Though Tesla is the most popular manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly with its Model Y, its position at the top faces numerous challenges from automakers that have incorporated high-performing EVs into their lineups. One such manufacturer is Kia, which has rapidly developed into a formidable contender in the hybrid and EV market. In fact, the new 2023 Kia EV6 stands to be one of the finest electric releases of the year. Let’s examine the finer details of an EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y comparison.
Trim Levels and Dimensions
Trim levels represent the extent of choice available to consumers. The 2023 Kia EV6 offers more options and may appeal to a broader range of drivers with three trim levels:
- Wind
- GT-Line
- GT
The Wind and GT-Line are both available with either a single-motor rear-wheel drivetrain or a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain. The top-of-the-range GT is all-wheel drive only. The GT-Line and GT trims measure 184.8 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 60.8 inches high. The Wind is negligibly smaller at 184.3 inches long and 74 inches wide. All three models feature generous interiors, with 42.4 inches of front-row legroom and at least 39 inches in the rear row.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y does away with the Standard Range option of previous years, meaning that it’s available in only two trims:
- Long Range
- Performance
Both trims are equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel drivetrain. The exterior dimensions are identical for both. At 187 inches long, 83.8 inches wide, and 64 inches tall, it’s a larger vehicle than the EV6. Inside, the legroom dimensions vary depending on the seating since you can choose between a two-row and three-row arrangement, seating five and seven people, respectively. Both yield 41.8 inches of front-row legroom and at least 40 inches of second-row legroom. But the optional third row, measuring 26.5 inches of legroom, is mostly suitable for children only.
Motor and Performance
With the 2023 Kia EV6, you can choose between a single AC synchronous permanent magnet motor with rear-wheel drive or dual front-and-rear motors with all-wheel drive. Depending on the drivetrain, which may depend on your trim, you’ll get between 225 and 576 total hp and 258 to 545 lb-ft of torque. The GT trim is superior when it comes to power, attaining the upper limits in both horsepower and torque.
The EV6 performance depends, of course, on the motor and drivetrain. The rear-wheel-only models have modest but commendable zero-to-60 mph acceleration, reaching the threshold in around 6.7 seconds. The GT-Line trim does much better with 4.5 seconds. But the range-topping GT trim blows everything else away, reaching 60 mph in just 3.2. seconds.
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has a smaller range in terms of motor performance, but it also has a higher lower limit in the 384 hp/376 lb-ft motor of the Long Range trim. Leveling up to the Performance trim gets you 456 hp and 497 lb-ft of torque, which is more powerful than the EV6 Wind and GT-Line but falls short of the GT.
As for speed, the Performance trim outperforms the Long Range. Tesla claims the Model Y Performance can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, and test drives mostly corroborate the claim with 3.6-second runs. The Long Range trim’s more modest speed potential is also respectable, with a zero-to-60 time of 4.4 seconds.
Comfort and Interior
How does all that performance feel in the cabin? The Kia EV6 maintains a smooth ride, particularly the higher-level trims with adaptive suspension. The smoothness is also attributed in no small part to the premier-quality seats installed in the front row. The Tesla Model Y, though, can get shaky and bumpy on uneven surfaces, which may prove to be a challenge during long journeys.
The Kia EV6 also outdoes the Model Y regarding interior design. The components and arrangement of the EV6 are sleek and fill out the space in a breathable way. The 12.3-inch center-dash touch screen and infotainment system offer wireless smartphone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Moreover, the system can update wirelessly and has voice-command functionality.
Tesla interiors are famously austere, and the Model Y is no different. The 15-inch center-dash touch screen, which controls virtually all the vehicle’s functions, is about the only interior adornment. As with other Teslas, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not standard.
All-Electric Range
The 2023 Kia EV6 all-electric range depends on your choice of trim and drivetrain. This chart breaks it down:
| Wind | GT-Line | GT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive | 310 miles | 310 miles | – |
| All-Wheel Drive | 282 miles | 252 miles | 206 miles |
The 2023 Tesla Model Y has an overall higher EPA-estimated all-electric range. The Performance trim gets 303 miles on a single charge, and the Long Range model gets 330 miles. However, real-world use seems to tell a different story. According to AMCI, an independent third-party evaluation company, the 2023 Kia EV6 has a 339-mile all-electric range in real-world normal climates in a combination of city and highway settings. That outshines not only the EPA estimates for both Model Ys but also the real-world testing numbers, which show 324 miles for the Long Range trim.
Price
Having more trims, the Kia EV6 has a wider range of prices. The starting MSRPs are as follows:
- Wind: $50,025
- GT-Line: $54,225
- GT: $62,925
The Model Y starting prices are higher than the first two EV6 trims:
- Long Range: $50,490
- Performance: $54,490
Get Behind the Wheel of a Kia EV6
Its formidable design, generous cabin, and impressive capabilities make the Kia EV6 a major player in the pantheon of high-end electrics. Order your 2023 EV6 or test-drive one today by reaching out to us at Tom Kadlec Kia. You can call our sales department at 507-215-8923 or drop us a message via our online contact page. Alternatively, just stop by the dealership at 4444 U.S.-52 North in Rochester, Minnesota. We’re confident not only in the vehicles in our inventory but also in our ability to help you find the right Kia for your needs.
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