It’s been a couple of months since our last update on the 2024 Kia EV6 long-term review car, and for a good reason – we simply haven’t been driving it as much recently! It’s not due to any issues with the car itself; in fact, quite the opposite. Life and work have just taken us on the road, literally.
For InsideEVs, I’ve been traveling extensively, covering stories from South Korea to Nashville and Texas. Back home, I’ve had the chance to test drive other compelling EVs like the BMW i4 M50 and several upcoming models for our year-end awards (yes, including the Tesla Cybertruck – more on that soon!).
Image alt text: Front view of the 2024 Kia EV6 in a driveway, showcasing its modern design and sleek lines.
Now, thankfully, I’m back home for a stretch and have been able to spend more quality time behind the wheel of our 2024 Kia EV6 Wind All-Wheel-Drive. My wife has been driving it regularly in my absence and unequivocally declares it the best car she’s ever owned. I wholeheartedly agree. With over 4,400 miles on the odometer, the EV6 continues to be a joy to drive every day. However, even exceptional vehicles have room for improvement, and after experiencing a range of competitors, some weaknesses have become more apparent.
The Kia EV6 Still Impresses After Months of Ownership
Let’s begin with the positives, highlighting what continues to impress us after four months with the EV6:
One aspect I’m particularly keen to evaluate is the EV6’s performance in a proper upstate New York winter. However, in warmer conditions, the car remains a champion in range and charging efficiency. A 100% charge using my home ChargePoint charger consistently indicated over 300 miles of range on moderate days. This is still remarkable for a dual-motor electric vehicle.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Kia EV6 charging port with a ChargePoint home charger plugged in, emphasizing convenient home charging for EV owners.
Following my own advice regarding EV battery management for long-term health, I’ve adjusted my charging routine to the “80% rule.” For daily home charging, I now limit the charge to 80%. With cooler temperatures arriving, this typically provides around 230 miles of range – aligning perfectly with 80% of the EV6’s EPA-estimated 282-mile maximum range. Battery experts generally recommend keeping EV batteries around 80% for optimal longevity. While our EV6 is currently leased, I’m seriously considering purchasing it at the end of the term. Even if not, maintaining the battery’s health benefits the next owner and aligns with sustainable practices.
This slightly reduced range might concern some, but owning an EV encourages a more mindful approach to energy consumption. Our daily driving is primarily local, within our town, and we rarely need to fully charge the car nightly. In fact, I seldom require more than 200 miles of range on a given day. (A part of me even briefly considered a budget-friendly used Chevrolet Bolt EV, but I remain very satisfied with the EV6).
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2024 Kia EV6 dashboard displaying the estimated driving range and battery charge level, highlighting key information for EV drivers.
The EV6’s user-friendly menu system allows for effortless adjustment of maximum charging levels for both home AC charging and DC fast charging. I’ve consistently set the DC fast-charging limit to 80%, as I don’t frequently utilize public fast chargers. However, for longer trips, such as a drive to New York City, I simply adjust the setting back to 100% the night before departure. This illustrates the proactive energy management that EV ownership encourages.
We chose the EV6 for its practical cargo space, suitable for errands like Home Depot runs, without needing a bulky SUV. The EV6’s wagon-like profile perfectly suits our needs. In Sport Mode, its acceleration is comparable to my previous Subaru WRX, and the chassis delivers engaging handling on winding roads. Upgrading to better summer tires is on my radar for next year to further enhance its sporty driving dynamics.
Image alt text: Open trunk of the Kia EV6 showcasing the ample cargo space, emphasizing the vehicle’s practicality for everyday tasks and storage needs.
Owning the EV6 has been remarkably trouble-free. Recently, my gasoline-powered Mazda experienced a dead battery – likely due to colder weather and infrequent use. The mental checklist to diagnose the issue was surprisingly frustrating. This experience underscored a common sentiment among EV owners: returning to gasoline cars after experiencing electric vehicles feels archaic. The relative simplicity and reliability of EVs are quickly becoming a major draw.
Ultimately, the Kia EV6 delivers on the core reasons I chose a Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP platform vehicle: an outstanding combination of range, rapid charging, strong performance, appealing design, and everyday practicality.
However, Hyundai Motor Group needs to elevate its game in one crucial area: software.
Tech and Software: Where the EV6 Falls Slightly Short
Software has become a critical battleground for the automotive industry, arguably as significant as battery technology.
Software glitches have contributed to challenges for manufacturers like General Motors in their EV rollout. Volkswagen’s software division has also faced persistent difficulties. Even premium EVs like the Lucid Air, while arguably the best EV currently available in America, don’t lead in software and user experience. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates, a key advantage of modern cars, remain inconsistently implemented across the industry.
