2023 Kia EV6

Thanks to the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act and the removal of the base Light trim for 2023, the price of the KIA EV6 is no longer as affordable as it once was. No EV tax credits are available, meaning you don't get any chunk of change back from the nearly $50,000 you have to spend to gain entry. Things top out at more than $57,000 in GT-Line AWD guise.

Kia has proven that it can build fun-to-drive cars (look at the Stinger), and the EV6 builds on the brand's image as a premium car builder that knows a thing or two about chassis balance and handling dynamics. The EV6 features a battery pack that sits low in the body, giving this EV a low center of gravity. That equates to predictable handling and lots of grip, and the overall driving experience is more entertaining than that of your average ICE-powered compact crossover. The intuitive chassis is let down by a set of relatively skinny tires and a lack of performance braking, but if you're after true electric performance, you'll have to stretch for the new GT model. As an everyday family car, the EV6 feels comfortable and offers easily modulated regenerative braking and light steering.

The electric compact crossover market is becoming more competitive by the day, but Kia has entered at just the right time. The 2023 EV6 is offered in various trims and is a car that delivers on almost every front. It looks great and sports excellent build quality, is packed with tech, and, thanks to 350-kW charging capability, is convenient to live with. Behind the wheel, the EV6 is exciting to drive yet comfortable enough to make the perfect family crossover. The interior is stylish and well-built, but we wish the infotainment system was a bit more up-to-date. But it's not all roses, as the combination of dropping the Light model and not being assembled in the USA means the EV6 is more expensive than many rivals, most notably the Ioniq 5. this could count heavily against it in the eyes of American buyers.

With fewer trims available than at market launch, Kia has simplified the choice. The GT-Line has many nice-to-haves, but you won't feel short-changed with the entry-level Wind model, which was once the mid-spec derivative. If you live in a cold region, the AWD variants are a must, not for the extra power but for the heat pump that improves efficiency while heating the car. For everyone else, the base RWD variants are more than plentiful and save you a chunk of change too.