You could well describe the 2023 Kia EV6 GT as the Kia EV6 battery-electric crossover taken to the illogical extreme. While the potential market for a crossover electric vehicle (EV) that can rocket from zero-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds is limited, Kia knows precisely what it is doing with the just-introduced model. Think of it as a rolling billboard trumpeting the evolution of the Kia brand.
Not long ago, Kia was quite content in its role as one of America's "value brands." Models like the Kia Forte, Rio, Soul, and Sportage offered bargain hunters good, reliable transportation at affordable prices. Ever-larger contingents of American car buyers found what they wanted in the brand, and it has grown to the point where in its 30 years in the United States, it has sold more than 10 million vehicles.
That's a remarkable achievement, but there's more to it than that. Because as its momentum grew, Kia also increased its quality and reliability to the point that JD Power has recognized it as the highest-ranked mass-market brand in vehicle dependability. At the same time, Kia America's parent company recognized that the transportation world is changing rapidly. In response, it created its overarching Plan S—a blueprint to transform the Kia brand from building high-value conventional vehicles to an advanced fleet of pure EVs.
After successfully toe-dipping into EVs with earlier models, Kia jumped into the deep end of the pool at the beginning of 2022 with the official launch of the Kia EV6. Soon after, the brand offered budget-challenged EV buyers another compelling alternative—the 2023 Kia Niro EV. And now, it introduces the Kia EV6 GT—a vehicle that can deliver exotic car-like speed and performance with a base price of a little over $61,000.
While one could argue that the new EV6 GT variant is the answer to a question no one asked, Kia is less concerned about EV6 GT sales numbers and more about what it prompts consumers to think about its brand. It fully intends to be a significant player in the EV future. And it will not do that as a "value brand" that makes nice, inexpensive cars, minivans, and crossovers. The super-fast EV6 GT is its totem and rallying point. It cries out: "Hey, look over here!"
Technically, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT is yet another trim level in the EV6 crossover lineup. But because of its galvanizing performance, Kia expects it to take on a role much more significant than that would imply. When launched as a 2022 model, the Kia EV6 had three trims: Light, Wind, and GT-Line. But as Kia executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Steve Center told us, the Light didn't interest car buyers because they wanted more features and, in particular, more range.
So, for the 2023 model year, Kia dropped the entry-level Light trim, which had a base price of $40,900. As a result, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Wind trim is now the lowest-priced EV6. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is $48,500. With all-wheel drive (AWD), the MSRP is $52,400.
The mid-level EV6 GT-Line features a performance-oriented appearance and trim enhancements. In RWD form, it has a suggested starting price of $52,700, and with AWD, the price increases to $57,400.
Beyond that, of course, is the lineup's new flagship—the EV6 GT—with more powerful front and rear electric motors, adaptive suspension, and an MSRP of $61,400. The EV6 GT's claimed 3.4-second zero-to-60-mph time is a stunner, but the less powerful EV6 GT-Line isn't exactly a sluggard. With 320 horsepower, Kia claims it will zip from a standing start to 60 mph in a very laudable 4.6 seconds.
The subject of this driving impression is a 2023 Kia EV6 GT with dual-motor AWD. Its powertrain employs a 160-kW front AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor and a 270-kW rear AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor for a combined 576 hp and 545 pound-feet of torque. The EPA-estimated range on a single charge in this configuration is 206 miles.
While substituting two higher-horsepower front and rear motors is the EV6 GT's most telling difference from the AWD version of the GT-Line, Kia also equips it with electronically controlled dampers, and it has a revised front suspension. With a claimed 161-mph top speed, stopping power is essential, so Kia installs larger ventilated disc brakes front and rear. Kia uses Z-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires on 21-inch alloy wheels to enhance grip, and a limited-slip rear differential controls the EV6 GT's electric motors and drivetrain.
Except for a few available options like a cargo cover and floor mats, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT is a mono-spec car. The test vehicle carried a suggested retail price of $62,695, including the $1,295 destination charge.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Among the many interesting aspects of the EV6 GT is that it offers remarkable performance in what is essentially a crossover-utility body style. The EPA labels the EV6 as a "small station wagon." It certainly provides that utility, including the ability to transport five occupants in comfort and quiet. The rear-seating area is sumptuous, aided by the flat floor provided by the E-GMP modular platform. Though the EV6 GT can out-accelerate a broad swath of exotic sports cars, it certainly doesn't look like one. Instead, its design emphasizes interior space and convenience, something about which Enzo Ferrari wasn't especially concerned.
The EV6 GT retains the dash and interior design of the other members of the EV6 family, most notably the twin 12.3-inch TFT touchscreens placed side by side to form an expansive display extending across two-thirds of the dashboard. It also retains the roomy dual-level console with an exceptional amount of storage, the wireless device-charging pad, and the rotary forward-reverse selector. But those looking for differentiation in the GT's interior will find it, too.
Kia fits the GT with "vegan-suede" performance-style front bucket seats emblazoned with the GT logo. Buyers might be saddened to learn that they must manually adjust the seats; power-actuated seats are unavailable in the GT. On the other hand, Kia retains the heated outboard rear seats, which are standard in the GT-Line. The GT's heated steering wheel features a racing-inspired D-cut shape.
Neon green is the chosen accent color, and it appears inside the vehicle in piping on the seats, center armrest, and upper dash. Kia uses the neon green color on the front and rear brake calipers. It is the most apparent exterior "tell" that you're looking at an EV6 GT. The larger wheel size, rear diffuser, and alterations to the fascias are further hints.
