Kia boasts several winners in this year’s Best Cars for Families Awards from U.S. News. We’re not shocked to see the Kia Telluride in the three-row SUV category. And the Kia K5 proves even sedans can be spacious enough for the average family. But if you want an EV with the best value and ride experience, the 2023 Kia EV6 is tough to beat. Does it meet all the criteria for this big U.S. News award?

How U.S. News determines the best family cars

Models that earn Best Cars for Families honors typically have the most safety features geared toward consumers with children. That includes teen driver controls and the most hassle-free LATCH car-seat connectors. Many of these vehicles also have rear-seat reminders and safe exit warnings.

In addition, U.S. News judges these models based on their comfort and convenience features. Available USB ports for the second and third rows are a must to keep every passenger entertained. Most of the winners also have optional heated rear seats and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Kia EV6 impressed critics to win Best EV for Families

The Kia EV6 has a low center of gravity because its battery is under the floor. That keeps the car planted securely on the road while maneuvering sharp turns, and the all-electric powertrain never sounds loud. Front-wheel-drive models make 225 hp, while the dual-motor setup generates 320 hp.

Inside the EV6 GT, the dual-motor powertrain makes an eye-opening 576 hp and hits 60 mph in less than four seconds, Kia claims. It comes with every advanced safety feature available, plus high-capacity brakes. However, even the standard regenerative braking system is robust enough to cement driver confidence.

The Kia EV6 GT is the least efficient trim, with only 206 miles of range. AWD models can go 282 miles on a full charge, while the FWD Wind has a 310-mile range. 

Regardless of the powertrain, every Kia EV6 seats five in a spacious interior with comfortable seats wrapped in faux leather or suede. Rear passengers get a generous 39 inches of rear legroom. In addition, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated rear seats are standard equipment starting on the AWD EV6 Wind. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 also has a standard wireless charging pad and three USB ports in the cabin. Backseat riders can share two USB ports, and everyone can use the standard Wi-Fi hotspot. Voice recognition and smartphone integration are also included. 

The Kia EV6’s standard safety suite includes 14 features, from essential collision mitigation systems to lane-keeping controls. The EV6’s network of cameras and sensors can detect cyclists and pedestrians. The optional Technology package offers even more protection in parking lots, with a surround-view camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking. This bundle is available starting on the EV6 GT-Line, which also has specialized sensors to detect obstacles around intersections.

From a family’s perspective, the Kia EV6’s only major downside might be its limited cargo area. There’s little more than 50 cubic feet total, though it offers over 24 cubic feet with every seat upright.

The 2023 Kia EV’s corporate cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, is a finalist for the Best EV for Families

The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the only other finalist in the Best EV for Families category for this U.S. News award. It offers nearly 10 cubic feet of storage space more than the EV6, and it’s priced lower than its corporate cousin. Both EVs are very similar in safety and technology options.

In other categories, the 2023 Kia Carnival nearly beat the Honda Odyssey for Best Minivan. And the Kia Sorento Hybrid was among the finalists for the most family-friendly hybrid SUV. Though Kia SUVs might not offer the most cargo space, their generous infotainment and safety technology features are hard to beat.