Thinking about switching to Kia/EV… What should I know?

Discussion
1

I’m looking into a low mileage GT-line. Currently thinking about swapping out my 2019 Audi S4 for something that works better for my family. We’ve got a 2-year-old and it’ll be our main car. My wife has a 2017 RDX which would be our secondary. I’d use it for commutes and trips around 60-90 miles to visit family. We live in Northern California, so no crazy weather to worry about.

What do you not like about the EV6? And what are the things that make it stand out?

Charging would mostly be at home, except when we’re on a trip. Do they work with Tesla chargers? How’s the charging station situation out there? Is the EPA estimated range close to real-world driving? Or should I expect better or worse? Also, any differences between the '22, '23, and '24 models?

Sorry for the long post! What do I not know that I should know from you seasoned EV6 owners?

Edit: Removed my interest in GT models after learning more about it.

2

You can pop the VIN into Kia’s website to check for recalls. The dealer is supposed to do this, but it’s easy to verify yourself.

$39k for a 2023 with low mileage sounds decent but not exactly a steal.

What I don’t like: I keep worrying the door handle is going to snap off, though it hasn’t. The 12V battery can be an issue, but a small booster kit can save you there. Also, I keep accidentally turning on the seat heater/cooler while adjusting other controls. Paint’s a bit thin, and there’s no full-size spare tire.

What stands out: Tons of features for the price, great range, fast charging when needed, and it looks awesome. Rear seats fold from the back (super convenient!), and the adaptive cruise control is fantastic. Plus, the screen integrates beautifully into the dash — no ugly giant iPads like the Tesla or Mach-E.

3

zendaya said:
You can pop the VIN into Kia’s website to check for recalls. The dealer is supposed to do this, but it’s easy to verify yourself.

$39k for a 2023 with low mileage sounds decent but not exactly a steal.

What I don’t like: I keep worrying the door handle is going to snap off, though it hasn’t. The 12V battery can be an issue, but a small booster kit can save you there. Also, I keep accidentally turning on the seat heater/cooler while adjusting other controls. Paint’s a bit thin, and there’s no full-size spare tire.

What stands out: Tons of features for the price, great range, fast charging when needed, and it looks awesome. Rear seats fold from the back (super convenient!), and the adaptive cruise control is fantastic. Plus, the screen integrates beautifully into the dash — no ugly giant iPads like the Tesla or Mach-E.

I 100% agree with you on hating those giant iPads on the Teslas. They’re such an eyesore.

4

zendaya said:
You can pop the VIN into Kia’s website to check for recalls. The dealer is supposed to do this, but it’s easy to verify yourself.

$39k for a 2023 with low mileage sounds decent but not exactly a steal.

What I don’t like: I keep worrying the door handle is going to snap off, though it hasn’t. The 12V battery can be an issue, but a small booster kit can save you there. Also, I keep accidentally turning on the seat heater/cooler while adjusting other controls. Paint’s a bit thin, and there’s no full-size spare tire.

What stands out: Tons of features for the price, great range, fast charging when needed, and it looks awesome. Rear seats fold from the back (super convenient!), and the adaptive cruise control is fantastic. Plus, the screen integrates beautifully into the dash — no ugly giant iPads like the Tesla or Mach-E.

What’s up with the door handle concern? And why is the 12v battery such a worry? Does it not get charged properly while driving or charging?

Also, I wouldn’t mind the thin clear coat or no full-size spare. I’d probably get it ceramic-coated anyway. Are the connected services actually useful? Or just gimmicks?

5

olivia said:

zendaya said:
You can pop the VIN into Kia’s website to check for recalls. The dealer is supposed to do this, but it’s easy to verify yourself.

$39k for a 2023 with low mileage sounds decent but not exactly a steal.

What I don’t like: I keep worrying the door handle is going to snap off, though it hasn’t. The 12V battery can be an issue, but a small booster kit can save you there. Also, I keep accidentally turning on the seat heater/cooler while adjusting other controls. Paint’s a bit thin, and there’s no full-size spare tire.

What stands out: Tons of features for the price, great range, fast charging when needed, and it looks awesome. Rear seats fold from the back (super convenient!), and the adaptive cruise control is fantastic. Plus, the screen integrates beautifully into the dash — no ugly giant iPads like the Tesla or Mach-E.

What’s up with the door handle concern? And why is the 12v battery such a worry? Does it not get charged properly while driving or charging?

Also, I wouldn’t mind the thin clear coat or no full-size spare. I’d probably get it ceramic-coated anyway. Are the connected services actually useful? Or just gimmicks?

The door handles pop out and are cantilevered, meaning you pull on the free end. I don’t have any real reason to believe they’d break; it’s just a weird motion.

The 12V does get charged by the main battery during normal use, but there was an early issue where some EV6s had problems with their charge controller, and it wouldn’t top up the 12V. If the 12V dies, the car won’t start. This was fixed by a recall, but the OEM 12V battery is a bit weak, and if you use a lot of power in accessory mode, you can accidentally drain it. Fortunately, jumping the car is easy, and some folks just swap the 12V with a more durable one.

