The Kia EV6 has earned the prestigious Car of the Year award, selected by auto journalists from 23 European countries to honor the best new vehicle in the past year. Due to the geopolitical situation stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the jury excluded votes from Russian delegates, though organizers confirmed this did not affect the ranking of the winner or runner-ups. This victory highlights the growing prominence of electric vehicles in the automotive industry, with the Kia EV6 standing out for its performance and innovation.
The Kia EV6 secured the top spot with 279 points, outpacing its closest competitors: the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric with 265 points and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 261 points. Other finalists included the Peugeot 308, Skoda Enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Cupra Born. This marks the first time Kia has won the Car of the Year award, cementing its status as a leader in the transition to electric mobility.
The EV6 boasts an impressive range of up to 528 kilometers (328 miles) in the European WLTP rating. Buyers can choose from 58.0- and 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery options and rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. The vehicle’s design prioritizes performance, with features like fast charging and sporty handling. Reviewers have noted its playful handling, tighter steering, and reduced body roll compared to its Hyundai sibling, the Ioniq 5, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking both practicality and driving enjoyment.
In the US, the Kia EV6 offers similar flexibility with the same battery options. The 58.0-kWh battery provides a range of 232 miles (373 kilometers) in rear-wheel-drive configurations, while the 77.4-kWh option increases the range to 310 miles (499 kilometers). An all-wheel-drive version, available only with the larger battery, produces 320 horsepower (239 kilowatts) but has a slightly reduced range of 274 miles (441 kilometers) due to the added power demands.
Later in 2022, the EV6 lineup in the US is set to expand with the introduction of the high-performance GT model. Equipped with dual motors and all-wheel drive, the GT delivers an impressive 576 horsepower (430 kilowatts) and accelerates to 60 miles per hour (96 kilometers per hour) in under 3.5 seconds. This combination of speed, range, and versatility positions the Kia EV6 as a formidable player in the evolving electric vehicle market.
