2023 Kia EV6 GT Review
Electrifying Excess
BOSTON — You're stopped at a red light in what, to the untrained eye, appears to be a boring, red Kia.
The light turns green, and after a subtle press of a neon green button and a stab at the throttle, you take off like one of Elon Musk's rockets. But unlike the Falcon Heavy, there are no roars, no drama — just you grinning like a kid who's discovered a secret cheat code in a video game. Welcome to the paradox that is the Kia EV6 GT: an electric vehicle that delivers unnecessary, glorious fun for the reasonable price of $63,000.
A year ago, I tested the Kia EV6, a car that offered a practical mix of sensibility and excitement, with an 800-volt architecture that allowed for incredibly fast charging (should you find the right charger). The EV6 GT is that, but turned up to 11. We're talking a jump from 320 to a staggering 576 horsepower. The trade-off? A little less range. But what you lose in distance, you gain in speed and thrills. According to Kia, this beast goes 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, leaving the regular EV6's still-respectable 5.1 seconds in the dust.
Driving the EV6 GT feels like controlling a (very) heavy sports car with the soul of a go-kart. The weight is there, but so is the power, ready to be unleashed at any moment. A simple press of the "GT" button transforms this docile electric hatchback into an electrifying road rocket. It's like zapping a sleeping bull with a cattle prod: suddenly, you're OFF!
Let's be clear: this car is overkill in the best way possible. It's like having a five-course meal when you're only a bit peckish, but every bite is so delicious you can't stop. The EV6 GT offers the raw thrill of a Dodge Challenger Hellcat but without the clamor and attention. You can zoom away from a stoplight without feeling like you're in a Fast & Furious movie.
The EV6 GT doesn't just push the envelope; it sets a new standard for what EVs can be. It takes the practical aspects of electric vehicles — low operating costs, smooth and quiet ride — and adds a layer of exhilaration that’s usually reserved for dedicated sports cars.
For all this power and joy, you'd expect a hefty price tag. Yet, the GT doesn't break the bank. A fully-loaded standard EV6 comes in around $53,000, while the GT version bumps that up to around $63,000. Considering what you're getting, that's not just a deal; it's a steal. Kia calls this a crossover but it's really a family hatchback. To get this much oomph from a gas-powered whip, you'd need to wander towards the Audi RS 6 Avant or the Mercedes-AMG E 63 wagon — both cars priced well into six figures.
While the GT has its caveats—lower range and a higher price tag—it offers something unique: the thrill of the unexpected in everyday driving. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying every second of the journey.
As I catapult away from yet another stoplight, giggling maniacally to myself, I realize that the Kia EV6 GT is more than just a car; it's a statement. It tells the world that electric vehicles can be practical and pulse-quickening at the same time. In a market flooded with options that seem to prioritize either sensibility or adrenaline, the EV6 GT chooses both with pointless, joyful hilarity.
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