The Kia EV6 and Volkswagen ID.4 represent two visions of affordable electric driving with crossover SUV practicality. The sleek and future-tech Kia contrasts sharply with the friendly, familiar VW. This extensive feature comparison explores every key nuance separating these compelling EVs to determine a definitive winner.
I draw from my expertise in emerging automotive technology to provide simple but detailed analysis of the specs and capabilities defining each vehicle. Let’s compare these electric SUVs across 8 key categories. Strap in for the ride!
Pricing and Configurations
The Kia EV6 starts $10K higher than VW’s cheapest ID.4, but price premiums often reflect greater long-term value:
Kia EV6 Trims
- Wind RWD – $48,700
- Wind AWD – $52,600
- GT Line RWD – $54,225
- GT Line AWD – $57,600
- GT AWD – $61,600
VW ID.4 Versions
- ID.4 – $38,995
- ID.4 Pro – $44,175
- ID.4 Pro S – $50,725
- ID.4 AWD Pro – $46,175
- ID.4 AWD Pro S – $52,725
- ID.4 AWD Pro S Plus – $55,245
The EV6 Wind RWD model delivers an unbeatable blend of 310 miles range, rapid charging and deluxe tech starting under $50,000. Meanwhile, VW’s ID.4 Pro S tops out at 275 miles range even when fully loaded at over $52,000.
Let’s break down key factors influencing value:
Battery Capacity and Motors
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 77.4 kWh | 82 kWh (max) |
| Motor Power | 168 kW (225 hp) RWD 239 kW (320 hp) AWD |
150 kW (201 hp) RWD 220 kW (295 hp) AWD |
Despite a smaller battery, base EV6 models match or surpass VW’s range due to superior efficiency. More powerful electric motors contribute to faster acceleration as well.
Advanced engineering produces outsize value from Kia’s pack design.
Included Equipment
The Kia EV6 Wind RWD comes loaded standard at its $48,700 sticker price:
- 310 mile range
- 800V fast charging
- Dual 12.3” displays
- Wireless Apple/Android Auto
- Multi View camera
- Remote Smart Park Assist
- Heated/Ventilated Front Seats
- 20” wheels
Meanwhile, Volkswagen charges extra for comparable capability:
- 275 mile range asks $52,700+
- Matrix LED lighting costs extra
- Ventilated & massaging seats extra
- 20” wheels an option
Kia EV6 Provides More Features Per Dollar Spent
Clearly the Kia extracts more value from every battery cell while treating owners to the latest tech gadgets. Value-minded buyers should run the numbers with an open mind.
Driving Range and Charging Speeds
Batteries are the most expensive part of an electric vehicle. So range–a measure of battery capacity–has massive impact on overall value. Here the Kia EV6 outdistances its VW rival thanks to cutting-edge battery chemistry:
Max Driving Range
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| RWD Range | 310 miles | 275 miles |
| AWD Range | 274 miles | 255 miles |
Impressively, base EV6 Wind RWD models achieve 310 miles range by EPA estimates–among the highest ratings for a non-Tesla EV. All-weather security comes with AWD models yielding 274 miles range.
The ID.4 Pro S does match that 274 figure in rear-drive form. But there’s no questioning the Kia’s battery expertise–unlocking 310 miles range typifies clever engineering that benefits owners through daily driving.
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Chemistry | Nickel/Cobalt/Manganese | Lithium-Ion |
Kia also leverages cutting-edge battery chemistry for enhanced longevity compared to the ID.4’s conventional lithium-ion cells. This signals better residual value after years of operation.
Both SUVs recharge rapidly when harnessing DC fast charging:
10-80% Charge Time
| | Kia EV6 | VW ID.4
—|—|—|—
Peak Charging Speed | 18 minutes | 36 minutes
Ample charging infrastructure across the country enables road trips in both vehicles. But with an 800-volt electrical architecture, the Kia EV6 recovers charge in nearly half the time based on maximum charging rate. Drivers will appreciate those saved minutes.
