Family Road Trip in an EV? We Test the Livability 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD

Back on May 26th we tested the award-winning 2022 Hyundai IONIQ5 electric vehicle from Kia's parent company and quickly fell in love with all it had to offer. This week, Kia has loaned us their version built off the same E-GMP 800v skateboard EV platform in the EV6. We were blessed to have a loaded GT-Line AWD version with an amazing Steel Matte Gray exterior and super comfy GT-Line Suede Seat Package.
For this review, we decided to see exactly how an EV would fit into our normal life and took a day trip to one of our favorite getaway spots of Beavers Bend State Park, a 318 mile round trip in an EV with an EPA-estimated range of 274 miles. How did it hold up? What were our challenges? Watch to find out!
2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Specs:
320 Horsepower, 446 lb.-ft. of Torque Dual-Motor System
274 Estimated Miles of Range
77.4 kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery System (800V)
DC Ultra-Fast Charging System
10.9 kWh On-Board Charger
Battery Pre-Heating System and Heat Pump
Single-Speed Reductions Gear with Console-Mounted Shifter
Regenerative Brake Level Control Paddles
Steel Matte Gray Paint
20-inch Wheels
LED Headlights and Taillights
Leatherette-Trimmed Seats with Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
2-Person Memory Position Driver Seat
Dual 12.3-inch Screens for Gauges and Infotainment
Wide Sunroof
Smart Cruise with Stop & Go
Starting Price: $44,900 ("Light RWD" Model)
Price as-tested: $58,105
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[@nathanielhthomasjr727]

I have a 2022 EV6 FE that I drove from Detroit, MI to Miami, FL. Drove around Miami for three weeks then spent a day in Ocala, FL visiting a childhood friend before heading back to Detroit. Like they said, the only downside is the charging infostructure. Driving the EV6 FE on this road trip was pure joy.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@ellishoover3868]

Have owned my 2022 EV6 First Edition since the 19th of February. Charge the car almost exclusively at home, but have used a 350 KW DC Charger once at an Electrify America in Fort Lauderdale and it went from 20% to 100% in around 25 minutes. Barely had time to finish the shopping at Wal Mart before it was done. Would not go back to an ICE vehicle as my primary vehicle. We currently have the EV6 and a Smart 4 two Electric Drive, a Mercedes chassis based motorhome and a 2004 Mercedes SL500 Roadster with only 51,000 miles. The roadster will probably be the first to go on the auction block.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for sharing. That’s quite the collection of vehicles.

[@davidgiles9751]

Thanks for this honest assessment of your experience. I've owned an EV6 GT-Line AWD for a few months now, and barring any kind of radical change in the EV vs. ICE dynamic, will never buy another ICE only car. My wife is driving a PHEV car, which is perhaps the best solution these days for most people until the EV charging infrastructure improves. Runs on electric most of the time, but has a conventional gas engine if you need to do longer trips.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for watching and sharing your insights!

[@skyemalcolm]

Just a clarification, regarding that first charge from 80-100% SOC, it’s the car that drops the charge rate at 80% and not the EA charger that’s at fault. I personally see this about half the time when I need to charge past 80% so it’s not consistent but I think is related to temperature of the battery. These cars are compatible with Bluetooth ODB2 dongles and Car Scanner so if you ever want to dig under the hood and see what’s going on with charging an EV that’s a great way to measure and record data (and graph it later).

[@GTGarageTalk]

Correct. I believe that was said in the video. It is temperature and for the longevity of the battery.

[@Visualhead_Spacer]

probably 60-70% of EV owners probably wouldn't need to use public EVSE since people will be charging at home unless you are indeed traveling more than 300 miles. Once Tesla chargers open up to all EVs and more startup charging companies pop up everywhere that would solve better user experience, owning EV would be amazing in a couple years. I would never go back to ICE cars.

[@GTGarageTalk]

The infrastructure is about to change dramatically, yes.

[@michaelturner6358]

We have a Hybrid Lexus for road trips and an Ev6 for around town driving. I charge at home exclusively and can charge to 100 percent for around $7. 272 miles for $7.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Can’t beat that.

[@vegasr8iders43]

Clarification on Texas is expanding their charging network. Actually it's a federal program and Texas is along for the ride.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Correct. It’s federal money and Texas is putting it to work.

[@kennytinker24]

how ruff riding are the 20" tires?

[@GTGarageTalk]

They weren't bad. Overall smooth ride thanks to the added weight of the battery

[@sow_scout4989]

I like these family reviews, brings a different perspective. I've put myself on the waitlist list the top GT Line trim here in Canada. If things go well, this would be the first time I choose a pretty high trim. So I kinda want to finance it. What are you thoughts on leasing or financing this vehicle?

[@GTGarageTalk]

I have never leased, but would highly consider it for an EV. The Hyundai group, which includes Kia, usually gives the full tax credit in the form of down payment assistance, even if the vehicle does not qualify for the government tax credit. It would also be a great way to upgrade to the latest model in 3 years when the lease is up. Something worth considering and discussing with the dealer.

[@peltierkia865]

Did Tucker say if he liked the steel matte gray color?

[@GTGarageTalk]

He loved everything about this car

[@shinukage8573]

you can set that to be media or hvac by default most people set it to media as default

[@GTGarageTalk]

👍🏼

[@SergioStuddardAxTown]

For clarification, you can hold the switch button for the HVAC/Media for a few seconds to change the default selection which should adjust after ~5s if you switch to the non-default selection.

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@SergioStuddardAxTown interesting...

[@norm8380]

I think it is better than having twice the buttons and a cleaner look I don’t know about you but if I’m going to change something on the radio or climate I’m going too look down for a split second to change the setting

[@GTGarageTalk]

I’m sure I’d get used to it in time. I’m just getting old and set in my ways.

[@cyberathlete]

If you don't mind me asking, what are your heights? I want the GT-Line but keep hearing that if you're 6 feet or taller you will have an issue sitting in the front seats due to the lower roof line because of the sunroof. Thanks!

[@GTGarageTalk]

I’m 5’10” and my wife is 5’ I have friends over 6’ who fit fine.

[@cyberathlete]

@@GTGarageTalk thank you for the response. Are your friends comfortable in the driver and passenger seats? We are 24 hours away from pulling the trigger on one out of state so no way for me to test it

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@cyberathlete here is their video. He is 6'4" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqC6k6N5Zt-arcU

[@stephenmiller6690]

My EV 6 is due mid July. Can't wait.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Awesome! How did you spec it?

[@stephenmiller6690]

Wind with tech package awd. Red.

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@stephenmiller6690 Nice!!! ENJOY!

[@AGWUK]

Ours is due in about a month. We’ve gone for a red GT Line S AWD plus a heat pump. Ordered in November last year.

[@GTGarageTalk]

@@AGWUK wow. what a great show of patience! hope you enjoy!!!!

[@honshin23]

Have fun driving!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thank you

[@norm8380]

For a car that get 250 on a full charge how can it not get 90 at 80%

[@GTGarageTalk]

I’m not sure I understand the question.