Kia EV6 named 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

MANILA: The North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury named the all-electric Kia EV6 as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.

This is the first win for a Kia electric vehicle and the second time in three years that the NACTOY jury has selected a Kia vehicle as its best pick in the category.

“Since going on sale in early 2022, the EV6 model range has illustrated the sophistication and refinement inherent to Kia EV engineering, and North American customers have taken notice. In a year with three electric finalists, this win proves that EV6 is not only a top utility vehicle, but also an exemplary EV,” Kia America President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Yoon.

50 automotive experts from print, online, radio, and broadcast media selected the Kia EV6. NACTOY jurors tested a variety of models, from sports cars to pickup trucks, as part of the selection process, and evaluated factors such as automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value.

The EV6 remains popular in the US. More than 19,000 EV6 units have already been sold at Kia dealers in all 50 states.

With its long-range, zero-emissions power, 800V ultra-fast charging, and aesthetic value, the Kia EV6 revolutionizes the crossover SUV market. The EV6 is the first Kia model developed using the company's newly created platform for battery-electric vehicles.

The EV6 has a contemporary visual identity that mixes sculptural shapes and bold artistic elements to express natural energy. The EV6 is a prime example of human-centered, futuristic design and electrified power. The distinctive and notable design is set to determine Kia's future. Numerous awards were bestowed upon it, including the 2022 iF Design Award and the 2022 Red Dot Award.

A sleek and aerodynamic design can be seen in the side profile. A character line extends from the bottom of the doors up towards the rear wheel arches, dramatically extending the profile of the Kia EV6. In order to achieve the best aerodynamic performance, the rear has a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black glossy insert that appears to stretch the window glass. The car's distinctive rear light cluster is topped by a raised lower spoiler, and above this is a prominent wing-style roof spoiler that directs air in a downward direction. The impressive 500+km range of the EV6 is significantly impacted by this.

The Kia EV6 features a sophisticated interior that matches its aggressive exterior styling and long range.

The Kia EV6's cabin has additional room and adaptability because of the flat under-floor battery. The interior design benefits greatly from Kia's dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Despite having a compact exterior, the Kia EV6 has a cabin that is equivalent to many midsize SUVs, thanks to its 2,900mm wheelbase.

The crossover's interior features a state-of-the-art curved infotainment screen and a head-up display system that projects driving information into the driver's line of sight onto the windscreen using augmented reality (AR). It also comes with lightweight seats made from 111 recycled plastic water bottles.

The new active sound design (ASD) technology, which comes with a 14-speaker Meridian surround audio system, is also featured on the Kia EV6.  The ASD feature uses auditory feedback to alert the driver of the vehicle's speed.

The several storage spaces in the cabin, including the boot compartment, which has a capacity of 520 liters, contribute to the cabin's utility and convenience. When the second row seats are folded, the volume increases to 1,300 liters. The Kia EV6 also has a front trunk that, in 2WD models, has a capacity of up to 52 liters and, in AWD models, a capacity of 20 liters.

The Kia EV6 is powered by a fully electric powertrain that consists of a 168kW electric motor and a high-voltage battery pack. The Kia EV6 has a torque output of 350Nm and can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in 7.3 seconds.

The Kia EV6 has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which transforms it into a mobile power source for everything from electrical tools to recreational equipment.

The Kia EV6 is a major part of the Kia “Plan S” strategy to release at least two battery electric vehicles every year and establish a full lineup of 14 battery electric vehicles by 2027.

The Kia EV6 made its Philippine debut at the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in September 2022. The Kia EV6 will arrive in dealerships nationwide in early 2023. Kia Philippines said that the Kia EV6 will cost less than P4 million.

Photo from Kia

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