Kia EV6 GT-Line
How it looks when you see on the street: The Kia EV6 GT-Line is a new electric station wagon that stands out in the sea of similar sized vehicles, which are more shaped like SUVs. Hence the EV6 challenges the definition of how a modern EV presents from the outside in. It’s expressive design character starts at the curved front end and tucks into a long sloping body and tapers into the upright rear. The EV6 is built for what most car owner’s crave — attractive family-friendly functionality, expressed in a modern, streamlined way. It earned industry praise as a finalist for World Car of the Year, and garners interest on the streets of New York City.
How it makes you feel when you get in: Thoughtful touches on the inside like the lower level tray give drivers the space they crave for odds and ends in a way that’s easy to access, especially with a car full of kids. Kia has been dipping its toe into luxury territory over the last season or two, and the EV6 interior reflects its price point and well composed interior cabin has enough tech to contend with more expensive marques. The 12.0-inch touchscreen is an extension of its digital dash and is in harmony with the rest of the clean form. It takes a moment to locate the start button on the two-spoke steering wheel, but its a good approach to making the driver UX minimal.
How it drives: It’s a smooth operator. One-pedal braking is all the rage on the new EVs — lift off the gas and the car comes to a gently halt., and paired with good steering Kia has a unique character The EV6 offers a variable driving performance based on the selected engine and battery power, which shifts the performing horsepower and the battery life. It has two electrified-motor options: one electric motor mounted on the rear for rear-wheel drive and two electric motors on both front and rear for customers that require all-wheel drive. The charging story is part of how it drives, and for public charging options EV6 works with high-output DC fast-charging stations, making a quick top up more accessible. It’s advertised with an EPA rating of 310 miles. We never pushed the battery until it was fully drained —safe to say you can go far.
Space for people and things: Much like its cross company cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EVGT Line makes use of its hatchback shape for solid storage space. Passenger room is excellent due to its long wheelbase. It has a healthy 28 cubic feet of cargo space and becomes perfect for more utility when the rear seats are folded flat.
Best Features: The long list of active safety tech is impressive and intuitive UX design, easy access to activating climate features. The best of the safety features is the Highway Driving Assist 2 program, which marries adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist to support lane changing. This feature helps alleviate stress over some of the blind spots.
Over the air updates mean the infotainment system will keep up with new features ported into the car. In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it also has a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Meridian 14 speaker stereo option is a great luxe offering,
How much does it cost: It starts at $41,000.