Kia has many exciting EVs planned, one of them being the EV6 crossover SUV. While other countries have enjoyed the Soul EV, the EV6 is Kia’s first all-electric offering for American drivers. You can find it on dealership lots now, though its popularity has already led to some intimidating markups. 

The Kia Sorento has a far lower purchase price, and this SUV provides more seats to accommodate extra passengers. However, without an electric powertrain, the Sorento is inevitably more expensive to own.

Why is the 2022 Kia EV6 cheaper to own?

Kia estimates that, within five years, most drivers will spend over $14,000 taking care of their Sorento SUVs. Maintenance fees alone will cost almost $1,900, excluding any extensive repairs not covered under warranty.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average American driver puts 13,500 miles on the odometer each year. That, combined with an average of $4.37 a gallon, puts your five-year fuel costs at nearly $12,300. Even if you cut your yearly mileage to 11,000 miles, that’s still over $10,000 spent on gas.

Even if you drive over 13,000 miles each year, the Kia EV6’s average recharging costs are only $2,656. The EV6 also has cheaper maintenance costs over five years, about $810. That’s because EV owners don’t have to worry about oil changes and common mechanical issues that can plague internal combustion engine cars. 

Is there any reason to buy the Sorento instead?

According to U.S. News, the Kia Sorento is only average compared to the competition. It still has a more powerful base engine than the EV6 — a 191-hp four-cylinder with 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Critics say the base engine and transmission are less refined than the upgraded powertrain options. The faster turbo-four makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Even without any hybrid technology, the Kia Sorento gets good gas mileage. With the standard engine, it can get up to 24/29 mpg city/highway. Adding all-wheel drive to the turbo-four lowers its mileage to 22/27 mpg city/highway, which still isn’t bad for its weight class.

The Sorento can seat up to seven riders, though the third row doesn’t provide enough lumbar support. With every seat in use, you don’t even get 13 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Those minor flaws aside, the interior looks modern and provides a good selection of tech features. The Kia Sorento also earns consistently excellent crash test scores, making it one of the safest vehicles for families. 

What to expect from the 2022 Kia EV6

CarBuzz gave the Kia EV6 Light RWD an almost-perfect overall score. This base model makes 167 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and gets 232 miles of range. A larger battery is available that gets 310 miles of range and increases the Light RWD’s power to 225 hp.

With AWD, the Kia EV6 makes 320 hp and gets 274 miles of range. The dual-motor setup provides a faster acceleration time, enhancing the EV6’s already sporty driving demeanor.

Though the Kia EV6 has plenty of passenger space, it suffers in the cargo department. Folding down the second row frees up only 24 cubic feet of storage space. When you do the same inside the Kia Sorento, you get 45 cubic feet of cargo space.

Still, the Kia EV6’s plush cabin oozes luxury and serves as a fine complement to its futuristic exterior. The Sorento looks plain in comparison despite its recent redesign. Both SUVs are great for families and solo drivers, but you’ll save more money in the long run with an EV6.