As electric vehicles finally enter the mainstream, I often get asked by excited first-time EV buyers which new crossover I‘d recommend between the forward-thinking Kia EV6 or the buzzy Tesla Model Y. They‘re intrigued by the high-tech promises but still uncertain whether these futuristic vehicles align with their needs.
As an EV analyst who has test driven both models extensively, I‘m here to provide plain-spoken insight into how these impressive electric crossovers compare. I‘ll cut through the jargon and hype to give you, the EV newcomer, the full breakdown so you can determining which option checks your boxes best.
Let‘s dive under the hood, andscreen, to explore what really sets these mindblowing machines apart!
Picking Your Budget-Friendly Beast
Sticker shock scares many drivers away from the EV jump, so pricing stands paramount when weighing the Kia and Tesla options. Here‘s how both shake out cost-wise so you can pick your budget-friendly beast…
The Kia EV6 kicks off at a tantalizing $48,700 for the base Wind RWD trim, giving you 310 miles of range wrapped in a stylishly futuristic package. Now, you can tick up from there by adding all-wheel drive for $50,900 on the Wind AWD, but that‘s still tremendously affordable compared to most new EVs.
Really splash out for the loaded EV6 GT-Line AWD with some posh packages selected and you land around $58,000. But appreciate that even the peak EV6 GT performance variant caps below $65,000.
Now let‘s examine the Model Y money matters. Tesla‘s entry-level Model Y Long Range demands nearly $55,000 before any upgrades. Opting for fancier blue paint, 20-inch induction wheels, and a white vegan leather interior lifts you to almost $59,500.
And that‘s without even adding Enhanced Autopilot into the equation yet! Suddenly you‘re hovering right at $65,000. Then the Model Y Performance pushes that even higher.
Don‘t get me wrong, you score loads of captivating tech for the money. But Kia undeniably facilitates more build customization at gentler increments.
Winner: Kia EV6Let‘s crunch some more comparative numbers in greater depth…
| Model | Base Price | Possible Upgrades | Est. Max Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV6 Wind RWD | $48,700 | Premium paint, packages | $58,000 |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | $54,990 | Paint, wheels, seats, self-driving | $83,990 |
Based purely on budget, the Kia EV6 clearly caters affordability better all factors considered. Sure, you could opt for a more basic Model Y, but feature-for-feature, Kia stacks up stronger dollar-for-dollar right now.
Range and Battery Brawn
Range anxiety still worries prospective EV adopters, making driving distance top of mind. Here Tesla touts a demonstrable edge for the moment, but Kia races toward parity…
Tesla‘s battery brilliance beams through in the Model Y Long Range, delivering up 330 miles EPA-rated on a single charge—the longest among both models. Yet surprisingly, factors like bigger wheels or extra seats shave miles significantly.
For instance, upgrading those sleek induction 20-inch wheels could cut you to around 318 miles. And pop that optional third row in there? Range dips closer to 326 miles. Value-focused buyers swayed by those seven seats have to consider associated range impacts before jumping.
Comparatively, the Kia EV6 serves up a super-solid 310 max miles today in its RWD form. Note that AWD or performance models see ranges sag quite a bit though—as low as 280 down to 206 miles. Still, an upgraded 77.4 kWh battery with claimed 340 miles lands soon in the EV6 lineup offering more flexibility.
Quick nerdy aside…the Model Y‘s lithium-ion cells pack a density around 185 Wh/kg versus the EV6‘s 166 Wh/kg currently. But next-gen cells could position Kia closer to 200+ for better energy storage.
Now to charging…which influences range recovery:
Kia EV6: 800V architecture accepts insane charging power over 200kW enabling 160+ miles gained in under 15 minutes. Slower Level 2 charging requires about 7 hours from empty.
Model Y: Tesla‘s Supercharger network blows away all rivals for reliability and shear sites across 34 countries so far. Recover 162 miles in just 15 minutes too, while home charging through a 240V outlet gives you about 30 miles per hour.
If ultimate road trip readiness steers your priorities, Tesla‘s immense charging infrastructure keeps them king of the long haul for now. But Kia‘s progress with next-gen batteries and charging could disrupt before long.
Winner: Tesla Model Y...for now Performance That Punches You Back
I know certain speed demons browsing for their first EV crave more than just efficiency. Well gearheads, both these electric crossovers pack performance that punches you back in the seat! Let‘s examine the power and handling capabilities more closely…
In the blistering Kia EV6 GT variant, an energized 576 hp channel to all four wheels for sports car rivalry. We‘re talking sub 3.5-second stampede to 60mph thanks to the instant wealth of torque—up to 546 lb-ft! Even the RWD models churn out 320 ponies for potent acceleration around 5.2 seconds 0-60mph.
Tesla answers the call with its Model Y Performance, summoning 480 hp and yielding just a barely slower 3.5 seconds 0-60 blast. Available in AWD too of course, ensuring you stick hard in the seat once the impulse thrust kicks. Both race to a top speed around 155 mph for anyone scoreboarding velocities.