As for the connected services, they’re decent. I’m only using the free version now. Remote lock/unlock and climate control are nice, but I wouldn’t pay extra. The free version still tracks driving history, charging, and maintenance, which is fine for me.

6

From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

7

chozen said:
From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

Thanks for the detailed response!

  1. Is the Connect app just slow or does it not work right?

  2. So is it only wired for CarPlay/Android Auto?

  3. That’s not a dealbreaker for me.

  4. Yeah, wireless charging in my Audi is pretty bad too.

  5. Good tip, thanks!

  6. I’ve never had remote start with heated seats, so I wouldn’t even know what I’m missing.

8

olivia said:

chozen said:
From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

Thanks for the detailed response!

  1. Is the Connect app just slow or does it not work right?

  2. So is it only wired for CarPlay/Android Auto?

  3. That’s not a dealbreaker for me.

  4. Yeah, wireless charging in my Audi is pretty bad too.

  5. Good tip, thanks!

  6. I’ve never had remote start with heated seats, so I wouldn’t even know what I’m missing.

  7. It’s both slow and clunky, plus it lacks features. It was also down for a whole month this summer. Tesla’s app is instant and can control almost everything.

  8. Yep, wired only (unless you wait for the 2025 model, which has wireless built-in).

9

chozen said:

olivia said:
chozen said:
From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

Thanks for the detailed response!

  1. Is the Connect app just slow or does it not work right?

  2. So is it only wired for CarPlay/Android Auto?

  3. That’s not a dealbreaker for me.

  4. Yeah, wireless charging in my Audi is pretty bad too.

  5. Good tip, thanks!

  6. I’ve never had remote start with heated seats, so I wouldn’t even know what I’m missing.

  7. It’s both slow and clunky, plus it lacks features. It was also down for a whole month this summer. Tesla’s app is instant and can control almost everything.

  8. Yep, wired only (unless you wait for the 2025 model, which has wireless built-in).

Appreciate the info. How about road noise and vehicle noise? Any creaks or squeaks?

10

olivia said:

chozen said:
olivia said:
chozen said:
From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

Thanks for the detailed response!

  1. Is the Connect app just slow or does it not work right?

  2. So is it only wired for CarPlay/Android Auto?

  3. That’s not a dealbreaker for me.

  4. Yeah, wireless charging in my Audi is pretty bad too.

  5. Good tip, thanks!

  6. I’ve never had remote start with heated seats, so I wouldn’t even know what I’m missing.

  7. It’s both slow and clunky, plus it lacks features. It was also down for a whole month this summer. Tesla’s app is instant and can control almost everything.

  8. Yep, wired only (unless you wait for the 2025 model, which has wireless built-in).

Appreciate the info. How about road noise and vehicle noise? Any creaks or squeaks?

The noise insulation is fantastic. Thanks to the double-paned glass, it’s as quiet as high-end luxury cars like the Lexus LS.

I’ve only done about 7,000 km, so I haven’t noticed any creaks or squeaks. But from what I’ve seen, most owners with high mileage don’t report many issues either. One guy on YouTube had a rattle, but it was easy to fix.

11

chozen said:
From 2022 to 2024, there’s no major difference, except the 2024 model has an extra light in the charge port for dark places. Real changes come in the 2025 refresh.

If you’re driving in decent weather and aren’t speeding, you’ll probably hit or even beat the EPA range. I do mostly city driving and can go way past the EPA estimate. This applies to all EVs — slower driving means sipping battery life.

If you’re considering the GT-Line AWD, the lower range is mainly due to the 20" rims. Switching to 19" would give you around 30 extra miles of range. This is true for most EVs: smaller rims and thicker tires equal better range. The GT-Line RWD comes with 19s as standard.

Loving my EV6 so far, but I do have some complaints:

  1. The Kia Connect mobile app is awful. I came from a Tesla, and this app feels like trading a PS5 for an old Ouya.
  2. The single USB data port is a slow Type-A, while the Type-Cs only charge (but at 27W!). I use a wireless Android Auto adapter now.
  3. The instrument cluster screen has a lot of wasted space and limited customization.
  4. The wireless charging pad is slow and makes my phone overheat. I’d honestly prefer an extra cup holder.
  5. Child lock and window lock are controlled by the same button, which is easy to press accidentally, leaving your passengers stuck.
  6. Remote start doesn’t turn on heated seats, whether through the key fob or the bad app.

Even with these issues, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, and I’d make the same choice again if I had to.

LOL, I can’t believe you mentioned the Ouya! I just found mine the other day. Wild times. I’m shocked I backed another Kickstarter after that one.

12

What sucks about this car:

  1. Horrible headlights. The LEDs in the reflector housing are just bad. The beam spread is poor, there’s no sharp cutoff, and no auto-leveling or swivel. I had to adjust the headlights all the way up to see better. The S4’s headlights, and even your wife’s RDX, are way better. The Ioniq 5 might have better ones?

