Polestar 4 vs. Kia EV6: A Detailed Comparison of Two Luxurious Electric SUVs
Electric vehicles continue gaining momentum as more automakers expand their EV lineups. Two of the most anticipated upcoming models are the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 – luxury electric SUVs promising powerful performance, ample range, and premium features.
But how do these two crossovers compare? This in-depth guide analyzes the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 across critical categories to determine the superior option based on driving dynamics, interior space and comfort, advanced technology, pricing, and more.
An Introduction to Polestar and Kia‘s EV Strategies
As context before diving into the vehicle comparison, let’s first overview the EV approaches by Polestar and Kia’s parent companies.
Polestar History and Overview
Polestar began in 1996 as the performance sub-brand of Volvo Cars, which Geely acquired in 2010. In 2017, Polestar was spun off as an independent electric performance brand still closely tied to Volvo with shared platforms and components.
The company debuted its first vehicle in 2019 – the Polestar 1 high-performance plug-in hybrid coupe. Next came the Polestar 2 all-electric fastback in 2020, followed by the recently revealed Polestar 3 electric SUV. The Polestar 4 will be the brand’s fourth EV, slated for production in late 2023.
Sustainability is a core tenet of Polestar’s business strategy and production principles. The company aims for zero emissions and a completely circular business model by 2030. From conception to end-of-life, Polestars are designed to maximize recyclability using responsibly sourced and recycled materials.
Kia’s Transition to EVs
Founded in 1944 and acquired by Hyundai Motor Group in 1998, Kia aims to sell 1.6 million BEVs annually by 2030 as part of its broader “Plan S” strategy. This reorientation toward smart electric mobility also includes a target of carbon neutrality by 2045.
The Kia EV6 launched in 2021 serves as the brand’s first dedicated BEV built on parent company Hyundai’s dedicated E-GMP platform. Kia continues expanding its next-gen EV lineup with models like the upcoming EV9 SUV.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
Both the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 feature sporty, aerodynamic profiles but clearly differ aesthetically.
2022 Polestar 4 Exterior Design
As a midsize five-seat crossover, the Polestar 4 takes on a high-end coupe-like silhouette with a gently curved roofline and rear spoiler. Signature Polestar elements include Thor’s hammer headlights, sculpted hood, and taillights echoing the front fascia’s shape.
The lack of a grille and rear window improve aerodynamic flow. Wheel options consist of 20-inch or 22-inch alloy rims.
Dimensionally, the Polestar 4 measures:
- Length – TBD
- Width – TBD
- Height – TBD
- Wheelbase – TBD
2023 Kia EV6 Exterior Design
With its own coupe-inspired crossover stance, the Kia EV6 distinguishes itself through more aggressive, futuristic styling. The front fascia sports Kia’s new “digital tiger face” with wide headlights and GT-Line trims adding a second intake-like grille along the bumper. Sharp body lines and wheel arches give the EV6 a muscular presence.
Available wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches depending on trim. Dimension specs are:
- Length – 184.8 in
- Width – 74.4 in
- Height – 61.8 in
- Wheelbase – 114.2 in
Clearly, the Kia EV6 aims to make more of a visual impact than the subtler sport styling of the Polestar 4. But both deliver athletic stances promising driving excitement.
Interiors: Space, Materials, and Comfort
Inside, the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 again showcase divergent interior design approaches.
2022 Polestar 4 Interior Design
Minimalism centralizes the Polestar 4 cabin experience. Contrasts between light and dark colors define the aesthetics, complemented by signature Polestar gold accents and orange seatbelts.
The lack of a rear window enables increased head and legroom for rear passengers. Front seats and optional rear seats all feature extendable thigh support. Premium materials consist of Nappa leather, microtech vinyl, and knitted textiles employing recycled plastics and other sustainability-sourced materials.
2023 Kia EV6 Interior Design
Inside the EV6, Kia implements creative use of space courtesy of the E-GMP platform. This innovative architecture creates a flat floor for ease of entering and exiting. Giga-steel structure within the sculpted seats maximizes roominess.
Ambient lighting options provide a lounge-like environment. Available finishes incorporate eco-friendly materials like faux leather and flooring made from recycled fishing nets. The GT-Line trim takes luxury up another notch with genuine leather and suede upholstery.
