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Electric vehicles are all the rage in 2022. Like most automakers, Kia has already started its journey toward complete electrification. Kia is known for making high-quality, affordable vehicles that have become more luxurious over time. The brand is entering the EV space with the EV6 compact crossover, and it’s full-steam ahead. Here’s every electric Kia model available right now.

Does Kia have an electric car?

The 2022 Kia EV6 is an EV SUV, one of every electric Kia model that's available now
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

While automakers everywhere rush to begin production on electric vehicles, Kia is ahead of the curve. For 2022, the South Korean company already has two completely electric cars in its lineup. Additionally, a hybrid and two plug-in hybrids are available now. If fuel efficiency or zero emissions is vital to you, Kia is a great option right now. In short, Kia currently offers two electric cars.

Best of all, they’re much more affordable than competing EVs. Both models currently start at around $40,000 and have been reviewed well by most publications. For example, Car and Driver gave the 2022 Kia EV6 an 8 out of 10 overall rating and the Kia Niro EV the same score. Are the Kia electric cars worth buying right now?

How much does the Kia EV6 cost?

2022 Kia EV6 trims, one of the electric Kia models that is available now.
2022 Kia EV6 | Kia

Firstly, the new Kia EV6 has a starting price of $40,900. It’s a crossover and the company’s first dedicated EV, built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) on which many future Kia EVs will sit. While the starting price is affordable, it ranges about $15,000 from the base trim to the top-level option. However, the Kia EV6 is worth every penny.

The EV6 has an estimated range of up to 310 miles. In addition, it offers a few different options like rear- or all-wheel drive and two different batteries. EV6 models can also make up to 167 or 576 horsepower, depending on which model customers choose. Of course, the 576 horsepower option is the most expensive GT, which is supposedly capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in under 3.5 seconds.

2022 Kia EV6 TrimsPrice
Light RWD$42,115
Wind RWD$48,215
Wind AWD$52,115
GT-Line RWD$52,415
GT-Line AWD$57,115
Trims and prices include destination fees from Car and Driver.

How does the Kia Niro EV compare?

The 2022 Kia Niro EV is an EV crossover
2022 Kia Niro EV | Kia

Both of these electric Kia models are compact cars. How does one compare to the other in terms of range, price, and capability? Firstly, the Kia Niro EV is noticeably cheaper than its brand new sibling. Not to mention, only two trim levels are available for the Niro. Like the EV6, the Niro EV has fast-charging capabilities, although it can only drive 239 miles per charge.

As far as we’re concerned, the EV6 makes the Niro EV irrelevant. Almost everything is better and upgraded, and the price difference isn’t much to write home about. Nearly 100 miles of additional range is available by paying around $1,000 more for the base model EV6. In short, the two currently available electric Kia models are in the same class and share a lot of similarities. However, one is clearly a better option and it’s available now.

The future of Kia electric cars

Kia has plenty of electric vehicles in its arsenal coming in the next few years. From sporty coupes to full-size SUVs, soon, electricity will flood the Kia lineup. The automaker’s website is chock full of concept cars and examples of future EVs that are on the way. These include a larger version of the EV6 called the EV9 and the Soul’ster, representing an electric take on the Kia Soul.

Kia says 11 new electric vehicles will enter the market by 2026. For now, the EV6 is the first of many, and it’s an excellent compact crossover. Additionally, the Kia EV6 and Niro EV are more affordable than other electric options. Those wanting an electric crossover will have to pay more for any other brand’s offering, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and especially the Tesla Model Y.

Are Kia electric cars any good?

The newest electric entry into the Kia lineup, the EV6, is an excellent compact crossover. It’s got something for everyone with plenty of range, versatility, and a more powerful option as the top trim. Kia has established itself as a leading automaker globally with renowned models like the Telluride SUV. The South Korean automaker’s models are safe, affordable, and even luxurious. Starting with the EV6 and Niro EV, the electric Kia models seem to follow suit.

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