Only 1 World Performance Car of the Year Finalist Is Electric
The World Performance Car of the Year finalists have been announced. Some of the finalists include the Nissan Z and the Toyota GR Corolla. Only one World Performance Car of the Year finalist in an EV.
This Kia is the only electric World Performance Car of the Year finalist
The Kia EV6 is a small electric SUV that’s closely related to the former World Car of the Year, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EV6 has a more aggressive styling and is more performance-oriented than the Ioniq 5. Its most capable configuration, the EV6 GT, is a World Performance Car of the Year finalist, rivaling gas-powered cars.
The 2023 Kia EV6 GT starts at $61,600. It uses two electric motors to make 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque. The EV6 GT goes from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds.
Kia’s small electric SUV produces an incredible amount of power. Furthermore, since it’s an EV, it delivers instant torque (a significant amount), so its driving dynamics are nearly unrivaled. There are plenty of great small electric SUVs on the market, but the Kia EV6 GT is something special.
How does the Kia EV6 compare to other performance cars?
The Toyota GR Corolla starts at $36,995. It uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine to make 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The performance car won an Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver.
The Nissan Z starts at $39,990. It uses a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine to make a whopping 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of value and affordability, the Nissan Z has an advantage over other World Performance Car of the Year finalists. It’s significantly more powerful than the GR Corolla despite being within the same price range.
The Kia EV6 is the most impressive in terms of performance, but it’s too expensive for many drivers. We’ll just have to wait and see which performance vehicle claims the title. The fact that an electric SUV is a contender in this category proves how much potential EVs have.
Is the Kia EV6 a good SUV?
The Kia EV6 is considered one of the best small electric SUVs by multiple automotive publications, including Kelley Blue Book. It’s a great small electric SUV because it’s affordable and exciting to drive. The EV6 is praised for its spacious cabin, attractive exterior design, and driving dynamics. U.S. News & World Report compliments its driving range and safety features.
MotorTrend gave the EV6 a high score for value. Kia’s small electric SUV has incredible potential for the future, but charging infrastructure still has a long way to go before EV ownership is convenient enough for most drivers.
Ultimately, there are plenty of reasons to get a Kia EV6, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is still more appealing to many drivers. That being said, the Ioniq 5 can’t compare in the performance category.
Will the 2023 Kia EV6 GT win Performance Car of the Year, or will it be bested by a gas-powered car model? We’ll have to wait and see.
