The EV market has stepped up to the performance car sector in recent years, with owners demanding eye-watering speeds, impressive engineering, and outstanding handling in a good-looking ride. In this sector, two vehicles stand out as best-in-class: the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y. These models will get you from zero to 60 mph in just a few seconds and can go toe to toe with an internal combustion engine and win. If you’re weighing up these two midsize vehicles, this guide compares the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y to help you find the right vehicle.
Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y
The Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y are fully electric crossover SUVs that pack a punch thanks to their twin electric motors. These midsize vehicles are comparable in size and price and boast the space and utility of an SUV with additional sporty details for a commanding presence on the open road. Let’s look at the features of each one in turn.
Exterior Design
The Kia EV6 turns heads with its sleek body, sloping roof, matte Moonscape duco, and fluoro green detailing. With 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate, and active headlights, the EV6 commands the road. All 184 by 74 inches of this attractive vehicle boast well-defined bodylines, and the spoiler adds aerodynamic flair.
At first glance, Tesla’s Model Y appears to be a generic five-door SUV compared to the EV6. Yet it features impressive engineering and sporty details, such as brake calipers, a lip spoiler, and alloys. You’ll need to pay extra to add special trims and upgrades to stand out, such as an all-glass roof.
Performance
Beneath the hood, both vehicles revolve around performance, with a 350 or 605 Nm motor propelling the EV6 and a 202 Kw or 404 Nm engine powering the Model Y. Acceleration is assured. The Kia goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while Tesla’s Model Y takes 3.7 seconds. The driving range also impresses, with Tesla’s SUV covering up to 320 miles and the EV6 delivering 328 miles on a full battery.
The EV6 is available with single (rear-wheel) and dual-motor powertrains that deliver between 226 and 321 brake horsepower, depending on the model specs you choose. The dual-motor model delivers robust all-wheel drive (AWD), with the EV6 GT being the most powerful.
The Model Y has a standard dual-motor AWD, delivering up to 295 horsepower. The Model Y Performance offers 456 horsepower and 497 lb-ft of torque for responsive acceleration. The Model Y Long Range delivers the greatest range, offering up to a possible 533 km with a single charge.
Both the EV6 and Model Y have single-speed transmissions with wide rpm ranges. The EV6 boasts an adaptive suspension that delivers traction and improved handling. The Model Y has a flexible double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link independent rear suspension engineered for stability.
Interior Features
Tesla gets top marks for its family-friendly, spacious interior. This five-door five-seater offers impressive power-adjustable seating for everyone, and the large windows make every journey seem like a feature film. The Model Y’s interior is future-forward and tech-focused, with plenty of USB ports and twin wireless charging pads to keep devices fully charged. The option of a full glass roof affords a bright interior. This SUV packs a lot of cargo, providing up to 854 liters of storage across the trunk, frunk, and hidden storage on the floor.
The Kia EV6’s flamboyant exterior is balanced by a more reserved interior. The seating is comfortable and electrically adjustable, but cargo space is limited. Kia elevates these basics with customizable ambient lighting, fluoro stitch detailing, and a center storage console with a wireless charging pad.
Safety
Both electric SUVs are equipped with market-leading safety technologies that bridge the gap between driver-controlled and autonomous driving. But in this case, the Model Y has the upper edge. The Tesla Model Y has an innovative constellation of safety features, with the base safety tech including lane assist, collision avoidance, and speed assist. You can pay to onboard Tesla’s autonomous tech, including Enhanced Autopilot, which will change lanes for you and even drive autonomously under certain conditions.
The Kia EV6 has a similar lineup of widely available safety technologies, including lane-keep, brake, and intelligent speed limit assist. Other innovative solutions for safer driving, such as blind-spot assist, side impact, and overhead airbags, increase your confidence on the roads.
Price and Value
These are exceptional AWD, fully electric SUVs, leaving little change from $50,000. Pricewise, not much separates the two vehicles, with both the Model Y and the Kia EV6 having starting MSRPs of around $44,000 (plus on-road costs). Tesla offers Standard, Long Range, and Performance trims. The Model Y Performance trim currently starts at $52,490. The EV6 is available in a wide range of trims, including the Light and Wind rear-wheel-drive models and the EV6 GT, which starts at $61,600.
Which EV is Right for You?
The EV6 and Model Y are impressive fully electric cars, each catering to different types of buyers. Kia’s AWD offering delivers the pizzazz you’d expect from a sporty crossover, while the Model Y is more of a lifestyle purchase, with plenty of space for active families. To find out which SUV works for you, it’s worth experiencing them in person.
At Huffines Kia Corinth, you can test-drive the EV6. Contact us or visit our dealership in Corinth, Texas, to learn more about the Kia EV6.