The 2022 Kia EV6 finally has an EPA range rating and it’s on the higher end of the spectrum. Long-range single-motor models can travel the farthest at 310 miles per charge while dual-motor variants are good for 274 miles. Even the 168-hp Standard Range single-motor model with a 58-kWh battery is good for 232 miles, which is more than some battery-electric vehicles wearing luxury badges.
Compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the 2022 Kia EV6 can travel 7 miles farther in the long-range, single-motor configuration. Dual-motor variants can go 18 miles more than the equivalent Ioniq 5. Since both vehicles use the same 77.4-kWh battery pack in their long-range configurations, we’re suspecting that the Kia EV6 is more aerodynamic, lighter, or both especially considering its low-slung, coupe-like profile.
Volkswagen’s ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E trail the EV6 long range when it comes to driving range. The Volkswagen is rated between 240 to 260 miles depending on its configuration while the Ford is good for up to 305 miles per charge if you get the RWD California Route 1 Edition. Upcoming competitors like the Nissan Ariya will also be slightly behind the EV6 in the driving range department at 265 miles for the dual-motor model and 300 miles for the single-motor version.
The only vehicle that surpasses the Kia EV6 in range among mainstream electric compact crossovers is the Tesla Model Y. Long Range variants are EPA-estimated at 323 miles per charge while the Performance is good for 303 miles. Tesla recently discontinued the Model Y Standard Range, which is EPA-rated at 244 miles per charge.
Following the Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 is the second vehicle underpinned by the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. It features the 400- and 800-volt charging capability, enabling it to take advantage of 350 kW DC charging stations. This also allows it to DC charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes. The built-in 11-kW onboard charger gets you a full charge in roughly 7 hours using a level 2 AC charger or 240-volt outlet. Like the Ioniq 5, the EV6 has V2L capability, allowing it to power household appliances or a home for up to 36 hours. This effectively turns the car into a backup power source that you can use during outages.
One of the key differences between the Ioniq 5 and EV6 is that the latter is sportier. The EV6 uses a five-link suspension design an integrated drive axle the combines wheel bearings and the drive shaft to improve ride and handling. Its wheelbase is also slightly shorter at 114.2 inches but is similar to larger SUVs like the Telluride and Palisade. While the interior is roomy and usable, it’s not as versatile as the Ioniq 5’s with its sliding center console and other features that take advantage of the flat floor.
The 2022 Kia EV6 goes on sale early next year but that’s only the standard version. At the end of the year, the EV6 GT joins the lineup packing 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque from its two electric motors, cementing it as the sportiest vehicle on the E-GMP platform. It will also get adaptive dampers and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential. Expect EPA range estimates for the EV6 GT to be less than the standard dual-motor EV6, which has significantly less power at 313 hp and 446 lb-ft.