  2. Small trunk. I can’t fit golf clubs without angling them at 45 degrees. It’s probably the same size as the A4/S4, but the S4’s trunk felt deeper.

  3. Low roofline. The sun visor hits my face when I try to flip it down. Definitely test it if you’re tall.

  4. Frunk is pretty useless. You can fit maybe a flashlight and a first aid kit in there.

  5. No rear wiper. There’s a Kickstarter for a suction-cup wiper for the Ioniq 5 that might work for the EV6.

  6. The audio system is lacking bass. Kia released an update that helped a bit, but even my cheap Bluetooth speaker has better sound quality.

That said, the fast charging is awesome, the performance is solid, and it’s comfortable inside. Plus, the backseat can be roomy depending on the front seat positions. The heat pump is also really efficient.

13

If you’re talking about the one from Vacaville, that price looks decent, but I’ve heard bad things about that dealer.

Dealers should perform all recalls, but it’s not guaranteed.

Just know the GT trim lacks some features like power seats, memory, and ventilation.

You’d need an adapter to use Tesla chargers, but it’s doable.

14

Christopher said:
If you’re talking about the one from Vacaville, that price looks decent, but I’ve heard bad things about that dealer.

Dealers should perform all recalls, but it’s not guaranteed.

Just know the GT trim lacks some features like power seats, memory, and ventilation.

You’d need an adapter to use Tesla chargers, but it’s doable.

Just a heads up: federal law says all dealers must complete recalls before selling the car.

This applies to every dealer, even the sketchy little used car lots. They’re supposed to take cars to the dealer for any open recalls.

But that doesn’t mean it always happens.

15

Christopher said:
If you’re talking about the one from Vacaville, that price looks decent, but I’ve heard bad things about that dealer.

Dealers should perform all recalls, but it’s not guaranteed.

Just know the GT trim lacks some features like power seats, memory, and ventilation.

You’d need an adapter to use Tesla chargers, but it’s doable.

Yep, that’s the one I’m looking at. Thanks for the heads up about the GT trim. I didn’t know it lacked features, so I’ll probably pass on it. I’ll focus on the GT-Line instead. Also, thanks for confirming the Tesla charging situation. I’ll look into an adapter.

16

I agree with others. As long as you keep a little booster kit for the 12V battery, you shouldn’t run into major problems.

17

jeff said:
I agree with others. As long as you keep a little booster kit for the 12V battery, you shouldn’t run into major problems.

Why does everyone mention the 12v battery? What’s the deal with it?

18

olivia said:

jeff said:
I agree with others. As long as you keep a little booster kit for the 12V battery, you shouldn’t run into major problems.

Why does everyone mention the 12v battery? What’s the deal with it?

No one knows for sure, but basically it can just die, and then the car won’t start.

The dealer will fix it, but it’s easier to jump it than wait for a tow. Some people swap the battery for an AGM one.

19

olivia said:
I’m looking into a low mileage GT-line. Currently thinking about swapping out my 2019 Audi S4 for something that works better for my family. We’ve got a 2-year-old and it’ll be our main car. My wife has a 2017 RDX which would be our secondary. I’d use it for commutes and trips around 60-90 miles to visit family. We live in Northern California, so no crazy weather to worry about.

What do you not like about the EV6? And what are the things that make it stand out?

Charging would mostly be at home, except when we’re on a trip. Do they work with Tesla chargers? How’s the charging station situation out there? Is the EPA estimated range close to real-world driving? Or should I expect better or worse? Also, any differences between the '22, '23, and '24 models?

Sorry for the long post! What do I not know that I should know from you seasoned EV6 owners?

Edit: Removed my interest in GT models after learning more about it.

There’s no spare tire, just a canister with some air and sealant to get you to a shop. The power gauge is overly optimistic at first, but it gets more accurate over time.

All that said, I’ve really enjoyed driving my EV6.

20

olivia said:
I’m looking into a low mileage GT-line. Currently thinking about swapping out my 2019 Audi S4 for something that works better for my family. We’ve got a 2-year-old and it’ll be our main car. My wife has a 2017 RDX which would be our secondary. I’d use it for commutes and trips around 60-90 miles to visit family. We live in Northern California, so no crazy weather to worry about.

What do you not like about the EV6? And what are the things that make it stand out?

Charging would mostly be at home, except when we’re on a trip. Do they work with Tesla chargers? How’s the charging station situation out there? Is the EPA estimated range close to real-world driving? Or should I expect better or worse? Also, any differences between the '22, '23, and '24 models?

Sorry for the long post! What do I not know that I should know from you seasoned EV6 owners?

Edit: Removed my interest in GT models after learning more about it.

My only complaint after 3 days of owning mine is that there’s no auto-lock feature. It’s a small thing, but it’s annoying not to have it.