Test-Driving The 2023 Kia EV-6 GT

The handsome, hearty Kia EV-6 GT is one of the most ferocious rides of 2023, a hoot no matter the weather, road conditions or time of day. Lookswise, it walks a particularly succinct line above “nerdy-hatchback” but below “bulky SUV” with its fat, squat hood, cat’s eye headlights and, on my tester, runway red paint and black trim.

Inside, EV-6 GT is a mixed bag. But we’ll get to that.

575 hungry, angry but quiet horses are on call, making 545 lb-ft of torque. If you just wish a pleasant cruise, can do, but once you discover it does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, you’ll be tempted to do it again and again even when you’re in no particular rush. Mileage, under ideal conditions, is above 70 “MPG”. Its rivals are Audi Q4 e-tron, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like any of them. Base price is $61,400; as tested it was $62,865.

You can roll placidly, sensibly, with the fam, the dog or yourself around town, doing errands, and you don’t feel like you want to gun it. It’s when you leave town that you get the OMG.

Driving modes are Eco, Normal, Snow, and Sport, which you can find in all EV-6s in the lineup. Go for the GT, my tester, and enjoy Drift mode, GT Drive Mode and My Drive Mode to customize your ride to your liking.The EV6 is available in three trim levels: Wind, GT-Line and GT. Every model offered draws power from a 77.4-kWh battery pack with different power outputs and drive configurations.

For the GT, there’s a Drift Mode to unlock increased rear wheel drive torque distribution and drifting performance, larger diameter disc brakes (15-inch front / 14.2-inch rear) with quad-piston front calipers, stiffened chassis, quicker ratio steering, electronically controlled suspension, and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD) A couple of GT exterior design flourishes include unique front and rear fasciae, neon accents, and 21-inch wheels.

^Interior

There’s room for the wide, not so sure about the tall. Below and around you and behind you, there’s room for everything including photography equipment, musical equipment, a bunch of bags, a dog or two and you. The trunks, especially the one up front but including the rear, are chintzy when compared to every other vehicle in this price and class. The captain and passenger’s chairs are big question marks.

The seats look like the gaming swivel chairs they sell at Staples. The starter button is all by itself on the left side of triangular section of trim, like a store display featuring a single can of sardines. The wheel is small and sharp, with a race-type flat bottom. There does not seem to be a volume control that’s not the one on the steering wheel. The sound system is feeble. Though the ride itself is smooth, the boy doesn’t take the bumps well, bang, pow.

The Drive

It’s hasty, silent and thrilling off the line. At speed, when you give it the gun, you have as much passing ability as you could possibly want, accelerating out of snarls and breaking ahead of the pack at will. It likes to tell you you’re about to hit something when you’re not even close.

The controls are so satisfyingly tight and your hands, feet and body connected that there isn’t much chance of being distracted. The corners feel whippy, without much body roll, and the brakes are outstanding except for the garish green calipers. Upgrades include an electronic limited slip differential, adaptive dampers, larger front and rear brake rotors and a quicker steering ratio.

Tech

I liked seeing how much power I had left at any given time by looking at a virtual display of the battery underneath the car. Ambient lighting across the door panels, center console, and dashboard delivers a soothing glow.

I’d like knobs for the volume control. I use volume quite a bit while driving, whereas the climate system tends to get set at one level and left alone. The climate and nav systems did their jobs, as they should. The sound itself is mediocre.

Here’s some good news, though – you can charge the EV-6 at Tesla charging stations, although our friends at MotorTrand had issues during their test.

I charged six blocks from where I lived via ChargePoint, and walked there and back. All EV6 GT buyers will receive a charging credit of 1,000 kWh at Electrify America stations, useable over a three-year period.

The more you drive, the more impressed and surprised you get and the more fun it is. The EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, and top speed rises to 161 mph. The performance upgrades that define the EV6 GT also include a dedicated sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers and unique front suspension performance components. Dynamic damping control offers sporty handling and a balanced, comfortable ride.

Traction and stability are enhanced by an electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) when cornering, by directing torque to the wheels with most grip. Larger ventilated front (15-inch) and rear (14.2) disc brakes with monoblock calipers are standard. Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels are also standard on the EV6 GT.

Verdict, after a 7-day test? It’s a fun, unique, angry, satisfying electric ride. Check out safety, warranty and other essentials here.

As always, thanks for reading. Ride safe. JM