2025 Kia EV6 vs. 2025 Tesla Model Y Comparison

Tesla got a head start bringing electric vehicles (EVs) to market while competitors had to race to catch up. One of Tesla’s best-selling vehicles, the Model Y SUV, is a practical go-getter with appealing range, performance, and cargo space. The Kia EV6 followed two years later and has been an impressive challenger, with crisp body lines and a high-performance model with supercar-like acceleration. Let’s see how these two EVs compare.

2025 Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is entering its fourth model year. It’s still looking sharp, but it is not one to rest on its laurels. The 2025 edition sports bigger batteries and standard over-the-air (OTA) updates. The standard EV6 Light is only available with rear-wheel drive (RWD), 167 horsepower, and a 237-mile range. Other rear-wheel-drive models, starting with the Light Long Range, deliver 225 hp and 319 miles of driving on a full charge, nudging past the previous model’s 310-mile max; all-wheel drive (AWD) versions get 320 hp with a motor added up front, but the range drops to 295 miles. A high-performance, AWD-only GT version packs 641 hp, a 65-hp surge over the 2024 model, but all that juice reduces the targeted range to 231 miles. Still, improves from the 2024 GT’s max range of 218 miles; it’s at least another day around town before recharging.

2025 Kia EV6 Highlights

Bigger batteries: The standard Light RWD trim upgrades the battery capacity from 58 to 63 kilowatt-hours (kWh), while all the other trims move up from a 77-kWh battery to an 84-kWh battery. These upgrades increase the ground the EV6 can cover, and in the case of the GT, do it faster. Still, the 75-kWh battery in the 2025 Model Y is a smidge more efficient.

Powertrain warranty: No one offers a warranty like Kia and its corporate cousin, Hyundai. Its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is the best in class. This warranty includes battery coverage, which exceeds Tesla’s and the federally mandated minimum by two years. While the EV6 is newer, it has not been beset with criticisms of build quality so far, which bodes well for its long-term durability. It’s also worth noting that, should you have a problem, the availability of Kia dealerships is more widespread.

USB-gone: Over-the-air software updates have long been a hallmark and primary selling point for Tesla. Now, Kia has made OTA technology standard across the EV6 line, which means no more uploading updates with a thumb drive. Unlike Tesla, expect Kia to continue putting out new models every year.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the EV6 models near you

2025 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y continues to be America’s best-selling electric car in 2025. With excellent range, innovative tech features, and the nation’s most reliable and extensive charger network, it makes it easy to join the EV revolution.

Tesla Model Y Highlights

Overdue overhaul: The Model Y has essentially been the same since its 2020 debut — until now. Tesla completely refreshed the Model Y with redesigned looks, new tech, and upgraded materials. Tesla claims that the new design is more efficient. Overall, the max distance the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive can go on a single charge is 357 miles, up from 320 miles. However, the capacity for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive dipped by three miles. Tighter body construction and a new wheel and tire package should lead to a quieter ride.

Expansive space: The EV6 and the Model Y comfortably seat five people. Roughly the same size as the EV6, the Model Y boasts about 30 cubic feet more cargo space when both cars’ rear seats are folded down. Unlike the previous version, the Model Y no longer has an optional third row, bumping its headcount to seven but removing some cargo room.

Automotive innovation: Tesla’s commitment to technological advancements has been the driving force of its market dominance. It helped the startup essentially create the EV segment, and with software updates, it may continue to preserve the company’s future. A reputation that its cars will always be on the technological cutting edge may give Tesla’s cars more shelf life than others.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Model Y cars near you

Similarities

The EV6 and Model Y are midsize, all-electric SUVs with a maximum range beyond 300 miles, an area both improved upon for 2025. Both now offer over-the-air software updates. Both have high-performance versions with the EV6 GT and Model Y Performance All-Wheel Drive that will sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds on the way.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia EV6 vehicles and New 2025 Tesla Model Y vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

It’s arguable to call these cars SUVs, as these automakers do with their designs. Most SUVs have about two more inches of ground clearance and emphasize utility over sport. However, these also have versatile interiors plus sports car looks with available power to match, and are a fun way to get around town. The EV6 and Model Y are easy vehicles to live with and an excellent place to start EV shopping.