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The 2023 Tesla Model Y is one of the highest-regarded electric SUVs on the market. Despite this, the 2023 Kia EV6 compares to it in three main ways. Not only does it deliver similar performance, but this is a vehicle with similar rankings that comes at a lower price than the Model Y Tesla. The Kia Electric SUV may not have all the same state-of-the-art features as the Tesla, but it has a few tricks of its own. 

Here’s how the 2023 Kia EV6 compares to the 2023 Tesla. 

The 2023 Kia EV6 is faster than the Model Y Tesla

A white 2023 Tesla Model Y
2023 Tesla Model Y | Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

The 2023 Model Y Tesla is similar to the 2023 Kia EV6 in terms of performance. Regarding the Kia Electric SUV, it has a few options. According to Car and Driver, the base model uses a single electric motor on the rear axle with a maximum output of 167 horsepower. For people who want all-wheel drive, the EV6 offers electric motors on both ends with options for either 320 or 576 hp. 

In terms of the 2023 Tesla, the SUV comes in two trims. The Model Y Performance has a maximum output of 456 horsepower, while the more efficient Long-Range version has 384 hp. Both options come with two independent electric motors. Of course, the Long Range Tesla Model Y is for those who value range over speed. 

Where the Kia EV6 performance really compares to the 2023 Tesla is with the GT trim. The 320 HP version almost equals the Tesla Model Y Long Range with its 4.5 seconds 0 to 60 miles per hour time. However, the faster 576 HP EV6 GT does the feat in 3.2 seconds, while it takes the Model Y Performance 3.6 seconds to get from 0 to 60 miles per hour. 

The 2023 Tesla and the new Kia EV6 offer similar range

2023 Kia EV6 at an autoshow
2023 Kia EV6 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

The 2023 Tesla Model Y provides better range than the 2023 Kia Electric SUV. However, the Kia option charges faster. The EV6 has two battery options, a 58 kWh and a 77.4 kWh, with ranges of 232 and up to 310 miles on a charge. However, the GT trim has a range of 206 miles per charge. 

Regarding the 2023 Tesla, the Long Range version has a range of 330 miles, whereas the Model Y Performance gets 303 miles. The entry-level 2023 Tesla Model Y has a range of 279 miles. In terms of charging, the Kia EV6 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes with a 350 kW fast charger. This gives the Kia EV6 an extra 70 miles in roughly five minutes. 

The Kia Electric SUV is a little cheaper

2023 Kia EV6 interior
2023 Kia EV6 | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

Though not by much, the new Kia EV6 has a smaller price tag than the 2023 Tesla. The EV6 has a starting price of $48,700. However, other trims of the vehicle are well over $50,000. Regarding the Tesla Model Y, it starts at $54,990. Of course, it gets considerably more expensive as more features are added. 

Both the new electric Kia SUV and the Model Y are considered great SUVs. Neither of these two is the cheapest EV on the market, but they both offer impressive performance. Some buyers may be more attracted to the Kia SUV’s more traditional approach, whereas others will want the state-of-the-art nature of the Tesla. Still, these SUVs are more similar than most would expect. 

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