Beyond straight line speeds though, the lower-slung Kia EV6 demonstrates wonderfully balanced handling too, staying flatter through tight turns thanks to a lower center of gravity. The adjustable regen braking profiles also enhance some skillful driving dynamics.
I‘ll call raw acceleration a dead heat but give the Kia EV6 the handling heterogeneity.
Winner: Tie Tech That Boggles Your Brain
We expect awe-inducing innovation from Elon Musk‘s engineers at Tesla. But the Kia EV6 comparable carpets the cabin in spellbinding futuristic tech too! Allow me to decode some standout elements…
The entire Model Y dash collapses into a singular 15-inch widescreen display controlling nearly all vehicle functions via touch or voice activation. It‘s beautiful…and polarizing! Replacing virtually every button takes acclimation. But offer no doubt, the intuitive UI feels like leaping 10 years ahead.
By no means technologically timid, Kia blankets the EV6 cabin with dual 12.3-inch curved displays too—one cluster hosting 16 handy shortcuts for core controls like drive modes and charging options, the other a richly detailed infotainment hub. Physical climate toggles retain familiarity though if screen tapping stresses you out!
Both support comprehensive smartphone synergy as well, whether using a custom app to schedule charging cycles for optimal rates or pre-heating the motor to a toasty 72°F in winter before unplugging from your home ChargePoint.
But Tesla again plays the trump card with its leading OTA updates. Refinements install wirelessly so your EV evolves feasibly forever, growing smarter and more capable behind the scenes. Kia‘s caught the software vision too albeit on a smaller scale so far.
For those seeking a revolution behind the wheel, either EV overwhelms positively. But Tesla tips ahead technologically for now by fully committing to touch interfaces and robust remote linking powered by those ubiquitous OTA capability boosts.
Winner: Tesla Model YAutonomy That Lends You A Hand
We‘ve all gawked at Autopilot YouTube clips, but what can these two EVs self-handle safely today, and what future freedoms come? Let‘s demystify…
Every Tesla includes baseline Autopilot with active safety features like automated emergency braking, blindspot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control to relieve fatigue on long journeys. Spend $6,000 more and Enhanced Autopilot builds in acclaimed lane centering, automatic lane changes, smart summoning from parking spots, and automatic parking to further reduce driving labor.
But the kicker comes with Full Self-Driving for $15,000 extra pushing toward autonomy glory. While still in beta, FSD enables automatic navigation from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, navigating intersections or roundabouts, and even recognizing traffic lights/signs. Musk boasts fully independent city street driving under all conditions soon, albeit without human hands ever leaving the wheel today.
Alternatively, all Kia EV6 models ship standard with loads of assistance like highway driving assist skewing between lanes and adaptive cruise spacing from other cars automatically. It checks safety boxes galore but cedes some autonomy frills expected from Tesla.
Kia does plan to keep bolstering self-driving competence moving forward. But Tesla embraces radical change at its core. Even if Elon‘s timelines mislead, Tesla clearly leads the autonomy offensive.
Winner: Tesla Model YHauling People & Gear With Room To Spare
Let‘s shift gears and examine the practicalities of passenger and cargo hauling. Kia caters nimbly to daily commuting needs but Tesla touts more versatility…
The Model Y flaunts class-leading front and rear cargo volumes, touting 30.2 cubic feet behind the second row versus 24.4 cubes in the EV6 with seats up. Little wonder since overall the Model Y rides longer, wider, and taller than the Kia rival.
Tesla also uniquely unlocks a seven seat configuration for just $3,000 extra—a handy option for growing families or carpool commute sharing. Neither the Kia EV6 nor most compact crossovers accommodate a third row. Though admittedly, that rearmost perch fits only small kids or occasional flexibility in a pinch.
For road trip packing, the Model Y better swallows oversize objects like strollers, golf clubs, camping gear or bulky Costco runs if you haul home big. Especially with both back rows folded, opening up 77 cubic feet of big box store capacity.
But the EV6 offers ample roominess for average needs, while its lower ride height eases loading unattended kids or arthritic passengers. Simplicity has its place too, so while Tesla entices with spacious versatility, the Kia keeps cargo and people moving smoothly day-to-day.
Cargo/Passenger Hauling Winner: Tesla Model Y
Daily Commuting Winner: Kia EV6 The Electric Journey Ahead…
Having test driven pre-production versions myself extensively across highway jaunts and winding backroads alike, a few parting impressions solidified:
Kia EV6 – "A spirited crossover bargain with forward-thinking style elementary enough for anyone‘s first EV foray."
Tesla Model Y – "A cruise missile for the connected age where electric opportunity seems limitless for early adopters."
Kia has achieved a touring machine loaded with smart tech accoutrements buyers crave today, while Tesla symbolizes unbridled aspirations for what an electric vehicle could evolve into tomorrow.
Both will continue upping battery densities for more range and power while expanding high-speed charging infrastructure offers security far off-course. Expect heavier self-driving investments too, especially from Tesla.
In essence, Kia fields an electric crossover thoroughly modernized for the impending EV revolution, while Tesla shoots to manifest the outer limits of imagination around autonomy and beyond. Different personalities, yet equally important innovators pushing us positively toward sustainable mobility.
So which feels like the best fit for you?
