The Kia EV6 arrived for the 2022 model year and quickly became a contender in the all-electric SUV market. This compact crossover provides impressive range, and the battery quickly charges, making it a top choice for many electric car drivers who need to go long distances. For the 2023 model year, the EV6 will arrive with a new GT trim level in the lineup. Let's take a look at each of the 2023 EV6 trims in detail to help you decide which one is right for your lifestyle.
The Kia EV6 Wind
Fully charged by artq55 is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
Power
With the entry-level Light discontinued for the 2023 model year, the Wind becomes the entry-level EV6 model. It gets power from a single electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels, or you can get it with two motors and all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive models produce 225 horsepower, and when equipped with two motors, this Kia EV6 gets 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. A 77.4 kWh battery pack charges the motors.
The rear-wheel drive Wind can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, but if you add the second motor, it will jump to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The single motor will provide a 310-mile range, and the dual motor setup is slightly lower with a 282-mile range.
Exterior
This base trim level comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and LED taillights. It also comes with a smart power liftgate and gloss black exterior trim elements. Inside, you'll find it well equipped with features such as a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable and ventilated front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is another standard feature in the Wind, along with heated front seats and a combination of cloth and faux leather upholstery. The standard driver's seat memory settings help to make sure you always find your perfect driving position, even after someone else takes the wheel.
Interior Technology
A 12.3-inch touch screen sits in the center of the EV6 dashboard, and it works with Kia's infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and navigation. A wireless charging pad comes standard, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB ports in both rows.
Safety
Standard safety features in the EV6 Wind include a forward collision warning system with mitigation, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.
The Kia EV6 GT-Line
The GT-Line offers the same power as the Wind. You can get this EV6 with either one or two motors, and they will produce the same horsepower and get the same range as they do with the Wind.
Exterior
The GT-Line adds to the exterior features with an auto pop-out flush door handle, and it has a power sunroof. All-wheel-drive models offer the option for 20-inch wheels, but this is the only exterior option available.
Interior
Inside, the GT-Line has a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats in models equipped with rear-wheel drive. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A flat-bottomed steering wheel gives this EV6 a sportier feel that drivers will appreciate, and it comes equipped with a universal garage door opener as an added benefit.
The Kia GT-Line offers two packages to change the seating upholstery. You can choose either faux leather with a faux suede trim or faux suede upholstery with a faux leather trim.
Safety Features
The GT-Line has all the safety features of the Wind, but it also makes the optional features from the Technology Package standard. This includes an automated parking system, a surround-view camera with a top-down view around the EV6, and a blind-spot camera that displays an image of the EV6's blind spot in the instrument panel when the turn signal is activated. Rear automatic braking also comes standard in the GT-Line, along with evasive steering assist and a more advanced version of the forward collision mitigation system and adaptive cruise control.
The Kia EV6 GT
Power
The new EV6 GT has more power than the other trims. The dual-motor setup produces an impressive 576 horsepower and generates 545 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, and it has a top speed of 161 mph. The range in this version of the EV6 is 206 miles.
The GT makes good use of all its electric power. It comes with a vehicle-to-load function that allows the EV6's battery to power all kinds of things, from tools to electrical appliances.
Exterior
Kia gave the EV6 a sport suspension and shocks with electronically controlled damping. It also has an electronic limited-slip differential that will send power to the rear wheels when they need more grip. All the extra power that comes with the GT needs larger brakes, so Kia gave the GT 15-inch front and 14.2-inch rear brakes. The 21-inch tires for this new model come wrapped in Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires. The GT also stands out from the other models with a unique rear spoiler and diffuser, along with sporty front and rear staying cues.
Performance
This performance-based trim has different drive modes to enhance the driving experience. You can choose from My Drive Mode, Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Drift, and GT Drive Mode, depending on the trim level. GT Drive Mode provides the most dynamic experience. It optimizes the motors, suspension, steering, and braking for the sharpest possible response.
Interior
Inside, you'll find high side bolstering on the front seats, and they come covered in vegan suede with unique green piping to make them pop. There's GT badging on the seats, and up front, neon green accents in the dashboard are further enhanced with ambient lighting for the center console and dashboard.
Do you want to know more about each of these 2023 Kia EV6 trim levels? Stop by Team Kia of El Cajon, and we'll get you in the driver's seat. You can take one out for a test drive and get a firsthand look at all its features and equipment.