Kia EV6: Faster Recharging and Greater Driving Range
No automaker can defy physics–bigger batteries equal more miles. But Kia leverages superior technology to wring class-leading range from the EV6’s packed-in cells.
Performance and Handling Dynamics
These electric SUVs play very different tunes when it comes to driving character:
Acceleration
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 sec (GT) 5.2 sec (RWD) |
6.9 sec |
Handling
| | Kia EV6 | VW ID.4
—|—|—|—
Style| Sporty and nimble | Comfort-focused
Performance models like Kia’s EV6 GT Line tackle corners with aplomb thanks to a low center of gravity battery installation. Generous power from dual electric motors elicits grins when accelerating. Expect a firm yet complaint ride.
Volkswagen targets family hauling over Twisty Canyon runs. Softer suspension tuning absorbs bumps for backseat riders but allows more body roll when swerving. Power delivery prioritizes smoothness over neck-snapping torque bursts. Handling leans towards predictable and safe rather than exciting.
Bottom line: The Kia EV6 provides a taste of electricity’s performance potential absent from the ID.4. Volkswagen keeps excitement levels muted.
Kia EV6: Agile Dynamism Wins Praise From Critics
“Overboost” power bursts thrill when passing, granting the EV6 an athletically engaging spirit often missing from vanilla competitor offerings.
Interior Space and Versatility
Cabin roominess and cargo flexibility also shape daily livability. Here’s how passenger and storage dimensions stack up:
Rear Cargo Capacity
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Seats Up | 24.4 cubic feet | 30.3 cubic feet |
| Rear Seats Folded | ND | 64.2 cubic feet |
Volkswagen’s boxy profile pays dividends in box-swallowing practicality. Kia’s sloping hatch cuts style points but pinches some versatility. Still 24.4 cubes suits most shopping runs.
Passenger Volume
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | 40.3” / 38.1” | 41.1” / 39.6” |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 42.2" / 36.4" | 41.1” / 37.6” |
Space gets tight for taller occupants in Kia’s swoopy second row. The VW ID.4 offers adult-friendly head and legroom front or back. Its flat roofline expands vertical space.
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 108.9 inches |
Overall Length | 184.8 inches | 180.5 inches
The VW ID.4’s extra girth between the wheels aids ride comfort, though both platforms handle road imperfections admirably. Exterior dimensions align neatly as well.
In other cargo considerations, the Kia EV6 provides a handy front trunk for added storage nooks. But only VW enables towing capacity up to 2,700 pounds for lightweight trailers.
Passenger and Cargo Room Favor Volkswagen
For shoppers hauling families plus gear, the VW ID.4 benefits from clever packaging that makes the most of available square footage.
Styling and Aesthetic Appeal
Eco-conscious drivers needn’t suffer sensible but boring design. These electric SUVs blend green motoring with visual flair:
Exterior Styling
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Sleek and sporty | Upright, box-like |
| Front Styling | Futuristic | Friendly familiarity |
| Rear Treatment | Tapered hatch | Upright hatch |
| Wheels | Ultra-modern | Conservative |
Kia embraces excitement with the EV6 exterior. Muscular haunches foreshadow performance while a tapering roofline hints sporty pretensions. Its menacing face turns heads anywhere but blends surprisingly practical hatch proportions.
Contrast the ID.4’s upright and squarish posture resembling traditional SUVs. Rounded edges soften an otherwise slab-sided design. But angular lighting and apertures modernize things just enough. This electric VW keeps aesthetic daring in check.
Cabin Design
Things get even further futuristic inside the EV6 versus a conservatively stylish Volkswagen interior.
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | Dual widescreens | Single screen |
| Materials | Tech-centric | Sensible |
| Buttons | Minimal | Tactile controls |
| Seats | Sport contouring | Flat |
Kia deploys a Starship Enterprise vibe with its integrated glass console spanning two 12.3” displays. Blue ambient backlighting and galactic audio dance club lighting keeps the excitement strong into the night driving. VW plays it much safer with knobs and buttons still dominating functions.
