Who would’ve thought back in 1992, that the newly-introduced Kia brand would become one of the top contenders in the EV race of the early 21st century? But it did! Kia is now a leader among greener versions of the automobile, those alternate energy performers known as hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and fully electric vehicles. And while Kia has several offerings in the hybrid/EV segment, this article will focus specifically on the 2023 Kia EV6 near Santa Fe NM.
What is the EV6?
Kia’s EV6, their first fully electric vehicle, was introduced for the 2022 model year, and is quickly becoming one of the top participants in its class. It’s a small crossover, built on the company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which will underpin Kia’s future electric models. According to the manufacturer, the E-GMP uses “significant amounts of ultra-high-strength steel to provide a structure that’s both lighter and stronger, delivering better handling, safety, and a wheelbase similar to many mid-size SUVs.”
Because it was built from the start as an EV (and not a modified version of a hybrid vehicle), the EV6 has many design advantages. With no engine or other ICE (internal combustion engine) components to worry with, Kia gave the EV6 streamlined styling along with a relatively spacious interior compared with its overall dimensions. And since it was recently released as an all-new vehicle, the 2023 EV6 should come as a carryover model.
Power and Performance
The 2023 Kia EV6 near Santa Fe NM is offered with multiple powertrains. The lower trims are equipped with one electric motor on the rear wheels and either a 58-kWh battery or a 77.4-kWh battery pack. You’ll get up to 167 horsepower with the smaller battery and 225 hp with the larger one. Higher trim models get two electric motors, which are only offered with the 77.4-kWh battery pack. Horsepower output with the dual-motor setup ranges from 320 hp to 576 hp, and depending on the configuration, the EV6 can travel up to 310 miles on a single charge. And due to its newness, the 2023 EV6’s powertrains will likely remain the same for the new model year.
Another plus for the EV6 is its compatibility with the updated, ultra-quick public DC fast-charging stations. This means that in ideal conditions, the company says you can replenish 70 miles in fewer than five minutes and charge the battery from 10% to 80% capacity in less than 18 minutes when using a 350-kW charger.
Driving the 2023 Kia EV6 near Santa Fe NM
You’ll love being at the wheel of the EV6, because in both RWD and AWD versions the acceleration is fast enough to feel yourself pinned to your seat! Depending on the model, 0-60 mph can be reached anywhere from 8 seconds to only 3.5 seconds for the upcoming GT model. One of the perks of electric vehicles is the delivery of full output almost immediately- no waiting on turbochargers to spool up or for ICE engines to hit the sweet spot!
The remainder of the EV6 complements the output with calmness and grace, while staying comfortable enough for more ordinary driving conditions. Precision steering that’s nicely weighted is easy to handle and the brakes are strong and confident, even with four levels of energy regeneration. Thanks to the battery’s placement beneath the floor, the center of gravity is low and sweet, which adds to the vehicle’s stability.
Interior Comfort
Remember the E-GMP platform? Thanks to it, the Kia EV6 has a completely flat floor and lots of space to keep five passengers comfy. Rear passenger space is increased by front seats with a slimmer design than what’s typical, without sacrificing comfort. The back seats also recline and split and fold in the usual 60/40 fashion.
In the cabin, the design is modern and upscale with two large easy-to-read screens dominating the dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, and clean, angular lines. A smidgeon of physical knobs on the center console helps the EV6 feel like it was designed with the driver in mind, rather than keeping to the touchscreen-only philosophy of rivals.
Tech-wise, the 2023 EV6 comes standard with the above-mentioned screens coming in at 12.3-inches each for the instrument cluster and infotainment display, four speakers, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
A list of standard and available safety/driver-assist features is too extensive to list here, but know that it’s very generous and what you’d expect.
Visit Us
Stop by Fiesta Kia at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque NM anytime during business hours to find out how you can pre-order the fantastic and affordable 2023 EV6.
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