The 2023 Kia EV6 AWD GT has a combined fuel economy rating of 79 MPG, a figure that shows performance enthusiasts what to expect from an electric vehicle. The EV6 GT is a performance-oriented car with fast acceleration and tight handling, wrapped in a stylish and practical crossover. That it achieves efficient energy consumption while delivering sports car thrills shows Kia’s engineering.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the EV6 GT’s fuel economy, showing an impressive 85 MPG in city driving and 74 MPG on the highway. The higher city MPG shows the efficiency of electric motors in stop-and-go traffic. Regenerative braking captures energy when decelerating, feeding it back into the battery and reducing energy waste. The lower highway figure is due to aerodynamic drag and the higher power needed to maintain speed on the freeway. Even so, 74 MPG is an excellent highway number for a vehicle with this performance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Kia EV6 AWD GT is $950. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average electricity prices at the time of calculation. While individual charging costs will vary, $950 is a significant savings compared to similar gasoline-powered vehicles. Expect to pay less if you drive fewer miles per year or charge mostly during off-peak hours where electricity rates are lower.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a standard, real-world fuel economy will vary. Driving style, temperature, terrain, and tire pressure all affect an EV6 GT’s energy use. Expect the range to decrease in colder weather because of heating the cabin and maintaining battery temperature. Aggressive driving will also reduce efficiency. A more relaxed driving style will get you closer to the EPA numbers, or even exceed them. Pay attention to the vehicle’s energy consumption display to understand how your driving habits affect efficiency.

How it compares

The Kia EV6 AWD GT competes with other electric crossovers, and its fuel economy is good compared to performance EVs. The Ford Mustang Mach-E GT gets a combined rating of 90 MPG, a slight edge. The Mach-E GT may prioritize performance differently. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD, sharing a platform with the EV6, manages 99 MPG combined, but lacks the GT tuning. Tesla’s Model Y Long Range offers an estimated 122 MPG combined, a significant advantage, but costs more. The EV6 GT balances performance and efficiency for drivers who want fast acceleration without sacrificing less gas. Drivers can compare EV6 MPG across all years to see its consistent efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the EV6 GT’s regenerative braking system. Try different regen settings to find the level that suits your driving style. Higher regen settings allow for more deceleration and energy capture, turning the electric motor into a generator when you lift off the accelerator. Mastering “one-pedal driving” can improve your efficiency.

Precondition the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in. This lets the car heat or cool the interior using grid electricity instead of drawing power from the battery, saving range, especially when it’s very hot or cold. The Kia Connect app allows remote preconditioning to ensure a comfortable cabin before you get in.

Check tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep the recommended levels. This is also a safety issue.

Plan your routes. Use the navigation system to find charging stations along your route, especially on long trips. Kia’s navigation system can also consider elevation changes and traffic to lower energy use.

Gentle acceleration and consistent speeds help improve efficiency. Avoid hard acceleration, if possible. The car can launch quickly, but doing so consistently will drain the battery quicker.

The all Kia fuel economy data shows the EV6 GT delivers a sporty experience without the environmental cost of high-performance gasoline cars.