The new Kia EV6 has received plenty of attention, all while scoring all sorts of awards. Clearly, it’s an impressive vehicle and has become one of the best electric vehicles on the road today after being on the market for just a short time. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Most recently, the Kia EV6 received the “2022 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle” from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA).

The Kia EV6 won the “2022 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle”

The NEMPA is a “united guild of more than 50 working journalists in six states.” The group aims to “deliver trusted content to millions of car shoppers in New England and nationally.” This includes awarding vehicles that satisfy the association’s rigorous vehicle testing.

Most recently, the group recognized the Kia EV6 for its engineering excellence, all-around performance, and durability in the harshest winter climate conditions. All in all that earned the vehicle its “2022 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle.”  

“The EV6 is a fast electric car that looks like a spaceship, but it’s also practical for all seasons,” said Clifford Atiyeh, Vice President of the NEMPA. 

“Kia’s Winter Mode helps maintain the battery’s performance in cold weather while the heat pump is more efficient than resistive heaters. The all-wheel drive system varies torque almost instantly. These features are critical for New England drivers who need to maximize range and performance in the coldest conditions,” Atiyeh added.

There’s no denying the Kia EV6 is a pro at winter driving

To earn the “2022 Winter Vehicle Award for Best Electric Vehicle,” the NEMPA put the EV6 through its paces. This included extensive, year-round product testing in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. NEMPA’s testing also included a multi-vehicle test.

Though, it should be no surprise that the Kia EV6 was lauded as the 2022 Winter Vehicle award winner by the NEMPA. The Kia EV6 is available in several trim levels and can be had with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the EV SUV comes ready for the bitter New England cold and is outfitted with a range-preserving heat pump. Much like Atiyeh explained, these features are critical for making it through New England winters.  

Should you buy a new EV6?

If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, the Kia EV6 must be at the top of your list. Car and Driver says it’s “affordable, lively, and easy-to-live-with.” All in all, it “does most everything right.” It’s a stylish, fun-to-drive, and practical vehicle. The fact that it’s electric-powered is almost secondary because it does everything so well. 

The Kia EV6 also addresses range anxiety head-on. It can go more than 276 miles on a single charge and can take advantage of DC fast charging. Better still, the NEMPA’s testing indicates the EV6’s Winter Mode effectively mitigates battery performance loss in cold weather. This means the Kia EV6 effectively combines the performance of an EV with the range and refueling times you would expect from a gasoline-powered vehicle. What’s not to like about that?