Used Kia EV6 2021-present review

If our What Car? Car of the Year Awards are anything to go by, you can't go wrong with an electric (EV) Kia.

You see, before the Kia EV6 rocked up, we awarded our 2019 top prize to a top-notch electric SUV, the Kia e-Niro. The Korean firm was once again victorious when, in 2022, we handed our number one trophy to, you guessed it, the EV6 – the brand's new flagship EV at the time.

Engines & Performance: In entry-level RWD (rear-wheel drive) form, the Kia EV6 has one 226bhp motor driving the rear wheels. The dual-motor AWD (all-wheel drive) version has a second electric motor powering the front wheels, increasing power to 321bhp. A 577bhp GT version joined the line-up in 2022.

On the road, the RWD car can see off the 0-60mph sprint in 6.9sec – faster than the rival VW ID 4 and Nissan Ariya but nowhere near as rapid as the Tesla Model Y Long Range. The EV6 RWD can officially do up to 328 miles on a full charge (depending on the trim level), although 230-270 miles is more realistic in the real world.

Meanwhile, the all-wheel-drive model is even quicker and a match for the Model Y Long Range. At our private test track, we timed one accelerating from 0-60mph in just 5.0sec. You pay for that extra performance with a slightly shorter range, but only by around 15 miles.

The GT is a real rocket: 0-62mph in 3.5sec and a 162mph top speed. On top of that, it gets upgraded wheels, tyres, suspension and brakes. Naturally, its range is reduced in comparison with its siblings.

Ride & Handling: In pursuit of building a two-tonne-plus car that handles well, Kia has employed firm suspension – firmer than the mechanically related Genesis GV60, for instance. At low speeds, the EV6 can thump over potholes and the ride can feel a bit fidgety at higher speeds, but these impacts are often met with good cushioning, so it's far from uncomfortable.

And, as we touched upon, the benefit of this suspension set-up is good agility, composure and body control in the bends. You're still aware of the EV6's hefty size and weight, especially on a bendy country road, but it's remarkably sharp for what it is.

Next to an early Hyundai Ioniq 5 – before the suspension was revised in 2023 – the EV6 offers night-and-day better handling. It's also better to drive than the Ariya.

Interior & Practicality: Inside, the EV6 has a loftier driving position than the Tesla Model 3 saloon, but you won't find yourself looking the driver of a Range Rover in the eye. Some of our testers also expressed a desire to be sat lower than the driver's seat is able to go – taller people might feel unusually close to the roof in a rather upright driving position.

On the other hand, you'll need really long legs to struggle for legroom in the rear, with the vast majority of people having lots of room to stretch. Head room isn't as generous, but you'll have to be six-foot-plus to take notice.

Considering the EV6's size, its 490-litre boot isn’t all that remarkable. Even so, we managed to fit seven carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf – the same number as we got into the Audi Q4 e-tron, but one less than the Ariya.

All versions come with a curved 12.3in touchscreen positioned conveniently high up on the middle of the dashboard. It’s a relatively intuitive operating system, so it's not too distracting to use while you're driving. Everything looks suitably upmarket inside with plenty of gloss-black and rubberised surfaces, and everything feels well screwed together. All the 'leather' is vegan, rather than the real thing.

Trims & Equipment: EV6 Air models are pretty well equipped, with 19in alloys, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats with driver lumbar support adjustment.

If you upgrade to a GT-Line car, you’ll get some sportier styling details, electronically adjustable front seats, adaptive LED headlights, tinted rear windows and the ability to allow the charging port to double as a 3.5kW three-pin plug socket, which you can use to boil a kettle or even charge another electric car.

GT-Line S models get larger 20in alloys, exterior door handles that automatically pop out, ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats.

Interested in buying a used Kia EV6? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Prices for a used Kia EV6 start at around £23,000 for the RWD version in Air trim, with GT-Line rising to around £29,000 and around £35,000 for GT-Line S. The full-on GT starts at around £44,000 – then again, earliest examples are 2023 models.

If you fancy a 2023 Air, have at least £34,000 to spend. As of writing, nearly new EV6s go for around £40,000.

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Charging: The EV6 RWD can officially do up to 328 miles on a full charge (depending on the trim level), although 230-270 miles is more realistic in the real world.

All versions of the EV6 can charge at speeds of up to 238kW, but because of the fairly low number of super-fast public chargers in the UK right now, you’re more likely to be charging at 50-100kW. At the lower end of this range, a 10-80% charge will take around 70 minutes.

Road tax: As of writing, there is no road tax due for an electric car. Check out the latest road tax details here.

Insurance and servicing: Insurance groups range from a quite high 34 to 40 for the top-spec cars.

Servicing costs in year two or after 20,000 miles will be £250 at a Kia main dealer. After four years or 40,000, the cost rises to £360. In year six, the costs are the same as in year two, and in year eight the costs will be the same as in year four.

We'd stick with the entry-level RWD version, because it's the most affordable one to buy, yet sports the most range.

Similarly, we'd save £2000 or so and go for the entry-level Air trim. Sure, GT-Line adds some sporty touches, but Air gets most of what you could want, including climate control, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats with driver lumbar support adjustment.

Whichever trim you go for, we'd look for one that's been specced up from new with the optional heat pump for more efficient warming of the interior in colder temperatures.

Our favourite Kia EV6: RWD Air

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is mechanically similar to the EV6, just missing out by not being quite so good dynamically and also not as spacious.

You could try the VW ID 4. It handles with more composure, but isn't as plush or huge inside. Used prices are roughly on a par.

The Skoda Enyaq is a better bet. It's roomier than the ID 4, although not as big as the EV6, and it's a good buy used.

For decent electric range and performance, but less comfort, there's the Ford Mustang Mach-e. Have pockets that are deep if you're considering one, though.

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If you're interested in finding a used Kia EV6 or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at a great price.