2022 Kia EV6
2022 Kia EV6 adds size, sophistication and plenty of style to Canada’s electric vehicle mix.

Four new mainstream volume-branded electrics hit the market last year, including the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Ioniq5, Mazda MX-30, and Volkswagen ID.4, and all start under sub-$45,000 sweet spot. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Kia’s new 2022 EV6 will do the same, entering the Canadian market at $44,995.

Of course, offering a base trim under $45k allows Canada’s national iZEV rebate to kick in, as well as various provincial rebates, and that can add up to a significant amount. Consumers in BC can save up to $8,000, for instance, while the national rebate can add up to $5,000 more. That brings the price down to $32k (plus freight and fees), and therefore well within most buyers’ budgets.

2022 Kia EV6
Strong performance and competitive range estimates come standard.

Of course, the Nissan Leaf, regular Bolt and new Bolt EUV can be had for even less, as can the Mini Cooper SE, Hyundai Ioniq and Kona electrics, and Kia’s own Niro and Soul electrics, but the EV6 adds size, sophistication and plenty of style to the mix, not to mention performance and range, arguably making it worth the extra coin.

The EV6, which shares underpinnings with Hyundai’s Ioniq5 and Genesis upcoming GV60, mostly mirrors the former model’s pricing structure from beginning to end. The aforementioned base model comes with Standard Range power and a single-motor RWD layout. A Long Range RWD version increases the price to $52,995, while adding a second motor for AWD pushes the price up to $54,995. Additionally, the Long Range AWD model can be had with a GT-Line Package 1 for 57,995, and right at the top of the line is a Long Range AWD with GT-Line Package 2 for $61,995.

2022 Kia EV6
The EV6′ interior looks upscale and filled with tech.

To be more specific, the base EV6 with RWD incorporates a 58.0 kWh battery with a 125kW rear motor that makes it capable of up to 373 km of range. The Long Range RWD trim increases the battery size to 77.4 kWh and the rear motor to 168kW for up to 499 km of range, while the two AWD power units utilize the same 77.4 kWh battery as the just-noted trim, but the first version gets a 74kW front motor and a 165kW rear motor for up to 441 km of range, while the most formidable combination combines a 160kW front motor with a 270kW rear motor for up to 499 kms of range.

2022 Kia EV6
Rear seat roominess appears plentiful.

Trims in mind, the new EV6’ gets a 12.3-inch standard centre display, while Canadian buyers are also treated to a standard heat pump system for maintaining range during cold conditions.

All of the expected advanced driver assistance and convenience features are on the menu as well, including forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot avoidance assist, automated parking assistance, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist, highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control-curve, and high beam assist.

2022 Kia EV6
Cargo capacity looks generous.

Additionally, the new EV6 incorporates ultra-fast DC charging at 800V and 400V, without the need for a separate controller. This allows the battery to be recharged to 80 percent in only 18 minutes.

What’s more, the EV6 can be upgraded with a Vehicle to Load (V2L) option, which transforms the new crossover into a direct power source for just about anything. This means you can plug in your personal electronics, appliances for camping, tools for working, and more. You can even recharge another electric vehicle.

The new 2022 Kia EV6 will arrive at Kia Canada dealerships next month.

Robo Dog | The All-Electric Kia EV6 (1:10):

The Kia 2022 Inspiration Journey | Kia EV6 (1:41):

The Kia EV6 used to break the world record (1:47):

18-Minute Charge Time | The Kia EV6 (0:15):

Up to 300 Mile Range | The Kia EV6 (0:15):

All-New Electric Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Race Inspired | 2022 Kia EV6 (0:30):

All-new Electric Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Jet | 2022 Kia EV6 (0:30):

Story credit: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Kia