Loading comparison
Kia EV6 (2021-2024) vs Tesla Model Y
Selected trimRWDChange trim314 mi · Not available · £41,990
At a glance
Overview
The Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y are two of the UK’s most popular electric SUVs, taken from different angles. The Model Y wins on price, efficiency and Supercharger access; the EV6 offers 800V ultra-rapid charging, a seven-year warranty and a more conventional cabin. Choose on whether Tesla’s value and network beat Kia’s charging tech and warranty cover.
Best suited to:FamilyFirst EVLong commute
In this comparison, Kia EV6 leads on motorway range, charging speed and city driving, while the Tesla Model Y leads on family practicality and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Kia EV6 (2021-2024) if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Tesla Model Y if...
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.9p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Kia EV6 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Kia
6.1
Tesla
6.5
Too close to call
Motorway RangeKia
Kia
7.6
Tesla
5.8
FamilyTesla
Kia
7.2
Tesla
7.8
ChargingKia
Kia
8.3
Tesla
7
Cost Per MileTesla
Kia
6.3
Tesla
7.7
City DrivingKia
Kia
3.6
Tesla
3
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Kia EV6
Air 77.4kWh
- £1,095 cheaper
- 64 kW faster rapid charging
- 0.5 m tighter turning circle
- 1600 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £40,895 (better) | £41,990 |
| Official range | 328 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Boot space | 490 L | 854 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 18 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | Not available | 6.9 sec |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
Kia EV6
Tesla Model Y
Length
Kia EV64,680mm-114mm
Tesla Model Y4,794mm
Width
Kia EV61,880mm-101mm
Tesla Model Y1,981mm
Height
Kia EV61,550mm-71mm
Tesla Model Y1,621mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,880 mm (better) | 1,981 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,141 mm | 2,129 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,550 mm | 1,621 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.6 m (better) | 12.1 m |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 520 mm spare (better) | 419 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 490 L | 854 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1300 L | 2118 L (better) |
| Frunk | 52 L | 117 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,600 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Kia EV6
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Tesla Model Y
- 3rd-largest boot among SUVs in our catalogue at 854 L.
- A 117 L frunk, one of 6 of 233 UK EVs in our catalogue with a front boot of 117 L or more.
- Uses 138 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of SUVs we track.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Kia EV6 Air 77.4kWh |  Tesla Model Y RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.68m | 4.79m+114mm |
| Width | 1.88m | 1.98m+101mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.14m | 2.13m-12mm |
| Height | 1.55m | 1.62m+71mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.90m | Not available |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 162mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 490L | 854L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1300L | 2118L (better) |
| Frunk | 52L | 117L (better) |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.6m (better) | 12.1m |
| Kerb Weight | Not available | 1,906kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 77.4kWh | Not available |
| Range (WLTP) | 328 mi (better) | 314 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 239kW (better) | 175kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £40,895 (better) | £41,990 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2021–2024 | 2025+ |
* Kia EV6: Heat pump: optional on GT-Line and GT-Line S, standard on GT, not offered on the entry car at launch.
* Kia EV6: Headline WLTP figure for this drive type; versions on larger wheels are rated lower.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 328 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 273 miles (better) | 251 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 18 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 239 kW (better) | 175 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 138 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 77.4 kWh | Not available |
| Battery chemistry | NCMA | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 800V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | Not available | 6.9 sec |
| Power | 168 kW | Not available |
| Torque | 350 Nm | Not available |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Kia EV6
Air 77.4kWh
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Tesla Model Y
RWD
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £16,040 | £38,121 |
| Average used price | £19,440 | £40,783 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 16 listings (better) | 7 listings |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 18.8% over ~6 months | Down 9.2% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Kia EV6 Air 77.4kWh
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant90%
Child Occupant86%
Vulnerable Road Users64%
Safety Assist87%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Tesla Model Y RWD
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant91%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users86%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air 77.4kWh | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 7 years | 8 years (better) |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Kia EV6
Air 77.4kWh
Owners love
- Very fast rapid charging, with owners regularly seeing 200 kW or more on ultra-rapid chargers
- Comfortable, quiet and refined on long journeys
- Distinctive design that owners still like years on
Watch out for
- Failures of the ICCU (the unit that charges the 12V battery) are the biggest theme, covered by a UK recall, sometimes with long waits for parts
- 12V battery problems, often linked to the ICCU, can leave the car unable to start
- Mixed experiences of Kia dealers, with slow parts and patchy communication
Owner tips
- Check the ICCU recall has been done and ask whether the unit was replaced
- Ask whether the 12V battery has been tested or replaced
Tesla Model Y
RWD
Owners love
- Spacious interior with generous cargo capacity makes it practical for families, easily accommodating five passengers plus luggage
- Low running costs versus petrol and diesel, especially with home charging
- Outstanding Supercharger network makes long-distance travel effortless and enables trip planning comparable to petrol cars
Watch out for
- Depreciation concerns affect both purchase values and PCP lease terms as rapid model iterations reduce resale viability
- Autopilot struggles reliably with small roads, parked cars, junctions, and speed limit changes despite heavy marketing
- Harsh suspension ride remains problematic for some owners, though newer generation improvements are noticeable
Owner tips
- Consider a nearly new or pre-facelift car over new to limit depreciation
- Choose LFP battery models if available to avoid strict battery charging discipline and benefit from greater longevity
Buying options
Get a quote
Kia EV6
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Tesla Model Y
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Kia EV6
- £23,2642023Car360View
- £28,4002023EV ExpertsView
- £28,9002023EV ExpertsView
Tesla Model Y
- £38,1212025Car360View
- £43,4442025Castle EVView
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tesla Model Y worth the extra £1,095 over the Kia EV6?
The Tesla Model Y costs £1,095 more than the Kia EV6. For that premium it adds 364 litres more boot space. The Kia EV6 is not just cheaper - it also offers 64 kW faster peak rapid charging. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Kia EV6 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?
The Kia EV6 is £1,095 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £152 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Kia EV6 comes out roughly £1,055 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 273 miles for the Kia EV6 and 251 miles for the Tesla Model Y - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Kia EV6 goes roughly 22 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?
The Kia EV6 is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 101 mm narrower than the Tesla Model Y. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 520 mm of total clearance for the Kia EV6 and about 419 mm of total clearance for the Tesla Model Y. The Kia EV6 also turns in a 0.5 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Kia EV6 or the Tesla Model Y?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 89% battery health for the Kia EV6 and 90% for the Tesla Model Y. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. The Tesla Model Y's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Kia EV6's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. The Tesla Model Y has the longer battery warranty at 8 years, versus 7 for the Kia EV6.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Kia EV6 comparisons
More Tesla Model Y comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best family EVsWhere the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among long-range EVsWhere the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among the best city EVsWhere the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Guide
Buying a Used Kia EV6 (2021-2024): Which Version, the ICCU Recall, Range & What to Check
A used Kia EV6 buyer’s guide: Air vs GT-Line vs GT-Line S vs GT, RWD or AWD, the ICCU recall and 12V battery, heat pump or not, Kia’s 7-year warranty, real-world range, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideFastest Charging EVs for the Money: kW Per Pound & Miles Per Minute
Which EVs give you the most DC charging speed per £1,000? Plus miles added per minute, 800V models, and the fastest chargers under £40k.
GuideBest Value EVs in the UK: Composite Score Across Range, Battery, Charging & Space
We score every EV on range per £1k, kWh per £1k, charging speed per £1k, boot per £1k, safety, and warranty - revealing the best overall value at every price point.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .