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Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y
Selected trimAir361 mi · 84 kWh · £45,635
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 and charging speed, while the Tesla Model Y leads on family practicality and running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Kia EV6 if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
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 edges ahead overall, but it's close - check which categories matter most to you.
Value
Kia
6.7
Tesla
6.5
Too close to call
Motorway RangeKia
Kia
8.2
Tesla
5.8
FamilyTesla
Kia
7.2
Tesla
7.8
ChargingKia
Kia
8.4
Tesla
7
Cost Per MileTesla
Kia
6.6
Tesla
7.7
City Driving
Kia
3.4
Tesla
3
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Kia EV6
Air
- 47 miles more WLTP range
- 83 kW faster rapid charging
- 0.5 m tighter turning circle
- 1800 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £45,635 | £41,990 (better) |
| Official range | 361 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Boot space | 490 L | 854 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 18 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 7.7 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
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Kia EV6
Tesla Model Y
Length
Kia EV64,695mm-99mm
Tesla Model Y4,794mm
Width
Kia EV61,890mm-91mm
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 | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,695 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,890 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. | 510 mm spare (better) | 419 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air | 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) | 1,800 kg (better) | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Kia EV6
- 361 mile WLTP range, longer than 80% of SUVs we track.
- Peak DC charging of 258 kW, faster than 85% of SUVs in our catalogue.
Tesla Model Y
- 3rd-largest boot among SUVs in our catalogue at 854 L.
- A 117 L frunk, one of 6 of 232 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 |  Tesla Model Y RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.70m | 4.79m+99mm |
| Width | 1.89m | 1.98m+91mm |
| 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 | 2,055kg | 1,906kg (better) |
| Towing Capacity | 1,800kg (better) | Not available |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 84kWh | Not available |
| Range (WLTP) | 361 mi (better) | 314 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 258kW (better) | 175kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £45,635 | £41,990 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2024+ | 2025+ |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 361 miles (better) | 314 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 301 miles (better) | 251 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 18 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 258 kW (better) | 175 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | Not available |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 138 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 84 kWh | Not available |
| Battery chemistry | NCMA | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 800V | Not available |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Kia EV6Air | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 7.7 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
| 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.
Kia EV6
Air
Tesla Model Y
RWD
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Kia EV6
All 3 videos
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 | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £13,295 | £38,121 |
| Average used price | £13,295 | £40,783 |
| Saving vs RRP | £32,340 below new | £1,207 below new |
| Recent used-price trend | Broadly flat | 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
Tested 2025
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 | Tesla Model YRWD |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | Not available | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | Not available | 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
Owners love
- Impressive fast charging capability with 800V architecture enables 10-80% charge in 18-23 minutes at rapid chargers, significantly faster than most competitors
- Excellent real-world range of 250-280 miles in typical conditions with larger 84kWh battery, suitable for long-distance travel and daily commuting
- Striking, modern design with high-quality interior materials and attention to detail that rivals premium brands like Audi and Mercedes
Watch out for
- Significant real-world efficiency variance depending on driving conditions and weather—motorway speeds and winter temperatures reduce range to 2.2-3.3 mi/kWh versus summer efficiency of 3.7-4.2 mi/kWh
- Infotainment system lags compared to best-in-class alternatives with excessive menu diving required; navigation-based battery preconditioning not yet implemented
- Overly intrusive driver assistance features with constant speed-limit beeping and lane-keep assist causing steering shimmy; many owners immediately disable these systems
Owner tips
- Choose AWD dual-motor variant over single-motor RWD; the 226hp base model feels underpowered despite adequate 0-62 time, while dual-motor delivers significantly better performance and wet-weather stability
- Select 19-inch wheels over 20-inch for noticeably better ride quality and efficiency; avoid 21-22 inch options that increase road noise and reduce comfort
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
No active listings.
Tesla Model Y
- £38,1212025Car360View
- £43,4442025Castle EVView
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kia EV6 worth the extra £3,645 over the Tesla Model Y?
The Kia EV6 costs £3,645 more than the Tesla Model Y. For that premium it adds 47 miles more WLTP range and 83 kW faster peak rapid charging. The Tesla Model Y is not just cheaper - it also offers 364 litres more boot space. 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 Tesla Model Y is £3,645 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 Tesla Model Y comes out roughly £3,685 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 301 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 50 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 91 mm narrower than the Tesla Model Y. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 510 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.
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.
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 .