They have really earned my respect. Here's why:
From styling to overall performance to electrification, KIA is no longer following…they're a leader.
I think it started with the '09 Sorrento. All of a sudden America had a kid-tottin' alternative to full-sized SUVs. They were priced right, and most of 'em hung together without drama for far over their 100,000 mile warranties.
Bob Jackson
And a few years later, KIA put the frosting on their cupcake with their Telluride. Right from year one, that vehicle just racked up well-earned award after award.
You may have your own favorites…those are mine. But don't think that I haven't been aware of the strides that they've made with the rest of their line, too.
Then their new logo a few years ago just cemented the deal. I just interpreted it to say "Hey…move over, guys. We're takin' a seat at the Big Boy's table". And they have.
Bob Jackson
So that brings us to this week's test of their all-electric EV6 GT-Line.
The EV6 is KIA's 5-door CUV hatchback…with room for five and a huge 50 cu ft of cargo room with the rear seats down. Want to tow bikes or watercraft? Go ahead. You're got the muscle to tow up to 2.300 pounds.
But it's features and performance that really make the EV6 a vehicle that I could live with.
Bob Jackson
With a window-sticker just a couple of Starbucks north of $60,000, our All-Wheel-Drive EV6 GT-Line gave us 320 HP, 20" alloys, ventilated suede seats, heated steering, ambient lighting, premium audio, a heads-up display, power sunroof, power tailgate, surround view vision, and all the usual parking sensors and blind spot warnings that most of us have come to expect.
You'll also find something on your EV6 that you probably won't expect…a blind-spot vision monitor right on your screen. When turning or merging into another lane, just turn on your turn signals and you'll have an on-screen view of exactly what…if anything…is in your way.
Bob Jackson
Range is important, too…right? Depending upon which model you choose, your EV6 will go between 250 and 310 miles on a full charge. And getting a ChargePoint quick charge to 80% will only take around 18 minutes. KIA even gives you around 3,000 miles worth of free charging on Electrify America's Network with your new EV6…plus you'll still have your own personal charging cord to plug into 120 and 240 volt current.
So let's talk power now. Our test EV6 AWD GT-Line's 320 HP will get you from 0 – 60 in just 4.6 seconds. That's all I need. If you need more, roughly 4K more will put you into a 576 HP GT that will embarrass more than a few Ferraris and Lambos.
Bob Jackson
So back to what I said at the start of this review. KIA has earned my respect….and apparently the respect of others, too. The EV6 was named the '23 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year…and even better than that, in my opinion, JD Power just ranked KIA overall for reliability among all mass-market vehicles.
Yep. KIA is the real deal today.
