Hi there! With dozens of new electric vehicles hitting the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. I‘ve tested and reviewed both the 2023 Kia EV6 and 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 inside and out, so you‘ve come to the right place for an expert‘s take. Read on as I compare these two electric crossovers across all the categories that matter most to help you pick the best option for your needs and budget!
Overview: EV6 Fast Charging and AWD vs ID.4‘s Lower Costs
First, here‘s a high-level overview before we dive into the details. The Kia EV6 starts around $10,000 more than VW‘s ID.4, but offers faster charging, superior driving range, a modern high-tech interior, and more powerful performance. VW fights back with a smoother ride, bigger backseat, and hi-tech driver assistance features. Let‘s delve deeper to see who does what best!
Pricing and Configuration Comparison
Let‘s kick things off by looking at MSRP pricing and model options…
ID.4 Cost Advantage But Confusing Trim Names
Volkswagen manages to undercut the EV6 by around $9-12,000 depending on trim comparisons. Unfortunately, VW‘s confusing array of ID.4 model names makes sorting through configurations complicated…
ID.4 Trim Levels
- ID.4 Pro – $43,995
- ID.4 Pro S – $49,995
- ID.4 AWD Pro – $44,970
ID.4 Models Explained
- Differences lie in battery sizes, RWD vs AWD and a few key options
- Top "Statement" trim renamed to Pro S for 2023
- Overall lineup simplified this year
ID.4 Cost Advantages
- $9-12k lower starting MSRP than EV6
- Free charging plan from Electrify America
EV6 Justifies Extra Cost With More Value
The elegantly styled EV6 starts around $49,000 for its Wind RWD trim, extending up to $62,000 for the high-performance GT-Line model. What do you get for the extra investment beyond eye-catching looks?
EV6 Trim Levels
- Wind RWD – $49,795
- Wind AWD – $52,595
- GT-Line RWD – $52,595
- GT-Line AWD – $57,595
- GT – $61,695
Where Extra Money Goes
- Ultra-fast charging capability
- Up to 60+ extra miles of range
- Dual motor AWD option
- Slick tech-focused interior
EV6 Value Arguments
- Resale value forecast to be higher
- Save on long term fuel costs
- Qualify for full $7,500 tax credit
Verdict: ID.4 Wins on Affordability, EV6 Justifies Premium
Volkswagen smartly prices the ID.4 to compete with compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 rather than rival EVs. But you get what you pay for, and the Kia EV6 packs in cutting-edge capability worthy of its higher cost for shoppers focused on the latest technology.
Range and Charging Comparison
Besides sticker prices, factors like maximum range and charging times have an enormous impact on your ownership experience. How far can you drive between plugging in, and how quickly can you recharge?
ID.4: Decent Range, Slow DC Fast Charging
The ID.4‘s 82 kWh battery pack pushes range to an EPA rated 275 miles in the new AWD Pro S trim – among the highest in its affordable price class. Charging times are slower than the EV6 however, with a max 10-80% recharge taking around 36 minutes on 250+ kW DC fast chargers.
ID.4 Range and Charging
- Max Range – 275 miles (AWD Pro S model)
- Fast Charging – 36 min, 10-80% (250 kW charger)
- Home Charging – 7.5 hrs, 240V outlet
EV6: Blazing Charging Speeds, 310 Mile Range Option
The Kia EV6 accepts crazy fast 800 volt charging, witnessing a 10-80% jump in just 18 minutes. The RWD version also offers an optionally larger 77.4 kWh battery good for a class-leading 310 miles range. Even on 240V home outlets, its battery replenishes slightly quicker than the ID.4.
EV6 Range and Charging
- Max Range – 310 miles (RWD models)
- Fast Charging – 18 min, 10-80% (800V charger)
- Home Charging – Under 7 hrs, 240V outlet
Verdict: EV6 Dominates on Charging & Range
While the ID.4 packs plenty of driving range for most drivers, there‘s no competing with the EV6‘s lightning quick recharging. Road trippers or buyers suffering range anxiety should take note.
Performance and Handling Comparison
Beyond utility, a little driving excitement goes a long way too. How quick and nimble do these electric crossovers feel behind the wheel? Let‘s have some fun comparing acceleration and ride quality.
ID.4: Ho-Hum Acceleration, Plush Highway Manners
Performance clearly isn‘t the ID.4‘s main focus…louder RWD models hit 60 mph in a lackluster 7.6 seconds, while heavier AWD versions extend that to 8.4 seconds. Handling follows luxury car priorities, with light steering, soft suspension tuning, and excellent noise isolation prizing comfort over cornering grip.
- 0-60 mph – 7.6 to 8.4 sec
- Steering Feel – Very light
- Ride Quality – Soft, quiet
EV6: Lightning Acceleration, Athletic Reflexes
The EV6 prioritizes a more engaging driving experience in all trims. Even base models scoot to 60 mph in under 6 seconds thanks to broad electric torque. The GT performance model sets blistering speed records with its 3.5 second sprint time. Athletic steering and controlled body motions keep things fun in corners.
