Electric vehicles have been making their way to the top of
the consumer choice lists. Seeking a slice of this pie are two heavy-hitters,
Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6, that offer an electrifying array of performance
features with varying price points. Both EVs boast striking designs and plush
comforts while boasting exceptional traction control and zero-emission outputs
on runs over long distances – factors which will likely dictate who grows more
popular among consumers worldwide upon launch. In this piece, we explore both
vehicles in detail to examine how they stand up against each other in terms of
design, speed output, cost variations feature sets available amongst different
trim levels (or series) – all intended for comparison between cars before
deciding which to purchase or lease out first!
Exterior Design
The exterior
designs of the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6 offer quite different visual
appeals. The Model Y is closer to a conventional Tesla design with its smooth
lines, while the EV6 has a more angular look with modern styling.
If you opt for
the higher-end EV6 GT, then you can even get green brake calipers as extra
touches for a sportier feel. With such sleek and stylish design accents, many prefer
how aggressive the Kia looks compared to traditional electric car models.
At the end of it
all, visual preference is subjective because people have varying tastes when it
comes to cars’ exteriors but overall there’s no denying that both cars are beautiful
pieces of machinery famous for their attractive appearance in their own right!
Interior
The interior of
the Tesla Model Y gives off a minimalist vibe, with much of its main control
being done through the 15-inch horizontal touchscreen display. The materials
used have given it a cheap feeling to some, but if you like the look then
you’ll likely be pleased. Depending on whether you choose two or three rows for
seating, trunk space goes from 30.2 cubic feet when all seats are up in the two
row configuration to just 12 cubic feet in the three row model.
The Kia EV6 has
gone with a more traditional looking approach but still manages to include
modern touches such as capacitive controls rather than physical buttons and
knobs, plus comfortable seating that make it suitable for long trips or
commutes alike. If you opt for just two rows of seating there is 24.4 cubic
feet available as trunk space which could prove more than enough depending on
your usage case scenario.
Battery and charging
When comparing
the battery and charging abilities of Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6, there are a few
points to take into consideration.
Tesla offers two
models for the Model Y: Long Range which has an impressive 330 miles of range,
and Performance model with 303 miles of range. The maximum charging rate is
also 250 kW, capable of charging up to 80% in under 30 minutes.
The base model
Kia EV6 comes as either RWD or AWD both offering 310 mi or 282 mi respectively
while the GT Line offer RWD 310 mi or AWD 252mi. However, Kia’s top-end GT XLM
Charge 350kW charger can charge from 10%-80% in 18 minutes – faster than any
other electric vehicle on sale today including Tesla’s new Roadster supercar!
Therefore overall
it seems that the longer range belongs to Tesla’s Model Y but if you’re looking
for fast-charging capabilities then Kia’s EV 6 should take care of your needs
easily.
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Infotainment systems
The Tesla Model Y
comes with an impressive tech-forward user interface that is easy to navigate
compared to the traditional screens of other manufacturers. It also offers
Autopilot and Full Self Driving capabilities for more advanced features, though
you will need to pay extra to unlock it.
The Kia EV6 on
the other hand has been designed with improved infotainment experience in mind.
It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a more seamless navigation
experience, and even provides optional add-ons such as camera based blind spot
monitoring which gives drivers an additional sense of security when driving, as
well 360 degree views for parking assistance.
Performance
The Tesla Model Y
and Kia EV6 both offer impressive acceleration and responsive steering. The
Model Y Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while the
EV6 GT manages to step that up to a mere 3.2 seconds for an even speedier
driving experience. However, when you switch into the Long Range mode of the
Model Y, it hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds – this is still faster than most
standard petrol or diesel cars on sale today – whereas the top-end EV6 Wind
takes over 6 second thanks to its smaller battery pack and electric motor setup
compared with what’s offered by Tesla’s flagship crossover wagon model.
Both cars offer
quick acceleration and an enjoyable driving experience with plenty of rewards
along the way. For outright performance going from zero-to-sixty in super-quick
time then opt for the Kia EV6 GT as it offers faster driving than any other
version of either car including better soundproofing all around too!
Price
The Tesla Model Y
is currently listed at $54,990 for the Long Range model and $58,990 for the
Performance model. Meanwhile, the EV6 Wind starts at an attractive price of
$48,700 and increases to $61,600 for the luxurious EV6 GT.
However, with
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 – that will see US-assembled
cars eligible for a tax rebate of up to $7,500 – it looks like potential buyers
may well be swayed by cheaper prices on offer from Tesla. This hefty discount
does not apply however if you purchase outside of the US or Canada, where Korean-built
EV6s no longer qualify and you don’t get an import duty exemption either.
Therefore
purchasers should carefully weigh their options when considering both cars;
while The Kia EV6 offers excellent value as well as a smaller number of
features than Model Y – many buyers might still opt to choose Model Y due to
its significantly lower cost after applying federal incentives in America and
Canada.
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The Bottom Line
When you’re
shopping for electric vehicles, both the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 are great choices.
Nevertheless, when it comes to making a decision on which one is best for you
personally, several factors should be considered.
If your focus is
on technology and interior design that fits well into contemporary aesthetics,
then the Tesla Model Y should be given due consideration.
On the other side
of the coin if what matters most to you in an electric car is comfortability,
car play integration features along with a more affordable base
price; then the Kia EV6 deserves better attention from you.
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