After two months and 4,400 miles, is the 2024 Kia EV6 still holding up as a top electric vehicle choice? As an EV owner and automotive expert, I’m diving deep into my long-term experience with the EV6 Wind AWD to bring you an updated review. Having spent considerable time on the road and behind the wheels of competitors like the BMW i4 and Tesla Cybertruck, I have a fresh perspective on where the EV6 excels and where it could improve.
Long-Term Ownership: What Still Excites About the EV6
Let’s kick off with the aspects of the Kia EV6 that continue to impress after months of real-world use.
One of the standout features remains its exceptional range and charging capabilities. Even in cooler weather, a full 100% charge at home consistently shows over 300 miles of range. For a dual-motor EV, this is remarkable.
Following expert advice for battery longevity, I’ve adjusted my charging routine to the 80% rule. Charging to 80% now yields around 230 miles, aligning perfectly with 80% of the EPA-estimated 282-mile range. This practice not only promotes battery health but also fits my daily driving needs perfectly. Most days, I rarely exceed 200 miles, making range anxiety a non-issue. While a budget-friendly used Chevrolet Bolt EV briefly crossed my mind, the EV6’s overall package leaves no room for regret.
The EV6’s user-friendly menu allows for easy adjustment of maximum charging levels for both AC home charging and DC fast charging. I typically cap DC fast-charging at 80%, reserving 100% for longer trips, demonstrating how EV ownership encourages mindful energy management.
Beyond range, the EV6’s form factor is a sweet spot. It offers ample cargo space for practical needs without the bulk of a large SUV. The sporty performance, especially in Sport Mode, is genuinely engaging, rivaling my previous Subaru WRX in speed. The chassis is fun on winding roads, though I do think upgrading to better summer tires would further enhance its handling, a potential upgrade for next year.
Reliability has been another strong suit. Unlike a recent battery issue with my gasoline Mazda, the EV6 has been drama-free. This contrast highlights a key benefit of EVs – the reduced maintenance and simpler operation compared to traditional combustion engine cars. Once you experience this ease, going back to gas cars feels archaic.
Ultimately, the Kia EV6 delivers on its promise as an E-GMP platform vehicle, offering a compelling blend of range, rapid charging, performance, attractive design, and everyday usability. It excels in core EV functionalities. However, there’s a crucial area where Hyundai Motor Group, and Kia by extension, needs to catch up: software.
Tech and Software: The EV6’s Soft Spot
Software remains a significant challenge for the automotive industry, impacting even established manufacturers. Software glitches have plagued brands like General Motors and Volkswagen, delaying features and causing frustration. Even premium EVs like the Lucid Air aren’t immune to software shortcomings, and over-the-air updates are still not universally smooth across the board.
While some brands, like Rivian, are making strides with over-the-air software updates, the Kia EV6 lags behind. Updates primarily focus on navigation and infotainment, disappointing many owners who expect more comprehensive system enhancements. Major updates often require a dealership visit for physical upgrades. The pre-facelift EV6 is unlikely to receive the newer software interface featured in the EV9 and the upcoming 2025 EV6, which is a missed opportunity.
Kia EV6 Smartphone App
The Kia Connect app is functional but underwhelming. While it provides essential features like charge status, remote locking/unlocking, pre-conditioning, and maintenance tracking, the execution is lacking. The app frequently displays “0 miles” for range despite showing charge percentage, and the dealer service scheduling feature has been unresponsive in my experience. Whether this is a software issue or indicative of dealer service quality is unclear, but the app’s potential remains largely untapped.
The Highway Driving Assist (HDA 1) in my EV6, a lane-keeping radar cruise control system requiring hands-on operation, feels dated compared to advanced systems like GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise. Having experienced hands-free driving assistance, going back feels like a step down. While Kia is introducing a conditional Level 3 system in the EV9, their autonomous driving tech for consumer vehicles feels behind competitors.
Navigation is another area for improvement. It’s not on par with the Google Maps integration found in systems from GM, Volvo, and Polestar. The Kia navigation can be unreliable, sometimes leading to inefficient routes. While Apple CarPlay is an alternative, relying on it feels like a workaround rather than a solution.
Voice controls, however, are a bright spot. They are exceptionally responsive and intuitive, offering accurate navigation prompts and a user-friendly experience, a definite advantage of the EV6.
Despite software shortcomings, the EV6 and its Hyundai/Genesis counterparts excel in core EV technology – battery, motor, range, and charging speed. They remain top choices for range and fast charging, second only to premium options like the Porsche Taycan. This strength translates to effective route planning and charger location within the navigation system.
However, software development is crucial for Hyundai/Kia to remain competitive. Tesla and Rivian lead in software integration and user experience, and GM is rapidly improving in this area. It’s encouraging that newer Hyundai/Kia models are addressing these software issues, signaling progress.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend the Kia EV6?
Despite its software limitations, my answer is a resounding yes. For me, advanced software features and autonomous driving tech are secondary to the fundamental aspects of a car. The Kia EV6, especially considering its price and the deal I received, offers an unmatched combination of specifications, style, and practicality.
After extensive driving, I’m genuinely happy to return to my EV6. This feeling of satisfaction persists. Minor issues like headlight adjustment and a potential sound system concern need addressing, and hopefully, Kia dealer service will improve. However, overall ownership has been remarkably trouble-free.
Looking ahead, my next update will focus on the EV6’s performance in a true upstate New York winter – a challenge I’m eager to explore.
Contact the author: [email protected]
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