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seat, and 53.5 cubic feet of cargo room with the second floor folded flat.
The interior also features an avant garde design. There's a clean layout combined with textured surfaces and a mix of physical controls and screens. One of the standout elements is the curved display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment hub (both 12-inch screens). Underneath this you'll find the climate settings which are also controlled via a screen, unfortunately.
2022 Kia EV6
The EV6 also features an augmented reality head-up display. The system displays alerts from the car’s electronic driver-assist systems, as well as handy info such as vehicle speed and turn-by-turn navigation instructions. A remote parking system also lets owners maneuver the vehicle in tight spots from outside the cabin.
Available driver-assist systems will include active blind-spot monitors, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention alert, rear-cross traffic alerts with brake support, automatic high beams, and a system that will control the throttle, steering, and brakes in some highway situations.
Kia will kick off the EV6 with a First Edition model that interested buyers can begin reserving on June 3. It will be limited to 1,500 unit and come fully loaded with the larger battery and dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive, plus such features as the augmented reality head-up display, remote parking, 20-inch wheels, a 14-speaker Meridian audio system.
Kia plans to have 11 EVs in its lineup by the end of 2026, and seven of these will be based on the E-GMP platform. The remainder will likely be based on modified platforms originally designed for internal-combustion power. For its dedicated EVs, Kia will using the naming strategy in which the prefix “EV” is joined by a number representing the vehicle's positioning in the lineup. The EV6 is the first to use the new naming strategy.
Full pricing for the full range at launch is listed below:
2022 Kia EV6 Light - 167 hp - RWD - 232 miles - $42,115
2022 Kia EV6 Wind - 225 hp - RWD - 310 miles $48,215
2022 Kia EV Wind Dual Motor - 320 hp - AWD - 274 miles - $52,115
2022 EV6 GT-Line - 225 hp - RWD - 310 miles - $52,415
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line Dual Motor - 320 hp - AWD - 274 miles - $57,115
All prices include a $1,215 destination charge
—Senior Editor Kirk Bell and Interactive Content Manager Joel Feder contributed to this report.
