DETROIT – The all-electric Kia EV6 has been named the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This marks the second time in three years that a Kia vehicle has won the award in this category and the first win for a Kia electric vehicle (EV).
The EV6 model has been on sale since early 2022 and has received praise for its sophistication and refinement. According to the CEO of Kia America, Sean Yoon, “Since going on sale in early 2022, the EV6 model range has illustrated the sophistication and refinement inherent to Kia EV engineering, and North American customers have taken notice.”
The EV6 was selected by 50 automotive experts from print, online, radio, and broadcast media. As part of the evaluation process, NACTOY jurors tested vehicles ranging from sports cars to pickup trucks, and assessed criteria including automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value.
To date, more than 19,000 EV6 models have been sold at Kia retailers throughout all 50 states, including the 576-hp EV6 GT that went on sale in December 2022. The EV6 delivers jaw-dropping performance, ultra-fast DC charging compatibility, available onboard power, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes innovative materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, a remarkable level of connectivity features, as well as Kia’s latest-generation energy-efficient heat pump, which scavenges waste heat from the car’s coolant system.
The EV6 is a critical part of the Kia “Plan S” strategy to launch at least two battery-electric vehicles (BEV) per year and build a full line-up of 14 BEVs by 2027. This win for the EV6 proves that the vehicle is not only a top utility vehicle, but also an exemplary electric vehicle.