- 0-60 mph – 3.5 to 5.7 sec
- Steering Feel – Precise, nicely weighted
- Ride Quality – Firm, controlled
Verdict: EV6 Driving Experience More Engaging
Make no mistake, the Kia EV6 strongly outperforms the ID.4 whether you‘re judging by acceleration timer, skidpad grip, or backroad smiles. Volkswagen cushions its crossover for long highway drives instead.
Interior Space and Cargo Capacity
You‘ll likely spend more time inside your vehicle than gazing at its exterior styling. How well do these electric crossovers accommodate passengers and luggage?
ID.4: Roomy Back Seat, Best Cargo Room
One strength Volkswagen hangs its hat on is interior spaciousness. There‘s ample space for four adults to stretch out, while a sliding rear bench adds flexibility. You also get 30.3 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats – plenty for bulky items.
- Back Seat Space – Adult-friendly
- Rear Cargo Volume – 30.3 cu ft
- Passenger Volume – 99.9 cu ft
EV6: Tighter Rear Quarters, Modest Trunk
The EV6 emphasizes its driver-focused interior layout, surrounding occupants with dual 12" displays and sustainable materials. But back seat passengers pay the price in tight knee and toe room, while its trunk measures just 24.4 cubic feet.
- Back Seat Space – Tight squeeze
- Rear Cargo Volume – 24.4 cu ft
- Passenger Volume – 96.4 cu ft
Verdict: ID.4 Roomier Inside
Kia aimed its EV6 first and foremost at drivers rather than families shuttling kids or gear. If you value interior spaciousness, the Volkswagen ID.4 clearly offers better accommodation.
Safety and Technology Comparison
With families in mind, safety and convenience features take priority too. How do active driving aids and cabin tech options stack up?
ID.4: High Tech Driver Assists, Intuitive Controls
Volkswagen packs its ID.4 lineup with protective gear like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alerts. Higher trims integrate helpful lane centering assist and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control capability too. The cabin‘s highlighted by an intuitive 12" touchscreen and digital cockpit – less distracting than the EV6‘s twin displays.
- Driver Assists – Lane centering, traffic jam assist
- Infotainment – 12" touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Voice Commands – Decent natural speech recognition
EV6: Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Cameras
The EV6 also touts all latest driver aids but goes a step further with Highway Driving Assist – an SAE Level 2 semi-autonomous mode usable in certain conditions. Helpful tech goodies include a 360 degree surround parking camera, rear cross traffic emergency braking, and vehicle-to-load charging outlet to power external gear. Dual 12.3" displays look slick but can overwhelm.
- Driver Assists – Highway Driving Assist
- Infotainment – Dual 12" screens, Augmented Reality navigation
- Voice Commands – Frustrating at times
Verdict: Both Pack Helpful Tech, EV6 Edges Ahead
It‘s too close to call between the ID.4 and EV6‘s impressive roster of high tech safety and infotainment goodies. The Kia‘s highway self driving mode tips the scales in its favor for those not bothered by information overload.
Recent Updates: OTA Software, New Base Trims
Part of the fun with high tech EVs comes from wireless software updates enhancing features over time. Here are the latest changes for both electric crossovers:
2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Updates
- Added lower cost Standard trim level
- More advanced heat pump system for improved winter range
- Upgraded 12" infotainment screen standard
2023 Kia EV6 Updates
- Highway Driving Assist and parking safety tech now standard
- Expanded OTA update capability
- New Kia Concept EV9 previews upcoming electric 3-row SUV
What Does the Future Hold?
EVs remain a fast moving target, with automakers promising big improvements each model year to win over buyers. Here‘s what we might expect down the road:
Upcoming Volkswagen ID.4 Changes
- Lower cost Pure trim aiming for sub $35k price
- Tech goodies like self park feature and air quality sensor
- Drive range bump via battery upgrade
Anticipated Kia EV6 Enhancements
- Heat pump tech adding cold weather range
- Vehicle-to-load charging output increase
- Next gen 800V battery cutting charging times
The Verdict: Kia EV6 Wins for Cutting-Edge Tech
Let‘s wrap up with my final take comparing the ID.4 and EV6…
ID.4 Strengths
- Lower base cost under $40k
- Smoother ride, roomy interior
- Intuitive controls, hi-tech safety features
EV6 Advantages
- Faster charging capability
- Superior max driving range
- Flashier style, stronger performance
- Cutting-edge driver assistance tech
Overall, the Kia EV6 beats the Volkswagen ID.4 where it counts most by delivering faster charging speeds, better range, and the latest tech features I expect from an electric vehicle. Yes you pay more upfront, but not when you factor in long term ownership costs and capabilities. Only ID.4 shoppers prioritizing passenger room or damping out bumps should hesitate. For everyone else needing an exciting everyday EV, the Kia EV6 takes the win!
I hope this guide has helped highlight the main differences between two of the market‘s most compelling electric crossovers. Let me know if you have any other questions!
