Kia has been rapidly expanding their selection of non-gas-engine vehicles, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electric vehicles. It’s a sign of their commitment to always staying on top of trends and the evolving needs of their customers. More and more drivers are looking to move away from gas engine vehicles because it’s better for their wallets and the planet in the long run. If you’re interested in which BEV, hybrid and plug-in vehicles Kia has in store, and you plan on finding a Kia EV9 for sale near Manalapan, NJ, it’s important to know the differences and similarities between the EV9 and the EV6.
Due to their similar names, drivers often mistake the two for one another. However, they are different in ways to take note of. Even though they are both stylish, modern, sleek and tech-forward BEVs, they have their differences, too. Here’s a look at the Kia EV9 versus the Kia EV6.
The Kia EV6
The EV6 is a battery electric vehicle compact SUV. It has seating for five, and because it is a compact SUV, it drives very much like a car rather than a traditional SUV. It has good cargo space, up to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. For times you only need to bring one passenger with you and need to load up on large items like coolers or bicycles, you can accomplish that in this compact SUV.
It comes in a generous seven trims, all unique and appealing to different drivers. Whether you want something basic and reliable, comfortable and great on performance, more luxury features, or you’re looking for a sportier feel behind the wheel, there is something for everyone in the trims of the Kia EV6.
The EV6 has a battery capacity of 77.4 kWh. With that, you can expect up to a 310-mile range, making this a vehicle you can easily take for a day trip out of town without having to pull over to charge it up halfway through. However, when you do need a charge, you can use a DC fast charger to go from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, so you won’t need to wait around for long before hitting the road again.
The Kia EV6 is also quite the impressive towing machine for a compact SUV. It can tow up to 2,300 pounds, which will cover things like two-person sleeper pods or small boats. If you’re looking for a vehicle for occasional outdoor adventures, it will have you covered.
As for power, the standard motor sends 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque to the back wheels. That’s pretty peppy, but if it isn’t enough for you, the optional dual-motor all-wheel drive version makes an impressive 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It has some really nice kick, and will respond to your request for acceleration quickly enough.
The EV6 has what Kia calls an onboard generator. This isn’t a generator in the conventional sense, where a gas engine generates electricity. It’s more like a beefy power inverter that runs off the 77.4 kWh drive battery, so you can use your vehicle to provide power to external appliances when you need it.
One difference you’ll notice immediately between the center console areas of the EV6 and EV9 is the controls for your music and climate. On the EV6, these are sleek, flat touch button controls. On the EV9, they’re traditional push button controls. The EV6 is also rounder and sleeker in appearance than the EV9. It has subtle lines and curves, and from a profile view it almost looks like one uninterrupted arch.
The Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is brand new for the 2024 model year, so not as much as known about it yet as the EV6. Still, we know enough. It’s a three-row BEV with seating for seven. If you are looking for a bigger people hauler, you’ll want this rather than the EV6. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so if the towing abilities of the EV6 don’t cut it for you, the EV9 could be up to the challenge.
The standard battery option contains 76.1 kWh, slightly less than the EV6, but the optional long range battery has 99.8 kWh, far more than you can get on the EV6. This bigger battery gives the EV9 a similar 300 mile range as the EV6, despite being bigger. Plus, it has a generous 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space with all rear seats down, so it’s ready to pack some serious luggage and gear.
Like the EV6, it can be plugged into a DC fast charger to go from 10 to 80 percent quickly. But since it has a bigger battery, it charges a little bit more slowly than the EV6 at 24 minutes. It does beat the EV6 in power, with a maximum of 379 horsepower for an amazing energetic feel. This top-of-the-line drivetrain includes dual motor all-wheel-drive for maximum torque to all wheels when you need it. The standard rear-wheel drive version makes 215 horsepower with the 76.1 kWh battery, or 201 horsepower with the optional long range 99.8 kWh battery.
Stylistically, you’ll notice right away that the EV9 has more obvious lines and a boxier look than the EV6. In general it looks more athletic, while the EV6 looks more ready for a cosmopolitan environment.
The EV9 also has what Kia calls an onboard generator, letting you turn it into a power source for appliances that enhance a camping trip or tailgate party, like speakers for tunes or a projector for an outdoor movie night.
As mentioned earlier, the controls for the climate and music are standard push buttons here. However, it has a really nice clean center console area with a cover that cleans up the look.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
Ultimately, these two vehicles appeal to very different drivers. Kia was smart to add the EV9 to the lineup, because now drivers who have greater passenger needs can get into the BEV family of vehicles. Many drivers who need seating for seven are often stuck with gas guzzling SUVs, but the EV9 allows them to go electric. The EV9 is also a good choice for those with large cargo needs, thanks to its spacious trunk and rear foldable seats. Drivers who prefer a more athletic aesthetic will also like it. Those looks are backed up by a larger towing capacity. The EV9 might be a better choice than the EV6 for drivers looking for a more rugged lifestyle.
However, the EV6 is a good BEV for those who want a nice compact vehicle, like those who need to zip around busy city streets or get into tight parking spots. It has a distinctly more sophisticated look with its discreet lines and subtle curvature. It might be a better pick for those looking for a city vehicle, or a vehicle to take to meetings with clients. Also, those who like the trend of really minimalist interiors will like the touch screen buttons of the EV6.
These are just some of Kia’s non-gas-engine vehicles. They have added to their options of hybrid, BEV and plug-ins rapidly in recent years. In fact, they’ve made a smart move of creating non-gas options for their pre-existing vehicles that have already proven to be popular, like the Sorento, Sportage, and Niro. If you are interested in leaving gas engine vehicles but don’t want to ditch the model you love, check out the newest lineup of Kias. They might just offer the very vehicle you love, in a hybrid, plug-in or BEV option, so you can stick to a vehicle you’re comfortable with.
