The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle. It was introduced to the U.S. in a well-received Super Bowl commercial, and it was equally well-received by Wards judges who name it to their 2022 10 Best Interiors and UX list.
Stylish inside and out, the EV6 CUV has a handsome black-and-white cockpit that’s beautifully executed.
The dashboard and console feature a unique, angled grid pattern dramatically repeated by the accent lighting.
The EV6’s low, hatchback-like profile belies a cabin with ample headroom and legroom front and rear. The front seats, rear seats and steering wheel are heated. The cargo area has more than 50 cu.-ft. (1,415 L) of maximum storage space.
Kia emphasized the use of sustainable materials in designing the EV6 interior, including the exclusive use of vegan (non-animal-sourced) leather and parts made with more than 100 recycled plastic bottles.
The all-wheel-drive model includes a more-efficient heat pump for cabin heating and cooling. Kia says this reduces heating-related range loss from 30% to 17%, a difference of about 40 miles (64 km).
The driver information screen and the center infotainment screens are both 12.3-in. (31-cm) units that together form a panoramic viewing area displaying crisp, clear graphics enhanced by an integrated blue light filter that helps reduce eye strain and driver fatigue.
The wireless smartphone charger is located on the console within easy reach of the driver. The EV6 features a 14-speaker Meridian audio system with subwoofer and external amplifier.
An impressive and space-saving UX feature is a center-stack control panel that uses electronic wizardry to control the climate and audio systems with the same knobs and buttons.
An available augmented-reality head-up display displays a live feed of both the left and right rear blindspots in the instrument panel. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist-Rear can help maintain your current course if you try to change lanes while an object is detected in the blindspot.
The EV6’s adaptive cruise control and lane-centering features both earn high marks for effectiveness. An advanced driver-assistance system offers semi-autonomous capabilities, including Highway Driving Assist 2.
Other ADAS features include Surround-View Monitor, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Available vehicle-to-load ports turn the EV6 into a portable generator that can charge or power electric devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, home appliances, electric bikes, camping equipment and more.
Wards tested the top-of-the-line EV6 GT-Line with a base price of about $51,000. Judge Drew Winter deems it a “solid overall value for a stylish and sporty EV.” And judge Dave Zoia adds, “There are not many, if any, that are better for the price.”
