My wife and I need to get another car and after test driving a few different EV vehicles we are thinking about getting the Kia EV6. Anyone have one that they love / hate? Anything we should know? This would be our first electric vehicle.
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I drive an Ioniq 6 that I got used as well and really like it. Also same engine etc. as in the EV 6, but has a higher efficiency. Thus, you’ll have lower charging costs and can drive further distances per charge / less stops on longer trips.
I also had the ICCU issue that was mentioned here, but got it replaced without much trouble or wait time. Can’t judge though if it’s a permanent fix or if the inherent issue remains.
Same on all counts. They paid for the tow and the repair.
They did leave my 12v battery completely drained for a week in winter though, and then wouldn’t replace it. So I expect that battery won’t make it the normal 7 years before it needs to be replaced.
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Day-to-day, it’s very nice. Charging at CCS chargers is very fast (though charging at Tesla is slower than some, 98kw). If you’re not in a warm climate, be sure you get one with battery preconditioning (in '22, that meant getting an AWD model).
The GT (and I think GT-Line?) has a low ceiling due to the sunroof… we got the Wind+options due to tall family members.
The interior and exterior 120v outlets are really nice: I powered a freezer, fridge, window A/C unit and internet from it during an all-day power outage.
We are looking for the wind line for the extra capacity and they are cheaper. I’m tall but my wife is short so the height issue would just be for me.
I forgot about exterior 120 v outlets. That has some nice uses
I’ve only test driven the EV3 but I assume some things may be similar.
If it has the same camera the EV3 has sitting beyond the wheel constantly filming the driver’s face, that’d be a big no from me.
The EV3 also immediately started to play obnoxious alerts as soon as I looked at the displays for even a second (so I was basically not allowed to check my route, my speed or anything else).
I didn’t have anything like that when test driving. But we will have to see when we try again
I had one for just under 4 years. The Hyundai E-GMP cars are plagued by bad ICCU (integrated charge control unit) problems. When that thing goes pop the car usually winds up stranded, and they’re having so many of them fail now that dealers can’t get parts for months. That’s why I traded my EV6 last month. If the ICCU goes bad out of warranty - and you can get the replacement - it appearently costs about $4000 in parts and labor to replace.
Besides that, it really was pretty excellent.
Do you know if certain years had that issues? We were looking for used so we can pick a year
They did a big recall like a year ago? (the day mine died on me…). It impacts all EV6 and Ioniq 5 models from like 2023-2025 (more info)
Ask your dealer if there are any active recalls on the vehicle. A reputable dealer should have already fixed it because it was recalled under warranty.
The EV6 and Ioniq 5 are basically the same car under the chassis so they have generally the same strengths and weaknesses.
Wait… are the 2022s mostly in the clear?
https://lemonlawexperts.com/kia-and-hyundai-iccu-recall-ev6-ioniq-5-other-evs/
I wouldn’t bank on it. The recalls are covered under warranty though, just take it in.
I am planning on buying used from one of dealers in nearby. I’ll make sure I ask.
The ioniq 5 was my other choice so good to know I can’t escape this I guess
For what it’s worth, my sister’s SO got a used Ioniq 5 and loves it. It’s a gorgeous car, and a steal used.
Though nothing happened yet, they’re aware of the ICCU issue. But it’s also still on warranty, I suppose.
I’ve heard nothing bad about the ioniq series. We liked the look and feel of the EV6 more
Like others said, they’re basically the same car underneath. So it comes down to ergonomics and style; just personal preference, really.
…With the exception of the highest end. The EV6 GT is more like a luxury crossover; think a tricked out Mercedes.
But the Ioniq Ns are batshit crazy track cars. They are fast. As they point out here, it’s the only EV that can lap the Nurburgring without breaking down: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HZczpFsv9ZY
Not that interested in the higher end sporter GT line (even though most of the used ones are that.). The range increases is worth the decrease in power.
I do love that they are making track electric vehicles. Good to see they can go crazy fast. Good for electric vehicles image
AFAIK, all EV6’s, IQ5s etc have the ICCU issue, which appears to be under-spec MOSFETs . One tally on a forum I’m on estimates 2%-10% of owners have experienced failure. However, the 10yr/100k-mile electric warranty covers it.
There is a new part number last month for the ICCU (from old 36400 1XFA0 to new 36400 1XFA0A), so there’s some hope that it may be sorted. Maybe your dealer can verify that a new EV6 has the new ICCU part number (I’ve also heard that it can be read via CarScanner).
We are at 80k miles, so hoping either ours pops within 20k, or else there is a recall or class-action.
Heh. Wait for a humid day, take it around a track to stress it out, and get it to pop in-warranty.
A new part number is good to know. That way I can ask about it when buying it. We are planning on buying used from a dealer so they should know
All of them, sadly. It seems to become more prevalent as they age. Kia warranty for the first owner is something like 10 years, but they cut it to 5 years as soon as the car is sold to a second owner, so be aware.
Heard about it. Got to make sure we check with the dealer
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Yeah, the replacement ICCU is susceptible to the same problem as the original one. Just kicks the can down the road.
