If you’re into top tier performance but still need a family hauler the 2023 Kia EV6 GT EV just might be for you.
Kia’s top of the line EV6 GT is classified as an SUV but it’s really an AWD hot hatch on steroids that will run rings around many of its gas-powered counterparts with 21-inch wheels, electronically controlled adaptive suspension and large 15-inch brake rotors up front with 4-piston monoblock neon-colored calipers.
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Perhaps best of all is the 545 lb-ft of torque that shoves you back in your seat in the GT driving mode.
Consider for a minute that the EV6 beat a 2021 Ferrari Roma and 2020 RWD Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder in an AMCI-certified 0-60 race at 3.4 seconds. Car and Driver managed to do even better, clocking a 3.2 second 0-60 run with the EV6 GT.
Automotive Addicts publisher Malcolm Hogan was impressed during his week with the EV6 GT.
“I think it rides good and it handles well for as much performance as it has,” said Hogan. “Out of all the EVs I’ve driven, this is one of the ones that are more of a cohesive package. It handles well, drives well, it’s easily adaptable to imperfections in the road and on top of that, you got 576 horsepower as well to work with.” Malcolm has driven plenty of EVs, including a BMW i4 M50, Volvo C40 Recharge and Genesis GV60.
EV6 GT-exclusive trim 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 runs across the door panels, center console and dashboard.
Driving the EV6 GT is a refined experience, starting with the adaptive suspension, which firms up for flat cornering in sport and GT modes.
For those that want many of the GT’s features and a good bit of its performance, Kia also offers the EV6 in a GT-Line trim which drops the 0-60 acceleration to 4.5 seconds but increases range.
The steering wheel regeneration paddles add to the sports car-like experience, allowing the driver to constantly increase or decrease the amount of regen, which results in a more engaging experience that is similar in feel to using paddle shifters in a gasoline car.
One of the interior’s most unusual features is its media/climate control dual-function haptic feedback and knobs. They handle the climate controls but with a touch will change to instead control the radio, volume and media. I found the system a little confusing in my limited time with the GT but I can see how after a few days it would probably feel intuitive.
Malcolm summed up the EV6’s controls this way: “Things are laid out very well. We’ve got the same Kia/Hyundai branding as far as the infotainment system goes. That’s always been one of my favorite systems out in the automotive market right now. It’s very straightforward, user friendly and once you live with it for a while, it becomes even more straightforward.”
I agree with Malcolm’s assessment, although one thing I do miss as compared to its Genesis GV60 corporate cousin are the redundant physical controls provided by the GV60’s jog wheel and physical buttons.
One area where the Kia does fall short is its lack of wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple Car Play. You’ll need to keep a cable handy when using your smartphone’s automotive features.
The EV6 GT’s upgraded interior includes heavier seat bolstering, which suits me just fine. I found the seats to be very comfortable and that extra bolstering helps when you’re going around corners. However, seats are highly personal. For example, seats that I find comfortable, my wife often finds uncomfortable.
If the seats will be a deciding factor for you, you’ll definitely would want to compare the GT’s seats with the seats in the other trims.
The seats in the other trim levels will be a different experience and depending on what your body type is, you may find the bolstering in GT’s seats to be uncomfortable. Power seats are unavailable in the GT but standard in other trims.
From a utility standpoint the EV6 does include a very small frunk that can hold a charger or a laptop, but that’s about it. In back there’s plenty of storage space with fold down rear seats.
The EV6 GT has one of the fastest advertised charging times of any electric vehicle, thanks to its 800V architecture. With a 250 kW or higher DC CCS fast charger, Kia says the EV6 GT can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 18 minutes.
During my day with the EV6 GT I saw a peak charging speed of 195 kW, however it was slow to ramp up to that speed. The first 15% of charge hovered around 38 kW before it jumped up into the 190s. It then started ramping down as it approached 80%. By the time it reached 80% it has dropped to 122 kW, at which point I unplugged.
The EV6 GT’s biggest flaw is its lack of range. With a 77.4 kWh battery pack, most drivers that like to use the Sport and GT modes will see less than 200 miles per charge. In Eco mode you might just squeak past 200 miles in gentle driving. The EPA rates the EV6 GT at 206 miles.
During my day driving around Jacksonville the GT indicated it had 106 miles of range in GT mode with 59% of charge. For people that love the EV6’s style but don’t need AWD or the GT’s extra performance, the EV6 GT-Line RWD gets an EPA estimated range of 310 miles.
The EV6 is loaded with safety features that range from a comprehensive heads-up display to side mirror cameras that automatically activate in the gauge cluster when a turn signal is used.
Steering assist and adaptive cruise control are included, although the system isn’t fully hands free on interstates. Unlike some other automakers, Kia’s system will prompt you to put your hands back on the wheel occasionally, regardless of whether you’re on an interstate.
The EV6 GT includes a vehicle to load adapter, which turns the car’s battery into a big electric outlet to power things like a refrigerator, window unit air conditioner, or even charge another EV at Level 1 speed.
Think of it as the modern-day equivalent of being able to bring a stranded friend a gallon of gas or as a backup generator during a power outage.
The EV6 GT has a tow rating of 2,300 pounds so you’ll be able to bring along things like a jet ski, small boat or motorcycle if you spring for the optional tow package. But with its limited range, its towing will be best suited for trips of under 90 miles.
At the time of this story’s posting the EV6 had a base price of $48,700 while the GT trim, which in addition to its extra performance components includes such niceties as a sunroof and heated steering wheel, started at $61,600.
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