Tesla Model Y vs. Kia EV6: which is better?
Two top electric cars go head to head as we compare the Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y on their dimensions, performance, and more
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The shift to electric has seen the emergence of an increasing number of models, and buyers are now faced with a lot more choice.
Tesla has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is now an extremely viable (and comparably affordable) option.
Then, there’s Kia, a brand that’s long been synonymous with building extremely reliable and dependable cars.
Continue reading to compare some of the biggest differences between the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6.
Does the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6 offer more style?
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The Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 both have their own unique designs that make them different, but they both stand out from the crowd of other electric SUVs.
The Kia EV6 has a sleek and futuristic appearance that’s both bold and practical – it has cutouts and spoilers that are designed with airflow in mind to maximise efficiency.
It has a highly sculpted body with lots of dynamic lines, as well as distinctive lighting elements like a full-width rear lightbar that’s integrated into one of the two spoilers – the one on the boot lid.
On the other hand, the Tesla Model Y has a much more clean and minimalist design that’s typical of any of the brand’s cars.
It’s characterised by smooth surfaces and really stands out as being an electric car by completely blanking off the entire front end where you’d normally expect to see a grille.
Both cars are optimised for aerodynamics (though taller, the Model Y is actually more aerodynamic), but there’s a clear difference in how the Kia and the Tesla have been designed.
Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y: performance and drive
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Being electric cars, the instant torque from the motor(s) and lack of gears means that the EV6 and Model Y feel incredibly quick.
Tesla’s CEO once said that the company doesn’t build slow cars, and even the slowest Model Y does 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds (Tesla doesn’t quote 0-62mph times like most other brands).
The fastest Performance model even does it in 3.5 seconds.
Kia’s slowest EV6 reaches 62mph in 7.3 seconds, but the GT variant gets there in 3.5 seconds, which is the same time as the Model Y takes to get to 60mph.
The more affordable versions of the EV6 and Model Y are rear-wheel-drive, which makes them more engaging and is well suited to their fast-paced nature.
Higher-spec versions of both are all-wheel-drive, which is better for delivering the extra power.
Because their batteries are mounted low, they have low centres of gravity, helping them to be more agile and predictable in corners. Petrol- and diesel-powered SUVs typically lean a lot more.
While these cars are totally different in some respects, the way they drive and what they offer in terms of performance is very similar.
Tesla Model Y vs. Kia EV6: interior
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Tesla is known for its extremely minimalist interiors, and the Model Y is no exception.
Everything is controlled via a very large touchscreen infotainment system, except for just two buttons on the steering wheel, which serve several purposes, including controlling the adaptive cruise control.
There are no trim levels to pick from, so all Model Y variants come with vegan leather upholstery and some of the best car tech in the industry.
Instead, you can pick from a few levels of self-driving tech. All Tesla models are also eligible for free over-the-air updates which often add new features.
The EV6’s cabin is slightly more familiar and consists of a pair of screens for the infotainment and digital driver’s displays.
Beneath the screen are a few physical and touch-sensitive buttons for controlling the car’s key systems.
It’s less futuristic than the Tesla but can be easier to get used to, especially if this is your first electric car.
Both have a lot of connectivity options, but only the Kia is available with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Tesla does have similar options, though, like Apple Music and Spotify apps, as well as text message integration via Bluetooth.
Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y: which has more boot space?
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Another thing that Tesla does well is storage space, and the Model Y has a lot of it, including a storage area beneath the boot floor.
The Model Y has a huge 854-litre boot, which is several hundred litres more than you’d get in other similarly-sized SUVs.
There’s also a ‘frunk’ area under the bonnet, which offers another 117 litres – it’s deeper than the one you’d find in the Model 3.
The EV6’s 490-litre boot is still impressive, it just doesn’t come anywhere near to the Model Y’s.
It also benefits from a 52-litre storage area under the bonnet, which reduces to just 20 litres in all-wheel-drive format.
Compare Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6: which is more reliable?
Tesla has historically received mixed reviews regarding reliability, but the brand has come a long way from being a small-scale startup to shipping around 1.8 million vehicles in 2023, and reliability has improved considerably.
Drivers have praised the free over-the-air software updates, as well as the fact that service is dealt with using the mobile app, where owners can book garage visits or roadside assistance.
Kia also receives a lot of acclamations about reliability across the entire brand. It uses slightly less advanced technologies (for example, Tesla’s vehicles run some artificial intelligence), which means that there could be less to go wrong.
The EV6 is also backed by an impressive seven-year warranty. The Model Y is covered for four years, which is still above the industry average.
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Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y dimensions
The Tesla Model Y is larger in every dimension – it’s 4,751mm long, 1,921mm wide (plus mirrors) and 1,624mm tall.
At 4,695mm long, 1,890mm wide (plus mirrors) and 1,550mm tall, the EV6 is still bigger than your typical family hatchback.
Another figure worth mentioning is the towing capacity, which is often a key consideration for SUV drivers.
All versions of the Model Y can tow 1,600kg. The EV6 is also rated to tow 1,600kg, apart from top-spec GT models, which can tow 1,800kg.
Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y: which should you buy?
There’s a lot more to consider than just whether you like the look of the Kia EV6 or Tesla Model Y.
Two key factors can heavily influence which car you decide to buy – whether you need a lot of luggage space, and whether you like the idea of an ultra-minimal, futuristic car that’s fully laden with technology, or something slightly more conventional.
Then you have smaller but no less important considerations to take into account, including reliability and warranties.
Because they’re both pretty powerful, you’ll also want to check which insurance group they sit in.