In terms of passenger and cargo dimensions, the EV6 holds a slight edge over the Polestar 4’s estimated specs:
Interior Space Polestar 4 Kia EV6
Front Headroom TBD 40.9 in
Front Legroom TBD 42.4 in
Rear Headroom TBD 38.1 in
Rear Legroom TBD 36.4 in
Cargo Capacity TBD 24.4/50.2 cu ft
So while both models provide premium accommodations, the Kia EV6 ultimately appears more spacious.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Performance specs highlight key contrasts between the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6.
2022 Polestar 4 Performance
Two powertrain configurations will be available on the Polestar 4 – a single motor rear-wheel drive and a dual motor all-wheel drive.
Output for the entry single motor long range model equates to 272 hp. Polestar has not released acceleration estimates but expect quicker acceleration over the single motor Kia EV6.
The high-performance dual motor AWD Polestar 4 generates 544 hp enabling thrilling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Compare that to the Kia EV6 GT’s 3.5 seconds.
2023 Kia EV6 Performance
Spanning a wide gamut, Kia offers five EV6 trim options:
Wind RWD: 225 hp motor yielding 7.2-second 0 to 60 mph time
Wind AWD: 320 hp and 5.1-second acceleration
GT-Line RWD: 225 hp with 7.2-second 0 to 60 mph
GT-Line AWD: 320 hp hitting 60 mph in 5.1 seconds
GT AWD: 576 hp rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds
Clearly, performance aligns closely between the top-trim Polestar 4 dual motor and Kia EV6 GT. But Kia takes efficiency more seriously giving buyers lower output single motor choices absent on the Polestar 4.
Both deliver crisp, nimble handling thanks to low-mounted battery packs and near 50:50 weight distribution. Wider tires on GT trims along with adaptive suspension and limited slip differentials on the Polestar 4 Performance Pack sharpen road grip when pushing the driving envelope.
But when it comes pure acceleration bragging rights, the Polestar 4 dual motor narrowly outpaces the Kia EV6 GT’s 3.5 seconds to 60 mph.
Range and Charging
For environmentally conscious consumers, driving range and charging capabilities make or break EV buying decisions. Here’s how the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 compare when it comes to estimated mileage and recharging times.
2022 Polestar 4 Range and Charging
Boasting a beefy 102 kWh battery, Polestar cites an expected over 300 miles of EPA range for the Polestar 4. Credible projections put max range closer to 325 miles for the single motor RWD model. Charging capacity includes 200 kW fast charging and 22 kW AC charging.
Based on Polestar 2 charging stats requiring 35 minutes for a 10% to 80% DC fast charge, expect similar charging speeds on the upcoming Polestar 4.
2023 Kia EV6 Range and Charging
Outfitted with a 77.4 kWh battery pack, the Kia EV6 offers competitive driving distance relative to the class. RWD models achieve 310 miles per charge with AWD versions dropping to between 206 and 282 miles based on trim power levels.
150 kW and 350 kW DC fast charging deliver outstanding charge times as quick as 18 minutes from 10 to 80 percent capacity. Even a Level 2 charger can replenish batteries from 10 to 100% in under 7 hours.
While the Polestar edges out the EV6 in battery capacity, Kia leads on rapid recharging. So advantages exist across both when it comes to miles and charging flexibility.
Technology, Connectivity and Entertainment
Immersive digital cockpits utilizing the latest interfaces supply both models with premium technology integrations.
2022 Polestar 4 Technology
Google’s native Android OS serves as the Polestar 4’s operating system powering a centralized 15.4-inch center touchscreen. This allows convenient access to Google Maps, Google Assistant voice controls and the Google Play Store.
A 12.7-inch digital instrument cluster relays key driving data points. Front and rear parking cameras eliminate blindspots, augmented by radar and ultrasonic sensors enabling a 360-degree exterior view.
For audio, a premium 14-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system delivers an enveloping listening experience aided by strategically placed speakers integrated into the front seat headrests.
2023 Kia EV6 Technology
Highlighting the EV6 cabin environment, a curved display integrates two 12.3-inch screens for a combined 24 inches of real estate. This panoramic layout supplies both instrument information and infotainment simultaneously.
Augmented reality turn-by-turn directions overlay navigation commands directly onto roads visible through the windshield. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration facilitate listening to downloaded music and podcasts.
The 14-speaker Meridian audio system pumps out rich, high-fidelity acoustics. Available features like digital key sharing, WiFi hotspot connectivity, OTA updates and charging station finder help simplify everyday use scenarios.
