The soon-to-arrive in the Philippines all-electric Kia EV6 was named as the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This is the second occasion in three years that the NACTOY jury has named a Kia vehicle as its top choice in the category, and the first win for a Kia electric vehicle (EV).
The Kia EV6 joins the Acura Integra as the 2023 North American Car of the Year, while the 2023 North American Truck of the Year went to the Ford F-150 Lightning.
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.
According to one juror, “The Kia EV6 blends attractive styling, eye-popping performance, and tremendous range in a package that won’t break the bank. While Kia is a mainstream competitor, it has equipped this electric with the style and amenities you’d expect from a luxury brand.”
The buying public seems to agree. To date, more than 19,000 EV6 models have been sold at Kia retailers across the U.S., including the high-performance 576-horsepower EV6 GT.
Performance aside, the EV6 is ultra-fast DC charging compatible, has available onboard power (V2L), and a flat-floor interior that uses innovative materials throughout the cabin. It also has a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, a remarkable level of connectivity features, and 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.
What the holy hell is a utility vehicle?
ReplyDeleteMPVs, SUVs, crossovers.
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