Kia’s recent triumph in securing the prestigious 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of The Year (NACTOY) award for the EV6 has been commemorated with a special limited edition variant. The unveiling took place at The Quail during the Monterey Car Week festivities, where Kia America showcased this exclusive version of the EV6, adorned with bespoke design elements to mark the remarkable achievement.
With an intention to produce only 1,000 units of this special edition, Kia is adding an air of exclusivity to the commemorative model. One of the standout features of this variant is the unique paint color named Deep Forest Green, a distinctive touch aimed at setting it apart from the standard models. Additionally, the exterior of the special edition EV6 boasts blacked-out elements such as wheel arches, side skirts, and mirrors, borrowing design cues from the EV6 Wind variant within the lineup, as confirmed by Kia America.
Further enhancing the aesthetics, the special edition EV6 inherits the 20-inch alloy wheels and sunroof from the EV6 GT-Line, a move that adds a touch of sportiness and elegance to the overall design. Inside the cabin, the limited-run electric crossover features notable elements, including NACTOY medallions and a subtle silhouette image of the vehicle adjacent to the gear selector. These design choices were revealed during the model’s introduction at the Monterey Car Week.
The special edition EV6 is powered by the same robust all-wheel-drive GT-Line motors. Collectively, these motors deliver an impressive 320 horsepower and a substantial 446 pound-feet of torque. The power is harnessed from a 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery, which is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, also utilized in other electric vehicles like the Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60.
While exact pricing details for this special edition variant are yet to be unveiled, Kia has promised to share them as the vehicle’s on-sale date approaches later in the year. Jeff Gilbert, the president of North American Car Truck and Utility of the Year, emphasized the exceptional attributes of the EV6 that led to its recognition, citing superior driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and efficient charging capabilities as contributing factors.
The base model of the Kia EV6, featuring rear-wheel drive, starts at $42,600 in the US as of August 17, 2023. At the upper end of the spectrum, the 576 horsepower GT version commands a price of $61,600. Despite its acclaim, the EV6 has faced some challenges in terms of sales compared to its rivals. Year-to-date sales figures for the US indicate a 28 percent decline compared to the previous year, with 10,265 units sold. One notable drawback for potential buyers is the EV6’s ineligibility for the $7,500 tax credit. However, lease options might offer a viable alternative for interested customers, contingent on their geographical location.
