The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2023 Kia EV6 are battery-electric crossover SUVs designed to serve the same purpose. While the models present differently visually, they are remarkably similar in the "Tale of the Tape." The Mach-E has a wheelbase 4 inches longer than that of the EV6, but in overall length, they are only 2 inches apart. Passenger volume is very close, too, with the lower, somewhat sleeker Kia EV6 boasting 2 cubic feet of additional occupant space. The Ford takes the cargo-carrying honors, though.
The two cars don't just share specs but have similar prices, starting in the mid-$40,000 range. Both models offer high-performance GT versions with starting prices above $60K. Regarding overall outlay, the Mustang Mach-E currently qualifies for a $3,750 federal income tax credit, while the Kia EV6, built overseas, does not.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E came to market as a 2021 model. The Kia EV6, meanwhile, launched as a 2022 model. Both Ford and Kia expected their vehicles to qualify for $7,500 in federal income tax credits, but—surprise—the rules changed, leaving both automakers with a sour taste. The switch torpedoed EV6 sales in the first half of 2023 and didn't help the Mach-E much, either. But now consumers are becoming more accustomed to the revised regulations, and the market is finding a new equilibrium. The biggest beneficiary of the Inflation Reduction Act changes to incentives is, somewhat surprisingly, Tesla, whose Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover now qualify for the full $7,500 in tax credits.
When all is said and done, vehicle attributes, not pricing, should drive most consumers' vehicle choices. And in the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2023 Kia EV6, those nuanced vehicle attributes are worth noting. Here is our comparison of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Kia EV6.
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford offers its electric-vehicle (EV) customers the choice of four Mustang Mach-E trim levels for 2023: Select, Premium, California Route 1, and GT. Those who want less expensive rear-wheel drive (RWD) can choose Select and Premium trims. The California Route 1 and GT have motors front and rear, delivering all-wheel drive (AWD).
The lowest-priced 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the RWD Select trim at $44,795, including the $1,800 destination charge. Adding AWD involves a $3,000 premium. In the middle of the lineup, the California Route 1 has a suggested starting price of $58,795, and the GT bases at $62,440. The GT's Performance Edition package costs an additional $5,000. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E qualifies for a $3,750 federal income tax credit.
FordPass Connect, the Mustang Mach-E's connected services app, includes a wireless data trial that begins at activation and expires at the end of three months or when you use 3 gigabytes of data.
Kia offers the 2023 EV6 in four trims: Light, Wind, GT-Line, and GT. The RWD-only Light trim is the lowest-priced EV6 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $43,925, including the $1,325 destination charge. The Wind is next in the pecking order, with a base price of $50,025. With AWD, the MSRP is $53,925.
The EV6 GT-Line has enthusiast-oriented styling and a suggested starting price of $54,225 in RWD form. The AWD version has a base price of $58,925. The top-of-the-line EV6 GT, with more powerful front and rear electric motors and adaptive suspension, has a suggested base price of $62,925.
The 2023 Kia EV6's connectivity system, Kia Connect, is complimentary for one year after purchase. It is then available by subscription.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
2023 Kia EV6 GT
The Ford Mustang Mach-E does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), which assesses owner-reported problems during the third year of ownership. The Mustang Mach-E also does not rank among the top three models in its segment in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), which tracks problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days. The Mustang Mach-E ranks third among Mass Market Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the JD Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, which examines satisfaction among EV owners.
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
The Kia EV6 does not rank among the top three models in its segment in either the 2023 VDS or the 2023 IQS. The Kia EV6 ranks second in the Mass Market BEVs segment in the 2023 EVX Ownership Study.
The 2023 Kia EV6 has the following warranty, roadside assistance, and scheduled maintenance coverage:
Advantage: Kia EV6
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
When it comes to powertrains, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E isn't a one-trick pony car. Ford offers customers a wide variety of powertrains. When equipped with the standard-range 70.0-kWh battery pack, the RWD Select and Premium get a single 266-horsepower electric motor. Buyers can also equip the Premium trim with an extended-range, 91.0-kWh battery pack accompanied by 290 hp in RWD and 346 hp in AWD versions. The California Route 1 edition has the same AWD powertrain. Ford equips the Mustang Mach-E GT with 480 hp and 600 pound-feet of torque. Ford says it will accelerate in Performance Edition form from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
In terms of range, the California Route 1 leads the herd with 312 miles on a charge. The Mach-E GT gets 260 miles, and the standard-battery AWD Select and Premium trims deliver 224 miles of range.
