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Tesla has dominated the electric car market for years. Its best-selling vehicle, the Model Y SUV, makes an excellent practical argument for itself. But electric car buyers have more choices than ever before. The Kia EV6 is one of the most interesting new entries, with stunning looks and a high-performance model that boasts supercar-like numbers. Let’s see how these two electric vehicles compare.
2023 Kia EV6
The 2023 Kia
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EV6 is one of the most intriguing new vehicles on the road, with drop-dead gorgeous looks and up to 310 miles of driving range. Part SUV, part hatchback, part futuristic high-tech tiger, it’s one of the best-looking new cars inside and out. A high-performance GT version packs 576 horsepower. Pricing starts at $48,500, while a GT runs $61,400.
Kia EV6 highlights
Stunning design inside and out: The EV6 straddles the line between hatchback and SUV, and does it with beautiful style. Outside, it wears the best interpretation of Kia’s “digital tiger” design language, with a sleek nose and broad shoulders. Inside, it’s contemporary and gorgeous, with a pair of screens housed in a single bezel that look like one enormous, curved screen surface.
10-year powertrain warranty: Kia’s designs have improved, but the best argument for buying one has never changed. The longest warranty in the business means no big financial surprises for a decade of ownership. That 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is hard to beat.
Easy service: Kia has almost 800 dealerships in the U.S., and every one of them can perform every service and repair the EV6 might need. Tesla
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has built a mobile service network that can handle many repairs in the field around much of the country, but Tesla owners are still left towing their cars to the nearest service center for major work. They’re not found in every state. Major problems can mean towing your Tesla hundreds of miles for repair.
See: Why GM dealers are quietly repairing Teslas
2023 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y
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The Tesla Model Y is America’s best-selling electric car. Many months, it’s one of America’s best-selling luxury cars. With SUV space, excellent range, and access to the country’s most extensive charger network, it offers an easy-to-live-with way to go electric. Pricing starts at $65,990.
Tesla Model Y highlights
The Tesla Supercharger network: EV ownership is getting easy in many locations, but the hurdle in others remains the charging infrastructure. You’ll probably do most of your charging at home. But out on the road, Tesla owners have it easier than anyone else. The company’s extensive charging network makes public chargers easy to find. They don’t work with non-Tesla cars.
Serious cargo space: The EV6 and the Model Y are both midsize, but the Model Y offers 22 cubic feet more cargo space with the rear seats down. The EV6 also has a comically small frunk (yes, the front trunk is called a frunk. Give in to how fun it is to say). The Model Y’s frunk offers usable space.
That Tesla cachet: Tesla owners are a community. Tesla vehicles come with entry into that world. Kelley Blue Book research shows shoppers who buy other vehicles tend to research multiple models; but Tesla shoppers tend not to even explore other cars. If you’ve always wanted a Tesla, odds are good that a Model Y will scratch that itch.
Read: Tesla finds a loophole in states where dealerships are forbidden: Tribal lands
Similarities
The Model Y and EV6 are both all-electric SUVs, around midsize, with around 300 miles of range in most circumstances. Each offers a high-performance model with about 380 horsepower.
Conclusion
If you’re considering going electric, the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y each offer great ways to do that. They’re two of the most appealing electric SUVs, and each is available in a high-performance model with a 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds. The Kia can be found for far less money and comes with the security of an extensive dealership network for easy service. The Tesla has a proven track record and gives you access to a more widespread charging network. Only your own priorities can tell you which set of traits is right for you.
Also see: The 2022 Kia EV6 vs. the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4: which electric SUV is better?
Specs
2022 Kia EV6
2023 Tesla Model Y
Starting Price
$48,500
$65,990
Popular Powertrains
Engine
Electric motor
Dual electric motors
Horsepower
225 hp
447 hp
Torque
258 lb-ft
376 lb-ft
Transmission
1-speed direct drive
1-speed direct drive
Fuel Economy
134 city/101 hwy/117 combined MPGe
131 city/117 hwy/125 combined MPGe
Maximum Range
310 miles
330 miles
Also Available
Dual-motor, AWD
Performance model
Specs
Basic Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles
4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles
4 years/50,000 miles
Battery Warranty
10 years/100,000 miles
8 years/100,000 miles
Max Seating Capacity
5
5
Wheelbase
114.2 inches
113.8 inches
Overall Length
184.3 inches
187 inches
Width
74.0 inches
83.8 inches
Height
60.8 inches
64 inches
Turning Diameter
38.2 feet
TBD
Headroom, Front
39.0 inches
41.0 inches
Headroom, Rear
38.0 inches
39.4 inches
Legroom, Front
42.4 inches
41.8 inches
Legroom, Rear
39.0 inches
40.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Front
57.8 inches
56.4 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear
55.6 inches
54 inches
Cargo Volume
24.4/50.2 cubic feet
30.2/72.1 cubic feet
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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