None of the changes negatively affect the GT's overall utility and versatility. The EV6 GT has a generous 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback. As in other EV6 trims, the rear seatbacks don't entirely fold flat, but with them down, the EV6 has 50.2 cubic feet of cargo area.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
Kia engineers and product planners were wise in retaining the infotainment used across the EV6 lineup. Like the well-regarded systems in other Kia models, the GT features a horizontally oriented display screen with big, easy-to-identify icons. Among other features, it seamlessly integrates wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. The system's voice control aids everyday tasks like making a phone call. You can also use it to alter the EV6's climate, seat, and steering-wheel heating settings. The only ergonomic bobble is the dual-purpose knob that controls audio volume when in the audio mode and heat/cool in the climate control mode. It often results in dialing up the temperature when you want to turn up the audio volume and vice-versa.
Kia Connect enables EV6 GT owners to use Apple and Android devices to view battery status and receive vehicle notifications. The Wi-Fi hotspot enables the use of personal devices and facilitates over-the-air updates.
The EV6 GT is full of advanced driver assistance systems. The list of features is a long one. It includes in-dash blind-spot warning, a surround-view camera, rear parking collision-avoidance assistance, blind-spot collision avoidance assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, a driver monitoring system, and lane-keeping assistance. The GT also has Kia's most sophisticated forward-collision warning system that includes pedestrian and cyclist detection and intersection turn assistance.
The navigation-based adaptive cruise control uses the navigation system's information to lower the vehicle's speed before entering curves and exit ramps. It works in conjunction with the EV6 GT's Highway Driving Assist 2 system that can make lane changes on superhighways when the driver activates the system using the turn signal. During my evaluation, the semi-autonomous driving system worked flawlessly.
Photo: Jack R. Nerad
The EV6 GT's stunning straight-line performance and vaunted top speed might suggest that the vehicle is a temperamental and touchy handful in day-to-day driving. But the exact opposite is the case. After a lengthy drive on city streets, country lanes, and Interstate highways, the EV6 GT behaved like other EV6s. Smooth acceleration and quiet are its two biggest hallmarks. Of course, with 576 hp available, strong acceleration results in a neck-snapping, eyeball-draining experience. But AWD and the EV6 GT's multiple drive modes mean you don't need special skills to keep from lighting up the tires or achieving other errant results.
At the same time, the EV6 GT is the heaviest of the EV6s. With a curb weight of 4,795 pounds, the EV6 GT feels very quick and, in particular, somewhat heavy when cornering. In those instances, the sophisticated suspension is fighting against a significant amount of mass. But the AWD traction and virtually limitless torque are there to make it all right.
With its giant brakes, stopping is not an issue. And the various levels of regenerative braking that are available immeasurably aid in slowing the car. While one doesn't typically view regenerative braking as a performance system, it proved valuable on the track. The expert drivers that led on-track sessions at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Proving Grounds road course helped drivers dial in the appropriate amount of regeneration to facilitate better lap times.
The EV6 GT adds GT, My Drive, and Drift to the four driver-selectable modes that are standard on the dual-motor AWD EV6s. GT mode is the magic button that alters the performance of the front and rear motors, brakes, electric power steering, suspension, limited-slip differential, and electronic stability control systems. Those with a penchant for doing things their own way can customize all those parameters with My Drive. Drift mode funnels more power to the rear wheels, enabling skilled drivers to drift at will. And the EV6 GT's systems then help the car regain stability when that exercise is complete.
The EV6 GT's EPA-certified 206 miles of range might seem a bit daunting, especially considering how the agency certifies the AWD GT-Line at 252 miles. But all EV6s use the same 77.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, so one's choice of driving modes and driving style can result in more range on a charge. At the same time, you can operate the EV6 GT in GT mode at all times if desired. However, remember that GT mode is not an electric version of a nitrous-oxide boost.
The Kia EV6 800-volt architecture—essentially doubling the voltage of most contemporary EVs—enables the EV6 GT to recharge rapidly. And despite its straight-line speed, its speed of recharging might be its superpower. Kia says it can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 18 minutes at 350-kW chargers.
The EV6 GT has a patented multi-charging system that can support both 400-volt and 800-volt DC fast charging. Kia designed it to work with DC chargers with capacities ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. Finally, you can also use the EV6 GT as a power source. You can set up the Integrated Charging Control Unit to provide 1,900 watts of power to appliances, tools, light sources, and other electrical equipment. Don't try that with your Lamborghini.
Will supercar buyers switch in significant numbers from their Huracans and Ferrari Romas to the Kia EV6? Kia execs readily admit that is doubtful. And that isn't the point. Instead, the point of the 2023 EV6 GT is that the former "value brand" noted for its inexpensive cars can build a state-of-the-art EV that has world-class performance credentials.
Kia intended the EV6 GT exercise to put it in the EV conversation as it builds out its Plan S. One tangible sign that Plan S is moving forward is Kia's recent groundbreaking on an all-electric vehicle plant in Savannah, Georgia. Within two or three years, Kia says that the plant will turn out a wide variety of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) of all types. Beyond the EV6, Kia has announced it will produce 14 separate BEV models by 2030. So, while the Kia EV6 GT goes fast, the reputation of Kia might be going forward even quicker.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine and Kelley Blue Book and currently is the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, which is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
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