According to Ford, using a public DC fast charger, a standard-range Mach-E can go from a 10-percent charge to 80 percent in a little less than 40 minutes. It will take extended-range Mach-Es 45 minutes for that degree of recharge. The RWD Mustang Mach-E gets the highest fuel economy equivalent numbers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 103 MPGe combined. The GT Performance Edition is at the other end of the scale with a rating of 82 MPGe.
Like the Mach-E, the 2023 Kia EV6 offers its buyers a choice of powertrains. The entry-level, RWD-only Light trim uses a 167-hp permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor. At the same time, the RWD Wind and GT-Line employ a 225-hp motor. The dual-motor AWD Wind and GT-Line add a front electric motor to produce a combined 320 hp and 446 pound-feet of torque. The EV6 GT serves up 576 hp and 545 pound-feet of torque, which Kia says propels it to a 3.4-second zero-to-60-mph time.
With the 77.4-kWh battery standard across all 2023 EV6 models except for the base Light trim, the RWD variants offer 310 miles of range (232 for the Light trim). The EPA rates the Wind AWD to deliver 282 miles and the GT-Line AWD to provide 252 miles of range. The Wind and GT-Line have RWD and AWD variations. The potent GT is only available with AWD.
Because of their dual-voltage architecture, 2023 Kia EV6s using ultra-fast DC public chargers can go from a 10-percent charge to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The RWD EV6s get the highest fuel economy equivalent numbers from the EPA—117 MPGe combined. The Wind AWD has an EPA rating of 109 MPGe combined, and the GT-Line AWD comes in at 96 MPGe. The GT trails its Kia brethren with a 79-MPGe rating.
Advantage: Kia EV6
2023 Kia EV6 GT
Ford features its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system in the 2023 Mustang Mach-E. Mach-E SUVs thus equipped can drive themselves on more than 130,000 highway miles in North America as long as the human driver keeps a watchful eye. In BlueCruise 1.2 form, the system offers lane-change assistance, predictive speed assistance that adjusts velocity for upcoming curves, and in-lane repositioning that shifts the Mach-E away from vehicles in adjacent lanes.
In addition to the available BlueCruise, the Mach-E's standard Ford Co-Pilot 360 includes an extensive list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It features blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, reverse brake assist, and post-collision braking—optional systems on many other vehicles. Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, intersection turn assistance, automatic emergency steering, and traffic-sign recognition. Its integrated navigation requires a subscription after three years of service.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not rated the crashworthiness of the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2023 Mustang Mach-E a Top Safety Pick for the 2022 calendar year.
The 2023 Kia EV6's most sophisticated available ADAS is Highway Driving Assist HAD) 2, standard on GT-Line and GT trims. Like Ford's BlueCruise, HAD 2 offers semi-autonomous highway driving, including lane-changing. When the driver activates the system using the turn signal lever, it determines when it can perform a safe lane change and proceeds to do so automatically. According to Kia, HDA 2 also will maintain vehicle speed, lane position, and interval with the ability to steer through curves. It requires the driver to pay attention because the driver must be ready to take control of the EV6 immediately. Based on personal experience, the system works just as described.
The EV6 includes most of the commonly found electronic safety systems in its Drive Wise roster. The Light and Wind trims have Highway Driving Assist standard versus the more sophisticated HDA 2. The EV6's navigation-based intelligent cruise control uses electronic mapping and location tracking to lower vehicle speed before entering curves and exit ramps. In my tests, it works well.
As of this writing, the NHTSA has not rated the 2023 Kia EV6 for overall crashworthiness, but the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ for the 2022 calendar year.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E offers drivers plenty of digital screen size. Ford fits it with a 15.5-inch central touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The Mach-E features Ford's Sync 4A infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As an upgrade over the previous Sync iteration, Ford engineers improved its voice recognition's ability to respond to plain-language requests rather than requiring a limited menu of carefully worded commands. With its improved operation, the system is a convenient way to control various functions.
