Kia EV6 Refresh: Is This the Smartest EV Buy Today?

Kia EV6 Refresh: Is This the Smartest EV Buy Today?

The electric vehicle landscape is fiercely competitive, and while the Tesla Model Y often dominates the conversation, Kia’s updated EV6 is making a compelling case for itself, especially for those who value smart financial decisions and a well-rounded package. We got an in-depth look at the refreshed EV6 through the eyes of a devoted owner, Colton, who recently upgraded from a previous generation model.

A Smart Financial Move in a Shifting Market

Colton’s journey with the EV6 started with an unbelievable lease deal on the previous generation: just $187 per month for a two-year lease with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. This initial foray proved so successful that when the refreshed EV6 arrived, he saw an opportunity. Instead of waiting for leases to potentially increase in price and tax credits to expire, Colton executed a strategic lease swap. By trading in his existing EV6 early, he managed to secure a new, refreshed model for just $314 per month, taxes and fees included. This move not only locked in a favorable payment before anticipated price hikes and the expiration of federal tax credits but also allowed him to avoid potential overage fees on his previous lease. “I basically pre-bought two extra years of a low payment and holy crap did I save a lot of money,” Colton explained. He noted that a comparable new EV6 lease today, with zero down and for 24 months, would run around $631 per month – nearly double what he’s paying.

New Generation, Refined Experience

The refreshed Kia EV6 boasts several key updates over its predecessor. While the previous generation was lauded for its efficiency and smooth ride, the new model introduces a larger 84 kWh battery pack (up from 77.4 kWh), improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels, and a revised suspension for a more comfortable ride. “The NVH has improved on this. It’s more quiet. I feel like they did some suspension tuning on this,” Colton observed. The exterior design also sees subtle tweaks, including a revised light bar and bumpers, and importantly, the adoption of the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, now positioned correctly on the driver’s side.

Interior and Tech Upgrades

Inside, the EV6 refresh brings a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. While the core layout remains familiar, Kia has updated interior materials and introduced a new infotainment system, dubbed CCPA. This new software is described as snappier than the previous iteration, though it still falls short of the seamless experience offered by competitors like Tesla. A significant, albeit controversial, addition is the inclusion of NACS charging, allowing access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. However, not all trims receive the full suite of tech features. Colton’s EV6, while a well-appointed model, does not include the ‘Phone as a Key’ feature, which is reserved for the top-tier GT-Line and EV6 GT trims. This is a notable omission when compared to the Model Y, where this functionality is standard. “This car should have gotten phone as a key by the way, but yours is not the trim level that allows that, which is crazy to think about,” Colton remarked. The new CCPA software does, however, introduce improved EV route planning, which, while functional, is still considered less intuitive than third-party apps like A Better Routeplanner (ABRP).

Performance and Efficiency: A Mixed Bag

Under the hood, the EV6’s electric powertrain continues to offer brisk performance. While specific horsepower and torque figures for the refreshed model vary by trim, the previous generation’s all-wheel-drive long-range model offered around 320 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. The larger battery pack in the new model contributes to an increased estimated range, with rear-wheel-drive variants now capable of exceeding 300 miles. Colton noted a significant improvement in efficiency, averaging 2.9 miles per kWh on his current setup, which includes larger 21-inch GT wheels and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 tires – a setup that typically hinders efficiency. “That’s substantially more efficient than the last car,” he stated, impressed by the gains despite the less-than-ideal wheel and tire combination.

However, the charging experience presents a more nuanced picture. While the new EV6 boasts a higher peak charging rate of 125 kW (compared to the previous 97 kW), real-world charging speeds can be slower due to increased temperature sensitivity. Colton also pointed out that the car’s route planner is not always accurate, citing an instance where it directed them to a V4 Tesla Supercharger with a supposed 10-80% charge time of 20 minutes, which he believes is unrealistic for this vehicle. The adoption of the NACS port is a significant step towards broader charging access, but the transition can be complex, with adapter availability and compatibility varying across Kia’s EV lineup.

Build Quality and Value Proposition

A surprising observation from Colton was the perceived dip in exterior build quality on the U.S.-built models compared to the South Korean-made previous generation. “The exterior fit and finish is worse now built in the US versus Korea. Oh, really? So, the tolerances are not as good,” he noted. This contrasts with the interior, which he found to be more refined. The audio system also received an unexpected upgrade; Colton, who was initially disappointed to lose the premium Meridian system, found the standard six-speaker setup to be surprisingly competent, even better than the previous generation’s Meridian offering.

The value proposition of the refreshed EV6 is where it truly shines, especially given Colton’s strategic lease acquisition. For buyers looking at the $53,000-$54,000 MSRP for a well-equipped model, the value is debatable when compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y, which starts at a lower price point. However, with aggressive leasing deals and the ability to lock in favorable terms, the EV6 remains an incredibly attractive option. “If I’m going to be honest, I don’t think a Model Y would ever be in my garage. I would just get another Model 3,” Colton admitted, highlighting his personal preference for the Model 3’s driving dynamics over the Model Y’s more utilitarian feel. He also acknowledged that for a roughly $150-$200 per month difference in lease payments, he might lean towards a Model Y, but the EV6’s overall package and his specific financial strategy make it the clear winner for him.

Verdict

The refreshed Kia EV6 is a compelling electric vehicle that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. While it faces stiff competition and has minor shortcomings in its software and build consistency, its value proposition, particularly when acquired through smart leasing strategies, is undeniable. The improvements in ride comfort, efficiency, and the addition of NACS charging make it a more well-rounded package. For buyers prioritizing financial prudence and a comfortable, stylish electric crossover, the EV6 remains a top contender, proving that the smartest EV buy isn’t always the most obvious one.

Source: My Buddy Upgraded His Kia EV6 To The New Generation (YouTube)