Let us start with the basics, the $7,100 price increase on the EV6 for 2023 is really a function of the discontinuation of the base ‘Light’ trim. Same trim, the increase is $1,000 for each trim, including the now base Wind RWD, which increases from $48,795 to $49,795. A $1,000 increase seems fairly reasonable considering the supply-demand imbalance currently in the marketplace, but there’s 3 factors that conspire to really kick up the price of entry:

  1. The 2022 EV6 launched at $42,115 and saw its price rise over the model year to $42,695 – an increase of $580. Ok that’s not that bad, but that’s only part of the story, read on.
  2. With the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act on August 16th, all non-NAFTA built EVs suddenly lost eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit on EVs.
  3. Now with both an increase in pricing of $1,000 plus the discontinuation of the base Light RWD trim, the entry price to get an EV6 rises a combined $7,100

So from the time the EV6 launched for the 2022 model year to today, the real increase is from $34,615 ($42,115 minus $7,500 tax credit) to $49,795, an increase of over $15,000 or about 44%. Granted, markups at dealer lots are likely down considerably and even MSRP is possible if you can find a model (usually going to be a previously sold cancellation) in stock.

2023 Kia EV6 is a very competitive EV if you can stomach the new price point.

That’s a fairly serious increase over the course of 1 model year. To be fair, the Wind upgrades the EV6 in several important ways. First and foremost, a larger 77.4kW battery is now standard as opposed to the outgoing Light’s 58.0kW battery, increasing standard range from 232 miles to 310. But that’s not all, the Light came with a low for its price point 167-hp. The Wind with its larger battery and motor brings that number up to 225-hp, more appropriate, though maybe less so for near $50k. At that point, probably best to pony the additional $3,900 for the e-AWD model and its 320-hp total system power. According to Car and Driver, this means a swift 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds. For a price point of $53,695, that’s more than sufficiently quick. Though do note that range drops down to 282 miles so if that’s the more important consideration, be mindful of that.

Kia EV6 Wind includes additional content over the outgoing Light trim like a 360 camera

Lastly, the Wind does also include some additional equipment as standard above and beyond what the Light includes such as around-view camera, ventilated seats, vehicle to load capability (means you can charge things off of the car) and a high-end Meridian audio system.