2022 Kia EV6 Wind

The availability, range and ride of the Kia EV6 Wind makes it a competitor with the best electric vehicles in the market

By Issac Bouchard

With 274 miles of EPA range, the Kia EV6 must be considered one of the only legit Tesla competitors. Its 77.4.kWh battery can be recharged faster than almost anything on the market, too, thanks to its 800-volt architecture. Most EVs still use 400v systems, which limits their recharge speed due to heat buildup and greater parasitic losses. Right now, only a six-figure Lucid can charge at faster rates. If one can find a working 350-kW fast charger (and roughly one third of all chargers don’t work reliably at any given time right now), 200 miles of range can be added in about 15 minutes. With 320hp and 446lb-ft of instant-on torque, The Kia has the kind of acceleration that makes EVs so compelling. Its steering is accurate and body control great, combining good ride quality with excellent body control. Like all EVs, its brakes must harvest energy to help recharge the battery (called regeneration), while also stopping the car using the friction of discs on pads. The EV6 blends these almost seamlessly.

The design of the EV6 was inspired by the iconic Lancia Stratos rally car of the 1970s, and it’s much bigger in person than it looks in pictures, with a capacious cargo area and open interior. Materials appear to be solid but chosen for weight savings; in this respect it reminds of a nicer Toyota Prius. Seats are comfortable in front and particularly spacious in the back. The EV6s interior aesthetic is futuristic, with a sweeping plinth of screens in front and floating center console. The tech is good—like other Kias and Hyundais—but isn’t groundbreaking. The EV6 shares a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Genesis GV60; each looks distinct and each has its strengths. All three should be considered amongst the best EVs made: they have much better build than a Tesla Model 3 or Y and ride smoother than the latter. The Kia is also better than a VW ID.4 and less expensive than an Audi Q4 e-tron. The Ford Mach-E is the EV6’s closest competitor, but the chances of getting one are slim to none as of late 2022.

2022 Kia EV6 Wind

EPA Ratings: 116/94/105MPGe
0-60mph: 4.5sec
Price as tested: $54,110
Here is what Kia has to say.

Automotive Editor Isaac Bouchard owns Denver-based Bespoke Autos ([email protected]; 303-475-1462). Read more of his automotive writing, reviews and recommendations on coloradoavidgolfer.com and bespokeautos.com.

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