But probably the thing as a Tesla driver I like most was the heads-up display. Also, it is always nice to have CarPlay and Android Auto. One thing I loved is the automatic side cameras when turn signals were invoked as well as surround-view when backing out of a parking space. These UX factors are things that will likely grow on EV6 owners, but hopefully Kia will also do some OTA updates. Kia had us use their own mapping software for the trip, and I found it to be harder to follow than Android or iOS options. The center display is a bit better, especially when CarPlay and Android Auto are introduced. It is a little less cluttered in other modes. The left display is filled with graphics that look like a gaming PC when in sport mode (which is likely “most of the time”) and isn’t information rich. Just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 has two big side-by-side displays, but using them for the first time is a little bit jarring. Kia EV6 Dashboard hardware is great, software isn’t as There’s even a keyhole behind the handle in case you are Fred Flintstone. It is a good compromise between aerodynamics and convenience.

Here, that translates to a small frunk, which we’ll talk more about later, but there is lots of space in the back – much more than a Jaguar i-Pace for instance, which might be the closest analog of the EV6.ĭoors are relatively normal in the spectrum of EV weirdness, when you approach the vehicle the door handles present themselves. Hidden on the rear passenger side corner is the CCS Combo charge port hidden by a touch-activated door.įrom a driving perspective, the front hood is small and much like Tesla’s Model 3/Y, you have great visibility to the ground in front of you without a big front hood in your way. There’s a certain quirky Citroën vibe to it and I’m here for it. Initially, I didn’t love the backend but after seeing it in person, it definitely grew on me. Most of the car’s design is universally liked, if not loved, with the rear being somewhat polarizing. That said, it is probably the most sedan-like of the CUVs on the road. There is also plenty of room for 6’5″ adults in the back.

The seats are lifted off the ground and it is quite easy to get into and out of for those with bad backs or knees. We’ve known what the EV6 would look like, but in person, it seems a lot larger than the images and video portray.

But nothing beats a test drive through the mountains with fellow EV nerd and former Electrek writer Brad Berman to get to know a car intimately. So that means I’ve had months to digest the information about the car, its characteristics, and its place in the industry. Kia flew us out to wine and “winding road” country to test the new EV6, which is coming a bit late to the US, as it’s been out for a while in its native Korea and Europe already.

Ice ai traffic v6.00