Exterior: Kia Seeks Sport Sedan Style
Inside: Kia Goes Full Space Age While VW Stays Grounded
Safety Technology and Driver Assistance Features
Responsibly shepherding loved ones means Selecting vehicles with the latest aids for accident avoidance. Happily both electric SUVs shine when equipped with optional extra equipment:
Key Safety Specs
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS Top Safety Pick + | Standard | Standard |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Standard | Optional Package |
Purchasing peace of mind becomes easier for tech-savvy buyers thanks to sophisticated electronic guardian angels. For example:
Lane Keeping Assist
Cameras follow road markings while correcting steering wheel position to keep drivers centered in their lane if drifting occurs. Helpful during long highway journeys.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Set your desired speed, and RADAR gauges following distance to lead vehicles – slowing your EV automatically if needed to match traffic ahead. Reduces cognitive load in busy driving scenarios.
Blind Spot Information
Radar monitors adjacent lanes relaying visual alerts about any unseen vehicles hanging in your blind spot. Takes the uncertainty out of merges or lane changes.
Backup Collision-Avoidance
When reversing, the vehicle automatically stops to prevent an imminent collision with an obstruction detected behind the car based on proximity warnings from corner-mounted ultrasonic sensors. Prevents dings!
All capabilities require driver supervision but demonstrate how quickly safety technologies progress. As an engineer observing automotive tech daily, the pace amazes even my jaded eyes.
Both Aces Encourage Confident Family Adventures
Kia pulls ahead slightly by making more driving aids standard equipment. But truly safety-minded shoppers can create ID.4 and EV6 SUVs covered in high-tech guardian angels.
Software and Electrical Architecture
EV shoppers quickly learn new vocabulary covering vehicle cyber systems. Streamlined software becomes the brains enabling intelligent electrification. Let’s demystify key capabilities:
Electrical Platform
| Kia EV6 | VW ID.4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 800V | 400V |
| Benefit | Faster charging | Universal compatibility |
Kia’s next-gen platform harnesses 800-volts to recharge at super speed. VW plays it safer sticking with the global charging standard. Think Blu-Ray discs versus DVDs.
Over-the-Air Updates
Both SUV operating systems upgrade seamlessly overnight via on-board LTE connections. Expect continuous feature enhancements over your ownership experience.
This over-the-air update pathway provides tremendous value given how deeply software controls the driving experience. Upgrades often include:
- Charging/Range Improvements
- Infotainment Updates
- Added Apps
- Remote Control Options
Tesla pioneered the capability for EVs, but most automakers now follow this best practice. Kia and VW owners shouldn’t fear outdated tech down the road.
Smartphone Integration
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in both vehicles, enabled wirelessly for convenience. Smartphone mirroring means navigation, entertainment and contacts sync effortlessly.
Seamlessly Sync Your Digital Life to Either Vehicle
Strong cellular connectivity and over-the-air updates keep these electric SUVs cutting edge long term.
Verdict: Kia EV6 Brings The Future Faster
The Kia EV6 seizes victory in this in-depth feature comparison. An exceptional blend of functionality and next-generation ambiance makes living electric both feasible and fabulous in Kia’s sleek SUV.
From its market-leading 310 miles of driving range, 800-volt ultra-fast charging, potent performance options and space-age interior appointments, the EV6 leapfrogs expectation for a mainstream electric vehicle. All while delivering crossover practicality and strong value.
Volkswagen’s ID.4 counterpunches with smarter packaging granting more passenger room and cargo flexibility. An approachable price holds appeal to budget-focused families also. Furthermore, three years of free charging perks offset running costs.
Nevertheless in terms of technology, aesthetic allure and powertrain prowess, the Kia EV6 argues more convincingly that our sustainable driving future brims with pleasure, not compromise. Its vision should provide enduring appeal compared to the safe play from VW.
For shoppers excited to ride the crest of EV adoption, the Kia EV6 presents a triumphant vanguard. Volkswagen will satisfy buyers seeking familiarity with electrification, but the ID.4 can’t match its rival’s capacious batteries or cabin. Ultimately both succeed driving green values mainstream—just with different degrees of panache.
