2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line Lengthy-Time period Replace: There’s not plenty of GT within the GT-Line

Our Kia EV6 is the GT-Line trim. It is a trim that means it has somewhat style of the monster-motored EV6 GT, despite the fact that it is down by 256 horsepower. It actually delivers on the floor. Visually, it is darn close to equivalent to its athletic sibling, from the bumpers to the wheels. The inside will get somewhat additional aptitude, too, if not the GT’s great bolstering. However what’s bothering me is, that is the place the sportiness ends. In any other case, it drives identical to the opposite EV6s that don’t have any actual sporting pretenses. And the suspension is what frustrates essentially the most, as a result of that is the place Kia might’ve made the GT-Line an attention-grabbing in-betweener.

That is to not say the EV6 GT-Line has dangerous suspension tuning. Quite the opposite, it is remarkably clean and comfy. It is a terrific cruiser. Arguably, it is extra true to the standard use of “GT” as “grand tourer.” However whenever you need to hustle it, you uncover that the physique is not fast to reply, and it rolls a good bit. At the least it is not as lackadaisical because the Ioniq 5. And it is disappointing as a result of the 320 horsepower on faucet and rear-drive bias could be a lot enjoyable to play with, if the chassis had been keen to as properly. Even the single-motor model might be entertaining, possibly much more so with out front-powered wheels to assist maintain issues in examine.

I deal with this for a few causes. Suspension could make such an enormous distinction within the character of a automotive, for higher or worse. In a very dramatic and poor instance, take a look at the short-lived Corolla Apex, which went from a tossable however compliant commuter to a rock-hard distress machine with its suspension tweaks. Certainly not would I would like this hypothetical stiffer GT-Line to go that rock onerous, however there’s loads of room to scale back roll and enhance response whereas sustaining a cushty experience.

There’s additionally the truth that suspension adjustments generally is a actually inexpensive technique to differentiate a automotive. Greater, extra highly effective motors and limited-slip differentials like within the GT are costly. That is precisely why mentioned GT is the most costly EV6. However in a different way tuned shocks and is derived? These are fairly inexpensive, particularly in case you’re not making them adjustable just like the GT’s. Positive, it is not free, however the GT-Line is not precisely low cost to start with. From the Wind with rear-drive to the rear-drive GT-Line, there is a $3,200 upcharge. Going from the all-wheel-drive Wind to the GT-Line like ours is a $4,700 soar. It does include just a few different normal options (some security gear, sunroof, ambient lighting) along with the “sportier” exterior and inside components, however nothing that makes the precise driving sportier.

One might moderately argue that in case you actually need the sportiness that a lot, simply purchase the GT. The GT is not even that rather more costly than our all-wheel-drive GT-Line at simply $3,000 extra. That is honest, however what else occurs whenever you go to the GT? You lose a lot of vary. The GT is rated at simply 206 miles, versus 252 for the GT-Line. And the GT-Line with rear-wheel drive can pull off 310 miles. That may be a giant deal for lots of consumers. Moreover, whereas the value climb from GT-Line all-wheel drive to GT is not that huge, it’s from the rear-drive GT-Line, particularly $7,700. That is a bummer in case you needed a touch extra sport with out blowing your finances.

Like I mentioned, I nonetheless very very like our Kia, however I’m wishing it had extra of the GT’s soul, and never simply its seems to be. Because it stands, I am beginning to assume the actually sensible cash is on both the Wind trims or the GT.

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