Summary
- The author has been driving the 2024 Kia EV6 for over four months, and both he and his wife enjoy the vehicle
- The range and charging speed of the EV6 remain impressive, with over 300 miles of range on a full charge in moderate weather
- The EV6 is easy to adjust for different charging needs and offers good cargo space for everyday use
- The software and technology features of the Kia EV6 are lacking compared to other brands, with limited over-the-air updates and a mediocre smartphone app
- Despite the software limitations, the author would still buy the EV6 again for its combination of specs, style, and everyday usability, and looks forward to facing a New York winter in the car next.
Article
The author of the article has been busy with work, traveling and driving various vehicles for reviews, which is why there hasn’t been an update on the 2024 Kia EV6 in over two months. However, after getting more seat time in the EV6, the author and his wife have both been extremely impressed with the car. They have put over 4,400 miles on it and find it to be the best car they’ve ever owned. The EV6 continues to amaze with its range and charging capabilities, delivering over 300 miles on a full charge in moderate weather conditions.
Even though the author has been charging the EV6 to only 80% capacity for long-term battery health, the car still provides an adequate range of around 230 miles, in line with its EPA-estimated maximum range. The author has adjusted to the EV lifestyle, realizing that most daily driving doesn’t require a full charge every night. The car’s main menu allows for easy adjustment of charging levels for home AC or DC fast-charging, enabling the author to optimize energy consumption based on his needs.
The Kia EV6’s design and performance have been impressive, providing a good balance of cargo space, speed, and handling. The author finds the car to be entertaining on back roads and equivalent to his old Subaru WRX in Sport Mode. The EV ownership experience has been drama-free compared to dealing with internal combustion engine vehicles. However, software remains an area of improvement for Hyundai Motor Group, with issues related to OTA updates and the Kia Connect smartphone app’s functionality and reliability.
Despite software shortcomings, the author would still buy the Kia EV6 again due to its combination of specifications, style, and overall value. Software features, automated driving technology, and smartphone apps are considered additive rather than core reasons to purchase a car. While the author plans to address minor issues like adjusting the high beams and checking the Meridian sound system, overall, the ownership experience with the EV6 has been positive. In the next installment, the author plans to test the EV6 in an upstate New York winter scenario to see how it performs in challenging conditions.
In the realm of the auto industry, software has been a challenging area for manufacturers, with some companies struggling to deliver key features and efficient OTA updates. While brands like Tesla and Rivian are considered leaders in software integration, Hyundai Motor Group still has work to do to catch up in this aspect. The Kia EV6, alongside its Hyundai and Genesis counterparts, offers impressive charging, range, battery, and motor setups, rivaling top options in the market. Despite software challenges, the EV6 continues to stand out for its performance and practicality, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a versatile electric vehicle.
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