Say you’re shopping for an EV with no more than $30,000 to spend. With the average new electric vehicle still priced around $60,000 in March, that budget narrows your options fast—you’re either going for something no-frills, or heading straight to the used market.
For a while now, the go-to advice has been simple: if you want a cheap EV, buy a used one. That rule of thumb still applies, but it’s not as ironclad as it used to be—and buyers are starting to notice.
Battery prices are falling, and competition in the EV world is heating up. As automakers race to undercut each other, starting prices for new EVs are sliding down too, reshaping what “affordable” really looks like.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds, the EPA, and J.D. Power.
The 2022 Kia EV6 Proves You Don’t Need New to Get Great
The Kia EV6 is a five-seat electric SUV that blends sporty styling with impressive tech and features—even in the base model. And if you’re into extras, there’s no shortage of add-ons to level things up.
When it first hit the scene in 2022, the EV6 came in three trims: a budget-friendly rear-wheel-drive version, a long-range mid-tier with optional all-wheel drive, and a top-tier trim packed with power and premium features. Whether you were chasing range, performance, or creature comforts, there was a version to match.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the lineup has grown to eight trims, with prices ranging from $42,900 to $63,800. But here’s the kicker: you can now find a fully-loaded 2022 EV6 for under $30K—or even snag a base model for around $22K—depending on mileage and condition.
2022 Kia EV6 Specifications
Light | Wind | GT-Line | |
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | Single Electric Motor | Single/Dual Electric Motors | Single/Dual Electric Motors |
Horsepower | 167 HP | 225–320 HP | 225–320 HP |
Torque | 258 LB-FT | 258–446 LB-FT | 258–446 LB-FT |
Transmission | Single Speed | Single Speed | Single Speed |
Driveline | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear- or All-Wheel Drive | Rear- or All-Wheel Drive |
Range | 232 Miles | 210/274 Miles RWD/AWD | 310/274 Miles RWD/AWD |
Fuel Economy (City) | 136 MPGe | 134 MPGe (RWD) 116 MPGe (AWD) | 134 MPGe (RWD) 116 MPGe (AWD) |
Fuel Economy (Highway) | 100 MPGe | 101 MPGe (RWD) 94 MPGe (AWD) | 101 MPGe (RWD) 94 MPGe (AWD) |
Fuel Economy (Combined) | 117 MPGe | 117 MPGe (RWD) 105 MPGe (AWD) | 117 MPGe (RWD) 105 MPGe (AWD) |
Towing Capacity | No Towing Capacity | 2,300 LBS. (w/Brake) | 2,300 LBS. (w/Brake) |
The Kia EV6 vs. The Hyundai Ioniq 5
At first glance, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 look like two sides of the same coin—and that’s no accident. Kia and Hyundai are sister companies, so they share platforms, tech, and development costs to build similar cars with different personalities.
This kind of badge-sharing isn’t unusual—just look at the Chevy Equinox EV and Honda Prologue, or the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. It’s all about giving buyers more choices without reinventing the wheel each time.
The EV6 leans sporty, with sharp styling, a stiffer suspension, and a cabin that feels like it’s from the future. The Ioniq 5, on the other hand, goes for a boxy, retro vibe, with a softer ride and an airy, minimalist interior that feels more like a lounge.
Both hit the market in 2022, and while the Ioniq 5 scooped up a bunch of awards—including Car of the Year—the EV6 didn’t walk away empty-handed in terms of praise. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either, and the better choice might just come down to your driving style, your taste in design, or what deal pops up when you’re ready to buy.
Kia might come across as slightly more premium, but in reality, both brands deliver similar levels of quality—and price tags that don’t really show a gap.
Smart, Safe, and Seriously Good-Looking
When you’re shopping for a used car, reliability and safety are non-negotiable. You want something you can trust—not just today, but down the road, too.
The Kia EV6 checks both boxes with confidence. And with a strong warranty still in play on many used models, it’s a choice that brings extra peace of mind without the new-car price tag.
Reliability That Pays off Over Time
The 2022 Kia EV6 scored big with J.D. Power, landing in the top ten compact SUVs of the year. It earned an impressive 83 out of 100 overall, with standout marks for driving experience (95/100) and resale value (94/100), plus a solid 77/100 for reliability.
Safety-wise, it’s just as reassuring. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, their highest rating, and while the NHTSA fully tested only the 2023 model, it gave that version a perfect five stars across the board—so you can feel confident behind the wheel.
