The 2022 EV6 is Kia’s first fully electric production car, but the South Korean automaker has been dabbling in electrification for decades. In fact, it boasts a 34-year EV history culminating in the 2022 Kia EV6. Notably, the manufacturer’s first attempt at an electric car was the Besta EV in the 1980s. The company later designed a fuel cell version of the Sportage. Nevertheless, neither the Besta EV nor the Sportage FCEV made it into production.

As for the 2022 Kia EV6, it’s available in nine colors, including various shades of gray.

Overview of the 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Kia EV6 is available in Light RWD, Wind RWD, Wind e-AWD, GT-Line RWD, and GT-Line e-AWD trims. According to Kia, the starting MSRP for the Light RWD trim is $40,900, while the range-topping GT-Line e-AWD starts at $55,900. But buyers can get $7,500 back with the federal EV tax credit.

Engine output varies depending on trim level, with the Light RWD producing 167 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, MotorTrend notes the highest AWD trim harnesses nearly double the power at 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. That makes sense because the e-AWD versions have dual motors, while the RWD options have one.

Because Kia is a part of the Hyundai Motor Group, the EV6 sits on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Two trims — the Wind RWD and GT-Line RWD — have an EPA-estimated 310-mile electric range. The AWD versions have a lower EPA-estimated range of 274 miles, although they can launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Finally, the lowest trim has the lowest range at 232 miles.

As for charging, the 2022 EV6 can take between eight and 24 hours to fill the battery under normal at-home charging conditions. However, it’s also possible to add about 217 miles of range in a relatively short 18-minute period using an 800v DC fast charger. 

Exterior and interior 2022 Kia EV6 colors

The 2022 Kia EV6 colors vary according to trim level. Wind models offer eight color options, the most of any EV6 trim. On the other hand, the GT-Line comes in five colors, including a trendy matte gray. Last, the Light RWD trim is available in three exterior color options.

Nonetheless, the total number of exterior color options is nine, with some overlapping among trims. The paint colors are as follows:

• Glacier (white, $495 extra)
• Interstellar Gray (dark gray metallic)
• Gravity Blue (navy blue metallic)
• Snow White Pearl (white metallic, $495 extra)
• Aurora Black Pearl (black metallic, $495 extra)
• Steel Gray (gray metallic)
• Runway Red (red metallic)
• Yacht Blue (royal blue metallic)
• Steel Matte Gray (matte gray, $695 extra)

Interior color options for the EV6 are a bit more limited, especially for the Light trim, with the only option a combination of black recycled fabric and vegan leather. Mid-trim color options include black or a blend of charcoal and misty gray, with the seats made of vegan leather.

Top trims color and material combination options include black vegan leather with white vegan leather and two versions of white vegan leather with black suede.

How Kia’s new EV compares to the Tesla Model Y

The EV6 electric crossover SUV is an excellent alternative to the Tesla Model Y. In some regards, the Kia is even better. For instance, buyers get a better deal with the EV6 than the Model Y. The former’s starting price is $40,900, while the latter costs about $64,440.

Notably, the Model Y has better range and acceleration. However, whether this difference is worth the $20,000 price difference depends on the buyer. Additionally, the EV6 appears to have a better interior build quality and offers some physical control buttons, making it more intuitive.