The future of driving is undoubtedly electric. And if you‘re in the market for a cutting-edge EV that combines style, performance, and utility, the Nissan Ariya and Kia EV6 should be at the top of your list. These all-new electric SUVs are turning heads and making waves in the automotive world. But which one comes out on top in a head-to-head battle? As a digital technology expert and EV geek, I couldn‘t resist pitting the Ariya vs EV6 in the ultimate electric vehicle showdown.
Tale of the Tape
First, let‘s look at how these EVs stack up on paper:
| Nissan Ariya | Kia EV6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (base) | $43,190 | ~$45,000 |
| Horsepower | 214-389 hp | 167-576 hp |
| Torque | 221-442 lb-ft | 258-546 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2-5.1 sec | 5.1-3.5 sec |
| Range | 216-304 miles | 232-310 miles |
| Charging (20-80%) | 30-45 min | 18-30 min |
| Cargo Space | 22.1-59.7 cu ft | 18.5-45.9 cu ft |
As you can see, these stats are remarkably close in many areas. The EV6 has the edge in performance, while the Ariya offers more cargo room. Range and price are nearly a wash. But to truly understand what these EVs are all about, we need to look beyond the numbers.
Riding on Next-Gen Platforms
Both the Ariya and EV6 ride on brand-new, dedicated EV platforms. This is critical, as purpose-built electric architectures allow for optimized packaging, performance, and efficiency compared to converted gas vehicles.
The Ariya uses Nissan‘s CMF-EV platform, which will underpin many of the brand‘s future EVs. It features a slim battery pack mounted under the floor for a low center of gravity. The motors are located at the axles, enabling all-wheel drive on certain trims. Nissan says this platform was designed for "ample performance and a smooth, quiet ride."
Kia‘s E-GMP platform, which also carries the Hyundai IONIQ 5, is similar in concept but boasts industry-leading specs. The big headline is the 800V electrical architecture, which enables ultra-fast charging up to 350 kW. That means an 80% charge in as little as 18 minutes, quicker than almost any other EV on the market. The E-GMP platform also allows for impressive performance, with the top-spec EV6 GT generating 576 hp.
Battery Capacity and Range
Of course, one of the most important considerations for any EV is driving range. The Ariya offers two battery sizes: a 63 kWh pack good for 216-265 miles depending on drivetrain, and a larger 87 kWh option that tops out at 304 miles of range.
The EV6 has a similar setup, with a 58 kWh standard range battery delivering 232 miles, and a 77.4 kWh long range pack bumping that figure to 310 miles.
Both SUVs use advanced lithium-ion batteries with innovative cooling systems to optimize performance and longevity. The Ariya‘s battery features an intelligent thermal management system that keeps cells at an ideal operating temperature. Kia‘s patented "Performance Aluminum Bonding" technology in the battery pack enables better cooling and energy density.
So while the Kia technically wins on max range, the real-world difference is negligible. Both the Ariya and EV6 offer enough driving range for the vast majority of users‘ daily needs, with plenty of buffer for longer road trips.
Charging Ahead
When it‘s time to juice up, the EV6 holds a clear advantage thanks to its 800V charging capability. On a powerful enough DC fast charger, the EV6 can go from a 10% to 80% charge in under 20 minutes. The 77.4 kWh Long Range battery can add about 217 miles of range in that time.
The Ariya‘s 130 kW max charge rate is still respectable, but a bit behind the curve compared to the EV6 and other newer rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Expect a 20-80% fast charge to take around 30-45 minutes depending on battery size.
Both SUVs also offer Level 2 AC charging at up to 11 kW, perfect for overnight fill-ups at home. And the EV6 gets an additional perk in the form of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. This essentially turns the car into a giant power bank, with the ability to run appliances, charge other EVs, or even power your home in an emergency.
Digital Cockpits
Inside, the Ariya and EV6 showcase the latest in digital automotive technology. Twin 12.3-inch displays are standard in both, handling gauge cluster and infotainment duties. The screens are crisp, colorful, and highly responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard for seamless smartphone integration.