Kia is known for its industry-leading warranties, including:
- 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty
- 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan
- 10-year/100,000-mile battery and EV components warranty
Buying a 2022 Kia EV6 means you’re tapping into the solid reliability scores from J.D. Power and top safety ratings from trusted U.S. agencies. Plus, you get the added comfort of a five-year battery warranty—covering the priciest part of any electric vehicle.
Sleek on the Outside, Spacious on the Inside
The Kia EV6 rolls out of the gate with sleek 19-inch alloy wheels, while the GT-Line ups the game with optional 20-inch rims.
Its headlights adapt automatically to changing light, paired with bright LED daytime running lights and crisp LED taillights, including brake lights on the rear spoiler.
Even the outside mirrors get some love—they’re heated, power-folding, adjustable at the touch of a button, and sport LED turn signal indicators for added style and safety.
Inside the Kia EV6, you’ll find a tilt-and-telescopic steering column and a crisp 12.3-inch digital display cluster that keeps all your important info front and center. A trip computer rounds out the tech you’ll see right in front of you.
The seats come in either cloth or artificial leather, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment and two-way lumbar support for extra comfort. Front seats don’t just look good—they’re heated and ventilated, and the passenger seat’s adjustability depends on which trim you choose.
A clever center touch panel lets you toggle easily between climate control and radio settings, keeping things simple and intuitive on the go.
Great Range and Power Without Breaking the Bank
When you’re buying an EV, it’s not just about raw power—it’s about how that power affects both performance and range. The key lies in the balance between battery voltage, total energy (measured in kWh), and the horsepower that energy needs to push.
Put simply, the same battery pack will last longer if it’s powering less horsepower, while demanding more power eats into your range. Smaller batteries usually mean less performance, so it’s a trade-off you’ll want to understand.
Let’s break down what each EV6 trim offers in terms of power and range. And don’t forget charging—while the EV6 easily handles overnight home charging on a budget, fast charging speed becomes crucial when you’re hitting the road for longer trips.
Get Up to 310 Miles on One Full Charge
Light | Wind | GT-Line | |
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Voltage | 552.7V | 697V | 697V |
Battery Energy | 58 kWh | 77.4 kWh | 77.4 kWh |
Range | 232 Miles | 310/274 MIles RWD/AWD | 310/274 Miles RWD/AWD |
0–60 MPH | 8.0 Seconds | 7.2/5.1 Seconds | 7.2/5.1 Seconds |
Top Speed | 115 MPH | 115/117 MPH | 115/117 MPH |
DC Fast Charge With 350 kW EVSE | 18 Minutes | 18 Minutes | 18 Minutes |
225 Horsepower With a Rear-Wheel Drive Kick
Horsepower works a bit differently in an EV compared to a traditional gas engine. With electric motors, torque kicks in instantly, while internal combustion engines need a moment to rev up all their moving parts.
That’s why the 167-horsepower Light model can sprint to 60 mph in a quick eight seconds, and the 225-horsepower Wind RWD shaves that down to 7.2 seconds. But the real wake-up call comes with the 320-horsepower dual-motor AWD—hitting 60 in just 5.1 seconds and leaving plenty of performance cars in the dust at stoplights.
Premium Features You’d Expect in a Luxury EV
When it comes to EV features, 2022 feels like a whole era ago compared to what’s available now. Still, the EV6—like most Kia models—arrives well-equipped right out of the box, with plenty of great standard features and some tempting options to upgrade.
Double the Screens, Double the Navigation Power
The EV6 comes packed with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen that handles navigation and entertainment like a pro. You’ll get AM/FM/MP3, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, plus wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay—all wrapped up with voice recognition and a built-in modem.
Staying connected is easy with a Wi-Fi hotspot, while comfort is covered thanks to automatic climate control with auto defog. And when it comes to charging, there are USB-A and USB-C ports up front and back, plus wireless phone charging to keep your devices powered without the clutter.
Standard Safety Tech, Including Easy Highway Driving
Beyond the usual safety basics like airbags, crumple zones, and ABS, the EV6 comes loaded with plenty of driver-assist features right from the start. You’ll find handy tools like multiple drive modes, parking distance warnings, and blindspot alerts.
It also includes lane-keeping assist and driver attention warnings to keep you focused on the road. Plus, there’s a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, forward collision avoidance using camera and radar, and smart cruise control to make highway driving easier and safer.