BothEMPL platforms represent industry-leading levels of intelligence and customization. But the Kia EV6’s flashier twin screen treatment nudges it ahead in the wow factor department.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Modern driver assistance capabilities and active safety technology rank as pivotal buying considerations. Polestar and Kia load the EV6 and Polestar 4 with the latest ADAS innovations to put drivers‘ minds at ease.
2022 Polestar 4 Safety
Centralizing controls, the Polestar Digital Key with phone-as-key functionality includes personalized driver profiles that instantly adjust seating, climate preferences, and cabin ambient lighting.
Radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors feed real-time mapping and hazard data to accident avoidance systems like:
- Collision Warning and Mitigation Support
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steering Support
- Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
A roof-mounted rearview camera improves sightlines and eliminates blindspots. IntelliSafe supervision tracks awareness levels, alerting drowsy drivers.
2023 Kia EV6 Safety
Similar high-tech ADAS features found on the Polestar 4 equip the EV6 to masterfully handle accident avoidance:
- Surround View parking cameras
- Blindspot View Monitor alerting the driver to vehicles in adjacent lanes
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically braking to prevent collisions
- Highway Driving Assist maintaining vehicle distance and speed
- Lane Following/Changing Assist for semi-autonomous highway driving
- Safe Exit Assist preventing doors opening into approaching obstacles
With both vehicles loaded with the latest accident prevention tech, no clear leader emerges in the safety realm. Rather, buyers can rest easy knowing these SUVs offer maximum protection.
Sustainability
Far beyond just benefiting owners, sustainability now guides vehicle design, manufacturing processes and lifecycle considerations. Both Polestar and Kia embed eco-responsibility into their broader corporate directives.
2022 Polestar 4 Sustainability
Climate neutrality sits front and center for Polestar by 2030 across its operation phases – from sourcing to production to recycling. The brand annually publishes a Sustainability Report documenting environmental progress.
Renewable and recycled materials make up seat fabrics, flooring and interior panels. Strategic material selection improves recyclability. Commitments to responsible labor/human rights practices and supply chain transparency further demonstration leadership driving change.
2023 Kia EV6 Sustainability
Kia too takes environmental product stewardship seriously, targeting carbon neutrality by 2045. Producing the EV6 utilizes renewable energy at the manufacturing facility.
Vegan leather replaces conventional hides within cabin upholstery. The floor incorporates recycled fishing nets otherwise polluting oceans. Strategic partnerships advance renewable energy infrastructure for EV owners.
So while both automakers walk the talk on eco-consciousness, Polestar’s agile start-up mindset seems more dynamic in accelerating sustainable progress today.
Pricing and Trims
MSRPs position the Polestar 4 and Kia EV6 as premium players among midsize electric crossovers. But value exists across the model range relative to capabilities.
2022 Polestar 4 Pricing
Since launch remains over a year out, Polestar has not formally shared 2023 Polestar 4 pricing. Best estimates peg the base model around $60,000 consistent with Polestar’s positioning between the Polestar 2 and Polestar 3.
Expect a $6,000 upcharge or so for the high-performance dual motor configuration. Further option packages like the Pilot Assist, Plus Pack and Performance Pack will tack on another $3,000 to $5,000 atop the base price.
2023 Kia EV6 Pricing
The Kia EV6 lineup spans from $48,700 for the entry Wind RWD trim reaching up to $62,700 for the 576 hp GT version.
Here’s a full breakdown of MSRPs by trim:
Wind RWD – $48,700
Wind AWD – $52,600
GT Line RWD – $52,900
GT Line AWD – $58,500
GT AWD – $62,700
Incentives can lop off several thousand in tax credits from both automakers. But clearly the Kia holds an advantage when it comes to affordability for budget-minded buyers unwilling to fork over $60k-plus.
Which Electric Crossover is Right for You?
On paper and by the numbers, the Polestar 4 holds a slight overall edge over the Kia EV6 as the superior electric SUV. Factoring in estimated specs, Polestar’s second-generation EV platform promises more range, faster acceleration and new standard features absent on the company’s first two vehicles.
But until the model hits dealer showrooms, declaring an outright winner remains challenging. Plus, the Kia counterpunches with advantages around interior spaciousness, faster charging capabilities, and lower pricing.
Ultimately, your preferences around styling, performance, luxury, and budget should steer the decision between these two compelling electric SUVs. Rest assured either model supplies an exceptional blend of eco-motoring all while delivering serious driving enjoyment.
