Tesla Model Y vs. Kia EV6: which is better?

The Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market, thanks to its generous size, support for Tesla’s excellent charging infrastructure, and excellent interior technology. But while other automakers have traditionally caught up with Tesla, there are plenty of alternatives to the Model Y these days, like the Kia EV6.

The EV6 isn’t as instantly recognizable as the Model Y, but it still has a sleek design and solid range. Like the Y model, it is also available in several different variants, so you can find the right model for your needs.

But ultimately which EV is better? We got to know the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y to find out.

External

2023 Kia EV6 GTChristian de Looper / Digital Trends

Perhaps the most obvious difference between the cars is their exterior styling. The Model Y has a more traditional Tesla look, with a tall body, pronounced wheel arches, and a raked rear window. If you’ve seen a Tesla of any kind before, you’ll recognize the design language. Sure, it’s a good-looking car, but after years and years of Teslas mostly looking the same, it doesn’t seem so unique anymore.

The Kia EV6, on the other hand, has a much more modern style. Its angular lines and sporty silhouette make it look like a much more expensive car than it is, and subtle details like the raked front end add a layer of uniqueness that the Tesla lacks. EV6 styling varies slightly from model to model, with higher-end models like the EV6 GT offering more aggressive details and styling like green brake calipers. But for the most part, the overall look remains the same.

Both cars look good, but I prefer the more aggressive styling of the EV6.

Inside

The interior of the Tesla Model Y.

Tesla has always stood for minimalism in its cars, and the Tesla Model Y is no different. The car offers a spaceship-like interior, with a large horizontal screen at the front. Tesla has been criticized for using cheap materials inside its cars, but if you like a minimalist look, you’ll appreciate the Model Y. The car is also relatively roomy. It offers 30.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up in the two-row model. If you take a model with three rows, of course, you will get less space.

The EV6’s interior looks a bit more traditional on the inside, but still has plenty of modern features and details. The seats are comfortable and feel relatively premium. Unlike the Telsa, you’ll find dedicated controls rather than everything being on the touchscreen. But many of those controls are still capacitive, so they still feel like touchscreens and don’t have a physical click. The EV6 only comes in a two-row version and offers 24.4 cubic feet of space behind the second row.

battery and charging

Of course, a big part of any EV discussion is always battery and charging.

The Model Y comes in two variants: the Long Range model, which offers a range of 330 miles, and the Performance model, which has a range of 303 miles. The Model Y charges up to 250 kilowatts, which is pretty fast and means you can fully charge it in less than 30 minutes.

The EV6 offers several variants. The base model is the EV6 Wind, which has a range of 310 miles for the rear-wheel drive model or 282 miles for the all-wheel drive model. Next up is the GT-Line, which has a range of 310 miles for RWD and 252 for AWD. Last but not least is the Kia EV6 GT, which offers 206 miles of range. All of these models support charging up to 350 kW, which means you can charge from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes, though you’ll need to find a charging station that supports those speeds.

In general, the Model Y offers more range, but the EV6 can charge faster.

Technology and infotainment

Roberto Baldwin/Digital Trends

One of the biggest advantages of buying a Tesla is how technologically advanced it is. Almost everything in a Tesla is controlled via a touchscreen, and Tesla offers a well-designed user interface with intuitive controls. Not everyone likes to control things like climate control via a touchscreen, but at least Tesla’s software is better designed and easier to navigate than almost anyone else’s.

The EV6 is a bit more traditional, but Kia (and parent company Hyundai Motor Group) has put a lot of effort into improving your infotainment experience. Currently, managing the EV6 software is quite simple, looking similar to an app. Unlike the Tesla, the EV6 also supports CarPlay and Android Auto.

Both cars offer some autonomous features that allow the car to drive itself on the road, but the Model Y offers support for Tesla’s so-called Full Self Driving mode, which costs more and doesn’t live up to its name. There are plenty of other features available as optional extras, such as the EV6’s camera-based blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree parking camera view.

Performance

Front view of the 2023 Kia EV6 GT.Christian de Looper / Digital Trends

Electric vehicles are known for their quick acceleration, and the Model Y and EV6 are prime examples of this. Both cars offer incredible acceleration and responsive handling, making each one a ton of fun to drive. However, if you really want the fastest driving experience, the EV6 GT might be the right choice.

While the Tesla Model Y Performance can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the EV6 GT speeds it to just 3.2 seconds. Now, you probably shouldn’t base your buying decision on that difference: They’re both super-fast cars. And the Basic models are a bit further away. The Model Y Long Range hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the EV6 Wind takes over 6 seconds.

Price

There is also the price, which is another point of differentiation. At the time of writing, the Tesla Model Y costs $54,990 for the Long Range model and $58,990 for the Performance model. The EV6 Wind, on the other hand, starts at $48,700 and goes up to $61,600 for the EV6 GT.

Those are asking prices, but the Inflation Reduction Act, announced in 2022, could swing the odds in Tesla’s favor. Because it’s assembled in the US, the Model Y still qualifies for the $7,500 tax rebate, while the Korean-built EV6 no longer qualifies.

recommendations

Both the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6 are great electric cars, and both offer plenty of useful features. But one may be better than the other in certain situations. If you want better tech and a more minimalist interior, the Tesla Model Y is worth considering. But if you want a more comfortable interior, tech like CarPlay, and a lower base price, then the EV6 is the way to go.

editor’s recommendations

Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn

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