Sep 1

Sep 1 KIA EV6 GT Test-Drive

The KIA EV6 GT recently won the 2023 World Car Awards World Performance Car category, and has been described by multiple reviewers as a more affordable Porsche Taycan Turbo. I have been intrigued by the KIA EV6 since it’s unveiling, and had the opportunity to drive the standard model very briefly about 18 months ago. Though I was only behind the wheel for a handful of minutes, I quite enjoyed the standard car. It’s a good size, comfortable, and offers very fast charging coupled with decent range. So to celebrate the EV6 GT’s recent win, it seemed like a good time for a test drive.

With 576 horsepower on tap, the KIA EV6 GT certainly feels like a performance car! Thank goodness for the standard all-wheel drive to keep that power in check. The GT is incredibly quick, with a 3.4 second 0-60MPH time, yet can still tow 2,300 lbs. From a standstill, the take off is incredibly smooth, which almost makes it feel less impressive than the numbers would suggest.

The biggest drawback of the GT versus tamer EV6 trims is the decreased range, 206 miles according the the EPA. The longest range all-wheel-drive EV6 claims up to 282 EPA-rated miles of range. Historically, KIA models have a tendency to exceed their rated ranges in the real world. Don’t forget, the EV6 is also capable of recharging from 10-80% in 18 minutes on a 350kWh DC fast charger.

The EV6 GT’s performance oriented front bucket seats, look and feel very sporty, and held me snugly in place through every corner and round-about I could find on my drive. They are, however, the main reason I would purchase one of the other trims over the GT. I am concerned that my back side would tire in them rather quickly on a road-trip. They are incredibly firm. If you don’t have a 40+ year-old dad bod, and a flat butt, this may not apply to you. For me, I would choose the GT-Line over the GT, and enjoy it’s longer range, and much more comfortable front seats. I feel old typing this…