Electric vehicles are getting more consideration as primary vehicles for families looking for their next car. As battery range extends and recharging times improve, automakers like Kia and Volvo want to gain a foothold with buyers.
The 2024 Kia EV6 and 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge offer buyers many of the familiarities of crossovers and SUVs and the lower costs of charging at home versus filling up at the gas pump.
Let’s check out these two options, shall we?
2024 Kia EV6
The exterior styling of the 2024 Kia EV6 is compelling and progressive and almost makes you forget it’s a crossover. That look carries over to the interior as well. The EV6 features Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, mixing aggressive styling with sustainable materials and processes. The result is an attractive and useful crossover that, even at its slowest, will push you back in your seat — a potent combination.
The starter version offers just 232 miles of range, but it can be optioned to get you 310 miles. If you want to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix, the GT model with its 3.5-second 0-to-60 mph time may be for you. Prices start at $43,975, including the destination charge.
Kia EV6 Highlights
Charging up: You can use the EV6 to power items while out and about and even act as a generator for your home in the event of a power outage. Where available, it can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes with DC fast charging.
Plenty of protection: Kia protects you in two ways: a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plan. Additionally, it gets 5-Star frontal and side crash ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
One-pedal driving: Some aren’t big fans, but we will disagree and call it a highlight. Being able to control the speed of your vehicle while improving the battery regen helps in various ways, including extending the range of your battery and the life of your brakes. Plus, if you need them, the brake pedal still works.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia EV6 models for sale near you.
2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Volvo has a well-earned reputation for the safety of its vehicles. Now, it’s leading the charge on renewable luxury. The XC40 Recharge offers vegan leather and other green materials inside. Volvo offers tailored wool blend upholstery on its Ultimate trim level, giving it a unique touch.
The XC40 offers ample room inside the vehicle, although our test driver noted that the rear legroom is tight. Overall, the look and feel of the XC40 Recharge is pure Volvo: simple, clean, and uncluttered. Prices start at $53,745, including the destination charge.
Volvo XC40 Recharge Highlights
Google-based infotainment system: Volvo’s Google-powered infotainment system enjoys full access to the Googleverse, starting with using Google Maps for its navigation system. Others in the vehicle can access the Google Play store to keep entertained. Don’t worry, iPhone users; you can still plug in your phone and use Apple CarPlay.
Going and going: The XC40 in single motor mode provides plenty of range to get around town and home again. It’ll travel an estimated 293 miles on a single charge. However, if you’re traveling farther than that, you can charge from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes with DC fast charging, where available.
Super safe: The XC40 Recharge has received a Top Safety Pick+ commendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Volvo XC40 Recharge models for sale near you.
Similarities
The most apparent similarity is that they’re both electric. They have similar maximum range estimates and can both be optioned with a dual-motor powertrain. They also enjoy a sporty exterior; they can live up to the part when completely maxed out.
Conclusion
There’s a bit of a difference between the 2024 Kia EV6 and the 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge, as one is a premium brand emphasizing luxury over performance. However, both offer plenty of get-up-and-go when outfitted appropriately. The bottom line here is a budgetary one: the Kia is $10K less expensive for similar specs at the bottom end of the scale. The more affordable and efficient Kia is the frugal choice, but the Volvo delivers a higher level of luxury.
| 2024 Kia EV6 | 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge | |
| Starting Price | $43,975 | $53,745 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Horsepower | 167-576 hp | 248/402 hp |
| Torque | 258-545 lb-ft | 310/494 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Fuel Economy | 136 city/100 hwy/117 combined MPGe | 118 city/95 hwy/106 combined MPGe |
| Maximum Range | 310 miles | 293 miles |
| Also Available | Dual-motor, AWD | Dual-motor, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty NHTSA Overall Safety | 10 years/100,000 miles 5 stars | 8 years/100,000 miles NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 inches | 106.4 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.3 inches | 174.8 inches |
| Width | 74.0 inches | 75.2 inches |
| Height | 60.8 inches | 65.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.2 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 37.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.8 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4/50.2 cubic feet | 16.0/57.5 cubic feet |