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Own two 2022 Ioniq 5s. Liked the interior space and the pseudo 80s hatch styling better than the EV6’s sportier/spaceship styling.
IMHO, they’re the best EVs at their price point.
E-GMP is 4 model years in and pretty mature at this point. I did have 1 ICCU go out in each car relatively early, but those were replaced under warranty and haven’t had another go out yet (knock on wood). Feel like they might have changed ICCU parts after learning the hard way.
If you’re careful with cars and can afford it, I’d probably lease at first, as the EV tech is still rapidly evolving and depreciation on EVs is swift, but at the time they had the $7500 tax credit so I just financed, plus I got little kids that love to trash the interiors. They’ve got decent deals on them as they’re trying to keep moving inventory.
If you want to wait a bit and wanna go used, they’re be a bunch coming off leases about now.
I hit a deer going 35-45 mph with one. Did $17000 damage to the front, but insurance covered that and got it fixed like new. As long as you don’t hit the battery, they are fixable.
Cost breakdown in my mind:
Oil changes: nil Tires: increased Insurance: increased, but probably same as an equivalently priced car (how much is insurance on an entry level Beamer gonna cost you?) Brakes: decreased, didn’t hit first brake job until 70k as I drive with heavy regen in the city a lot
We have a 6 month old which is why we need a new car. We are going to buy used to avoid that quick depreciation from the first year. I don’t think a lease would be worth it
Makes sense. If I were on a lease I’d probably owe hundreds if not thousands on cleaning fees turning my cars in now. Would highly recommend you get a little Bissel Green steam cleaner or similar cleaning device. Milk stains alone are horrible if left to sit.
If you could snag a low mileage 2023-2024 coming off a lease you’d be solid. Then again with gas prices where they’re at, that might be a bit easier said than done.
Would also recommend the weather tech floor mats. They’re a bit pricey, but it’s so nice to be able to just pull em out and hose them off.
Good call
We bought a bissel for our house which we haven’t used yet. We are pretty tidy but all bets are off. Not worth getting a lease
Buy one 3 years old, they devalue by half in 36 months.
Good to know. I found they were one of the cheapest EVs and had all of the bells and whistles.
Have you tried the Ioniq 5? Only because I was in the same boat and ended up choosing between the EV6 and Ioniq 5. I ended up leasing the Ioniq 5
Currently driving a Hyundai Kona EV, which is the same platform as the Kia Niro EV. If I were looking around for a new car right now, the EV6 would be one of the first I’d take for a test drive.
Give the Ioniq 5 a test drive as well, if you haven’t already. It’s the same platform as the EV6 and you might like the ride better.
I tried both. I liked the EV 6 the best. Well second best behind the VW Buzz but that’s twice the price
Nephew has one. Both he and his wife love it and would buy it again. Check those insurance rates though.
Do Kias have a higher rate? Or EV cars?
When I looked at used car insurance rates recently, EV rates were significantly higher for cars of similar selling prices. That may just be due to the fact the initial sticker price is substantially more for an EV than it is for a similar gas vehicle.
I think without paying for gas I am sure the EV is cheaper still overall. Especially the way prices are going
Probably so, but it’s better to be aware of the costs up front so you can take everything into account when making a purchase decision.
Good to know. Thank you
Not sure where you get that idea.
EV insurance is higher because Teslas cause more crashes than any other brand. EVs are full of distractions.
“I get that idea” by getting quotes directly from my insurer on various EV’s models that don’t include Teslas. Where do you get the idea that Tesla crash statistics define the insurance cost for every EV on the market?
Have an EV6, love it, AMA. Only thing I don’t like is the stupid handles. They’re dumb. Really dumb.
I have had 1 issue with it not caused by outside forces, and that was the ICCU recall which Kia replaced on their own dime.
Battery has held up over the last few years, no sign of early aging. It charges fast and handles well.
If you have your choice of model years know that in the US they swapped from CCS to NACS (Tesla) charging standards recently so check what charging infrastructure is available near you. Good UL Listed adapters that won’t start a fire are a couple hundred bucks, so weigh that against upgrade costs.
In the US, Tesla superchargers are more abundant on long drives but charge a little slower than Electrify America or similar CCS chargers.
If I were to buy again I’d probably stick with it but damn it would be tempting to get something where I dont have to constantly re-explain the handles to every person who rides in it. That may be a dealbreaker on its replacement.
I thought the handles were fine but I can see them getting really annoying. I have heard of the ICCU problem which I need to ask about when buying used.
I know the charger has changed so I’ll have to get a better adaptor. I am thinking of getting a level 2 charger in my garage but I am a little hesitant about getting a CCS port
Don’t worry too much about CCS vs NACS, as there are simple adapters to convert between them. The protocol the cars talk to the chargers with is all the same, it’s just a different physical connector. If you’re going to be doing any kind of good mileage I would recommend getting the level 2 charger in your garage if you can. I use one and take advantage of cheap real-time/off peak electric rates to do all my charging in the middle of the night.
That’s the plan to get a level 2 to get the best charging deal. We will be doing mostly city driving well within the range so just a top up when prices work
What country? Used or new?
I live in the USA in the upper Midwest. We are looking for used car. With an EV we’re thinking just a few years used from a dealer