The Mach-E's standard 6-speaker audio system features SiriusXM (SXM) satellite radio with 360L, free for the first 90 days and then available by subscription. Buyers can opt for a 10-speaker B&O sound system by Bang and Olufsen on some up-level Mach-E trims.
The 2023 Kia EV6 offers twin side-by-side 12.3-inch display screens delivering bright, easy-to-understand graphics. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. Its voice recognition enables voice control of several tasks, from changing a radio station to adjusting climate control temperature.
The EV6's Kia Connect connectivity system offers "last mile navigation" that provides users with walking directions to their destination after parking their vehicle. The "find-my-car" feature uses the vehicle's onboard cameras to capture pictures of the EV6's surroundings to help owners determine where it is. Connected routing with real-time traffic input allows drivers to avoid traffic jams. The same system uses artificial intelligence to learn drivers' often-used routes.
Advantage: Kia EV6
2023 Kia EV6 GT
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E's interior offers the convenience and versatility of a conventional crossover SUV. The cabin is modern and airy, and a sizeable portrait-oriented touchscreen dominates the dashboard. The instrument panel uses a 10.2-inch digital display.
Ford makes a panoramic glass roof available, and you can adjust the interior lighting color through a wide range. The center console houses cupholders, a gear selector, and a wireless device charging pad. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard.
Cabin space is ample for up to five adults and includes plenty of luggage room. The Mach-E offers 29.7 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats. With the rear seatbacks folded, 59.7 feet of interior cargo space adds to its toting abilities. The cargo area features an adjustable load floor with charge cord storage underneath.
A hands-free power-operated liftgate is part of an optional package. Ford supplements the conventional rear cargo area with a front trunk ("frunk") that occupies a portion of the under-hood space. It offers 4.7 cubic feet of cargo room, and it drains.
The 2023 Kia EV6 is 61 inches tall, with a roofline a full 3 inches shorter than the Mustang Mach-E. Its sleek shape gives it both car and crossover attributes. It offers occupants a roomy, sedan-like cabin plus the bonus of storage space accessed by a rear hatch. The EV6 provides 24.4 cubic feet of luggage room behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks. The EV6 has 50.2 feet of interior cargo space with the rear seatbacks down. The power-operated liftgate operates hands-free.
The EV6's interior isn't as forward-looking as its exterior shape, and that might be for the best. One of its key features is the broad console extending from the dash. The console contains an on/off button, a rotary forward/reverse selector, and a wireless device charging pad.
In a bow to the "green" ethos, the cabin employs plastics made from recycled materials. Kia covers the EV6's seats in "100% vegan leather," which simulates genuine cowhide very well. Rear-seat legroom benefits from the EV6's flat floor. And, while it's hard to call it a frunk, there's a small storage space under the hood.
The Kia's ride and handling are more reminiscent of a car than a typical SUV.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
If you'd like to learn more about these battery-electric crossover SUVs, be sure to read our expert reviews of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Mach-E GT, Kia EV6, and the EV6 GT. To find out how people like you rate models in this segment, check out our ratings from verified vehicle owners.
Also, please keep in mind that while the information in this article was accurate and valid on July 19, 2023, it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Jack R. Nerad has reviewed cars, trucks, vans, and sport utilities for over three decades. He also managed the editorial efforts of Motor Trend magazine, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book. Jack is currently the host of the SportsMap Radio Network program America on the Road, available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher, and other outlets.
Following a refresh for the 2026 model year, the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup brings back two familiar variants, the go-anywhere Trailhawk and the premium-yet-capable Overland, offering buyers ...See More
Read the Full Article
Chrysler, the company that launched the modern minivan segment in 1984, is giving its popular 2027 Chrysler Pacifica a nose job and introducing a special edition commemorating America’s 250th ...See More
Read the Full Article
An all-new GMC Sierra 1500 debuts for the 2027 model year, featuring next-generation V8 engines, a premium interior with wide digital displays, and class-exclusive luxury and technology features on ...See More
Read the Full Article
With the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee, Ram aims to revive the domestic muscle truck segment by offering a trio of Hemi V8 engines, including the 777-horsepower Rumble Bee SRT.
Read the Full Article