2022 Kia EV6 LR GT-Line AWD Review, Video And Pricing

By: Krish Persaud
January 1, 2023

With a wide range of vehicles like the Soul, Sportage, Sorento, Telluride, EV6, and Seltos, it would appear that Kia knows what they are doing when it comes to providing something for everyone in the crossover/SUV market. The Korean automaker provides not only gas versions of their vehicles but also plug-in and non-plug hybrid variants of most of their models.

When we were given the chance to spend a week with Kia’s all-electric EV6, which packs a serious punch in the power department, we could not have been more ecstatic.

2022 Kia EV6 LR AWD GT-Line : Driveman.ca

The 2022 Kia EV6 LR AWD GT-Line PKG 2, which was generously provided to us by our friends at Kia Canada, rides on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platinum) platform and features 20-inch alloy wheels, Meridian premium audio, and a pair of 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system).

Powering the LR (Long-Range) EV6 is a 77.4-kWh battery with 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque with a 0-96km/h in 4.5 seconds sent through the full-time all-wheel-drive system. With three available drive modes, the push back in your seat feeling intensifies as you progress from Eco to Normal, and when you finally reach the Sport, you’ll definitely feel a big difference. Under perfect conditions, the Long-Range EV6 has a range of about 441 km.

There was a lot of range anxiety, but we were able to drive 430 km in the EV6 during the warmer months of the year. The driving range of an electric vehicle is affected by a number of factors, including the climate and the extent to which the vehicle’s climate control system is utilized. Driving habits should always be modified to maximize range, and route planning will always help you squeeze more distance from a charge.

The majority of the kilometers we put on our tester were on the highway, and even with our cruise set to the legal limit, we didn’t notice any drastic range drops. We only had one chance to charge using a level 2 charger, and it took just under 7 hours to go from 20% to 100% at a rate of 7kW. We were also able to charge from 30% to 80% using a 50kW DC charger at a nearby service provider in just under 40 minutes.

The Uvo 12.3-inch infotainment system from Kia is easy to use and responsive to touch, much like the one we used in the 2022 Kia Telluride SX (reviewed here). Through a USB cable, the system easily supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although we are pleased that there is a volume knob on the dash, we must point out that there is a catch—it is a multifunctional knob that can also be used to control the climate. We are sure that after some practice, this won’t be a problem.

The optional 14-speaker Meridian Surround Sound System in our EV6 test vehicle has a subwoofer and a centre channel that are placed strategically to add an immersive experience to any audio tracks you play through it. The outcomes of our audio test pleased us quite a bit. We were able to enjoy our audio tracks while enjoying our effortless drive down the highway thanks to the proper equalizer settings.

The interior layout of the EV6 is quite appealing, with high-quality materials used throughout. The front seats are supportive and have just enough padding to keep you comfortable for several hours. If you are taller than six feet, you may feel uncomfortable in the driver’s seat, and the seating position may be too high for you, but your passengers won’t have any such complaints. The rear seats two comfortably, but three would be crammed; we know this because we tried it and the middle passenger was not pleased. If you decide to leave the family at home, there is 1,415 L of cargo space, which is ideal for a couples getaway.

The EV6 is quite surprisingly fun to drive, with a comfortable suspension setup for regular use. The responsive controls instill confidence in the driver, allowing for swift, daring maneuvers. The 20-inch wheels have no negative effect on the ride quality because the suspension effectively absorbs the bumps from both smooth and broken pavement.

Prices for the four EV6 trims range from $44,995 for the RWD Standard Range to $52,995 for the RWD Long Range, $54,995 for the AWD Long Range, $57,995 for the AWD Long Range GT-Line Package 1, and $61,995 for the AWD Long Range GT-Line Package 2.

The Kia EV6 is evidence that Kia has made significant progress over the years and is on the path to becoming a segment leader. With the Niro EV, Soul EV, and the EV6, Kia has been dabbling with the electric vehicle market for a while. We had a good time with the EV6 and would suggest adding it to your list of potential vehicles to test, especially with government rebates of $5,000 for purchase or 48-month lease terms.