While some brands excel in software updates, such as Rivian which delivered substantial OTA updates during a recent test drive, the Kia EV6 lags behind. “Updates” are primarily limited to navigation and infotainment system enhancements, a point of frustration for many EV6 owners. Major feature additions, common in Tesla and Rivian vehicles, are absent. Significant updates often require dealership visits for physical upgrades. Disappointingly, there are no plans to bring the advanced software from the newer EV9 and upcoming 2025 EV6 to the pre-facelift EV6 models like ours.
Image alt text: Screenshot of the Kia Connect smartphone app interface, displaying vehicle status, charging information, and remote control options.
The Kia Connect smartphone app is functional, but basic. It offers features like checking charge status, adjusting charge limits, remote vehicle location, locking/unlocking, remote climate control, and maintenance scheduling. However, the novelty wears off due to inconsistencies. While charge percentage is usually accurate, the displayed range often defaults to “0 miles.” The app includes a feature to schedule maintenance with local Kia dealers, but attempts to use this have been unsuccessful, with no responses from dealerships. Whether this is a software issue or reflects dealership service quality is unclear, but unreliable dealer interaction renders the feature ineffective. The app’s potential is significant, but its current execution needs considerable improvement.
Image alt text: Kia EV6 dashboard displaying the Highway Driving Assistance (HDA) system in operation, showing lane keeping and adaptive cruise control active.
Similarly, the automated driving assistance, Highway Driving Assistance 1 (HDA1), is adequate but not exceptional. It’s essentially lane-keeping radar cruise control, requiring hands-on-the-wheel operation. After experiencing GM’s impressive Super Cruise and Ford’s improved BlueCruise systems, “hands-off or go home” has become my preferred standard for driver assistance technology. Kia is introducing a conditional Level 3 Highway Driving Pilot system in the EV9, but overall, Hyundai/Kia’s autonomous driving technology seems to be trailing competitors in consumer vehicles, despite advancements in robotaxi development.
The navigation system is also subpar compared to the class-leading Google Maps integration found in GM, Volvo, and Polestar vehicles. “Trust but verify” is my approach with the Kia navigation, as it has occasionally directed me to unusual routes or locations. While Apple CarPlay offers a workaround, relying on it feels like a compromise.
Voice controls, however, are a standout feature, ranking among the best in the industry. Despite navigation shortcomings, the voice command system consistently provides relevant options and understands natural language inputs effectively. This intuitive voice interface is a significant positive aspect of the Kia’s user experience.
Ultimately, the Kia EV6 (and its Hyundai and Genesis counterparts) excels in battery and powertrain technology, offering top-tier charging speeds and range, rivaling even the Porsche Taycan in these aspects. Route planning and charger location features are also well-integrated and efficient.
However, software is an area where Hyundai/Kia needs to invest significantly to catch up with competitors like Tesla, Rivian, and a rapidly improving GM.
Image alt text: Detailed view of the Kia EV6’s modern interior dashboard, showcasing the infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, and overall cockpit design.
Thankfully, newer Hyundai/Kia models are addressing these software shortcomings, but it highlights a current weakness in otherwise exceptional EVs.
Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend the Kia EV6?
My answer remains a resounding “yes.” For me, while advanced software features, sophisticated driver-assistance systems, and feature-rich smartphone apps are appreciated, they are secondary to the core driving experience and vehicle fundamentals. I believe many buyers share this perspective. Considering the price point (and the favorable deal I secured), the Kia EV6 offers an unmatched combination of specifications, stylish design, and practical daily usability in the electric vehicle market.
Image alt text: Kia EV6 driving on a city street, highlighting its sleek exterior design and suitability for urban environments.
After extensive time on the road and testing various vehicles, returning to my EV6 is always a welcome experience. This positive feeling hasn’t diminished over months of ownership. Minor adjustments are needed – the headlights need their high beams aimed higher, and the Meridian sound system’s performance needs evaluation. Hopefully, the Kia dealership will eventually respond to my service inquiries. However, overall, ownership has been remarkably trouble-free.
In my next update, I’ll be reporting on the EV6’s performance in its first upstate New York winter – a true test of its capabilities in challenging weather conditions.
Contact the author: [email protected]
More EV Reviews and Comparisons:
- I’m A Gas Car Fan. Here’s Why I Love My First EV
- Chevy Blazer EV Long-Term Test: Two Dealer Visits In Two Months
- 2024 Kia EV6 Long-Term Test: Let’s Talk Range
- 2024 Kia EV6: A Charging Champion Right Out Of The Gate
- 2025 Porsche Taycan 70-MPH Range Test: Way Better Than Advertised
- Chevrolet Equinox EV 3RS: What Do You Want To Know?
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