The Ariya‘s infotainment system is an evolution of Nissan‘s familiar interface. It‘s not the flashiest or most modern UI, but it gets the job done. A single knob on the center console provides redundant control for key functions. Wireless charging and an upscale Bose audio system are available.
Kia‘s infotainment is a bit slicker, with a customizable home screen and snappy performance. The user experience feels very smartphone-like, which should please tech-savvy buyers. A rotary controller similar to the Ariya‘s is also on hand. An excellent Meridian sound system is optional.
Voice commands in both vehicles are robust, able to handle everything from navigation input to climate control adjustments. Over-the-air updates keep the software current and enable new features to be added down the line.
One unique EV6 feature is the augmented reality head-up display. Navigation directions and other info are projected onto the windshield, appearing to float over the road ahead. It‘s not just a gimmick – the AR really does help you keep your eyes where they belong while driving.
Overall, the Ariya and EV6 are remarkably evenly matched when it comes to in-car tech. The EV6‘s infotainment is a bit more polished and the AR HUD is a nice perk. But both deliver premium digital experiences befitting their price tags.
Safety Tech for Days
As two of the most advanced vehicles on the road, the Ariya and EV6 are absolutely stuffed with active safety and driver assistance features.
Nissan‘s ProPILOT Assist 2.0 is standard on all but the base Ariya trim. It‘s a semi-autonomous driving mode that can handle steering, acceleration and braking on certain highways. The system uses a suite of cameras, radars and sensors to keep the Ariya centered in its lane and a safe distance from other vehicles. It can even perform lane changes and exit ramps with driver confirmation. While not quite full self-driving, ProPILOT Assist is a major step towards an autonomous future.
Kia‘s Highway Driving Assist II is similar in concept. It combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to make highway journeys more relaxing. Like ProPILOT, HDA can automatically change lanes when the turn signal is activated. The Kia system also uses navigation data and traffic sign recognition to automatically adjust speed for curves and posted limits.
Of course, both EVs also offer the full complement of modern active safety tech. Automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist – you name it, they‘ve got it. Parking collision avoidance can automatically apply the brakes if an obstacle is detected while backing up. Surround view and remote parking capabilities make fitting into tight spots a breeze.
All Ariya and EV6 models also come standard with eight airbags, including a driver‘s knee airbag and rear side-impact airbags. The EVs‘ rigid chassis and low-mounted battery packs offer superb protection in the event of a crash.
Choosing between the Ariya and EV6 on the basis of safety tech is basically impossible. These are two of the safest, most technologically advanced vehicles on the road today. No matter which one you pick, you‘ll be getting industry-leading protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
The Verdict
After extensively testing the Nissan Ariya and Kia EV6, it‘s clear that both of these all-electric SUVs are exceptional vehicles. They combine cutting-edge EV technology, sleek modern design, and advanced digital features in truly compelling packages. Deciding between them primarily comes down to your priorities.
The Ariya‘s key strengths are its ample passenger and cargo room, ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving, and efficient powertrain. It‘s the more sensible, practical choice for eco-conscious families or those who just want a serene, spacious EV to relax in.
On the flip side, the EV6 delivers pulse-pounding performance (especially in the GT guise), industry-leading charging speeds, and sporty character. It‘s the EV for driving enthusiasts and early adopters who want to be on the cutting edge of the electric revolution.
If I had to pick an overall winner, I‘d give the nod to the Kia EV6 by the slimmest of margins. The 800V architecture and blistering acceleration are truly special, as are small touches like the V2L charging and AR head-up display. It feels like the EV6 is pushing the boundary of what‘s possible with electric vehicles just a bit more than the Ariya.
That said, the Nissan is so close behind that I wouldn‘t fault anyone for choosing it instead, especially if spaciousness is the priority. Pricing is close enough that it shouldn‘t be the primary deciding factor, and predicted reliability for both models is excellent.
Regardless of which EV takes the crown in this particular head-to-head battle, one thing is certain: Nissan and Kia have proven that legacy automakers can build phenomenal battery electric vehicles. The Ariya and EV6 are a stunning one-two punch that raises the bar for the entire EV segment. If this is the future of zero-emissions transportation, consider me very excited indeed.
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