My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Kia EV6 GT

You already know about the Kia EV6. Therefore, you already know the EV6 GT.

We know about the EV6 GT. George did a quick video on this performance version of Kia’s crossover EV. All 576 horsepower of it. When he was taking his turn, I thought “well, we’re good with covering this vehicle.”

Then, we showed up at the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally back in May. We noticed there were two EV6 GTs for us and 183 of our colleagues to shag. Yes, “shag.” 

“Shag” as in taking it on Road America’s four-plus mile wonderland of a road course and its shorter karting course for the autocross. I heard through the grapevine that the EV6 GT had the best times of any vehicle on the autocross. 

While we are fully aware of Kia’s claims that the EV6 GT can sprint faster than a couple of notable supercars. For the record, I did not look for any such performance icons to test that claim. 

Why would you want to? 

There are two performance-tuned electric motors powering the EV6 GT. All told, you have 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet at your command. These two motors are fed by a battery pack with a capacity of 77.4 kilowatt-hours. It is capable of returning up to 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes through a 350-kilowatt charger. 

According to Kia, the EV6 GT has a range from 100% of battery of 218 miles. Our maximum recharge to 100% battery capacity gave us 214 miles. 

That 576 horsepower might give the impression that the EV6 GT is a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” The truth is that the performance EV has an elevated look compared it the trim levels that crossover body shares. The 21-inch alloy wheels expose the Neon Green brake calipers, while wearing Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber. There are a few other cues that distinguish the performance EV6 from the rest of the lineup. Its subtle nature doesn’t allow it to shout its presence whenever it hits the streets. 

The more visible difference is inside its cabin. Right off the bat are the racing-type front seats adorned in SynTex Suede. The mix of black with the Neon accents on the seats, as well as throughout the cabin. That also includes the tempting GT button on the steering wheel. More on that later…

The driver has two screens located on a piano black finished thin housing attached the dashboard. The left 12.3-inch screen houses the instrumentation, vehicle information, charging levels and range. That, along with an Augmented Reality Head-Up display, provides more than enough information to ease your range anxiety, as well as fueling your passion to take the EV6 GT for a lap.  The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the right houses the infotainment system, which includes wired smartphone integration. You can take your phone call and listen to your favorite adrenalin-fueled tracks through 14 Meridian speakers placed around the cabin. 

Meanwhile, the center console houses the ignition button, along with a rotary shifter. You also have a lot of storage underneath it. 

Front seats are adjusted manually for rake, recline, and height. Bolstering helps lock you in up front. The racing-style front seats offer a lot of bolstering for support. Rear seat room is good, except the lower roof does limit head room. In the back you get 24.4 cubic feet before you fold down the rear seats. With those seats folded, cargo space expands to 50.2 cubic feet. Don’t forget about the small storage area underneath the hood that looks like an engine cover. 

Once you settle into the driver’s seat, you get to experience the EV6 GT as intended. Although, the ride quality was quite smooth. It handled the bumps well without transmitting them into the cabin, Handling was good, and the cornering response was solid. You do feel the extra weight of the battery pack, along with the lower center of gravity. Some might say that it does not feel as sporty as it should.

You can select from a few drive and performance modes to make things a lot more fun. The Neon green GT button on the steering wheel adds more excitement as it tightens up the suspension and engages the electronic limited-slip differential. There is also a Drift Mode for maximum fun. 

The steering was pretty tight and precise. On-center feel was solid. The brakes respond well in normal and panic stops. Pedal feel is also good. You can drive the EV6 GT with a one-pedal drive system, but the brakes work well without it. 

There was another challenge presented to us – the matte paint job. One cannot simply drive up to a Kwik Trip to run through the touch-free car wash with it. Nor should you trust a full-service car wash at any cost. The special paint job has a specific clearcoat that is sensitive to pressure. 

Kia has a video out that talks about how to care for your matte-finished EV6 GT (or other model with such a paint job). Needless to say, the challenge was on. Especially when you live near an active birdhouse and your vehicle becomes a toilet for these birds. 

The GT is at the top of the 2024 Kia EV6 range. You have seven other trim levels to choose from. Pricing for the entire line starts at $42,600. This EV6 GT tester came with a sticker price of $64,090.

Why would want a Kia EV6 GT? The performance, perhaps. It is rather quick and has some of the chops to make for a fun, battery-draining experience. Although, it sips electrons at the same rate as most EVs. 

Still, be mindful of the range itself. While it may appear to be sensible and practical, it is supposed to excite you. For being a crossover EV with a bit more oomph, the EV6 GT urges you to put the claims made to the test. 

Why would you want to? Because, it wants you to. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Kia America

All photos by Randy Stern