Cadillac Optiq vs Kia EV6
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 19 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Track the Cadillac Optiq & Kia EV6
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Cadillac Optiq starts from $80,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV6 opens at $72,660. That makes the Kia EV6 the more affordable entry point by $7,340.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,000 and $79,926 respectively.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Cadillac Optiq
None open on our record
Kia EV6
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006238 · published 3 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may develop an internal fault causing a warning light to illuminate on the instrument cluster and the 12 Volt battery to stop charging.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- REC-005946 · published 16 Apr 2024Due to a software issue, the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may develop an internal fault causing a warning light to illuminate on the instrument cluster and the 12 Volt battery to stop charging.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 110kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 110kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
77.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 240kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 240kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Cadillac Optiq features a 33-inch touchscreen paired with a 33-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV6 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Cadillac Optiq stands out with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, AKG audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV6. The Kia EV6 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Cadillac Optiq gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV6 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Cadillac Optiq uses a Electric producing 224kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Kia EV6 responds with a Electric making 168kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Cadillac Optiq has the clear power advantage at 224kW vs 168kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Cadillac Optiq is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 75kWh (Cadillac Optiq) vs 84kWh (Kia EV6), giving WLTP ranges of 425km and 541km. DC fast charging peaks at 110kW (Cadillac Optiq) vs 240kW (Kia EV6).
Space & Comfort
The Cadillac Optiq measures 4,820mm long on a 2,954mm wheelbase, 125mm longer than the Kia EV6 at 4,695mm (2,900mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Cadillac Optiq generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 744L in the Cadillac Optiq and 490L in the Kia EV6, giving the Cadillac Optiq a 254L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (Cadillac Optiq) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6). The Kia EV6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Cadillac Optiq if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Cadillac's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV6 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia EV6: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 63
The Kia EV6 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 63), taking 7 of 10 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: technology (Cadillac Optiq ahead by 34), safety (Kia EV6 ahead by 24), energy efficiency (Kia EV6 ahead by 19). If boot space matters, the Cadillac Optiq has a clear edge. The Kia EV6 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Cadillac Optiq and Kia EV6?
The Kia EV6 is the cheapest at $72,660 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Cadillac Optiq by $7,340.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV6 has the most range at 582km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV6 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia EV6 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Cadillac Optiq, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Cadillac Optiq has the largest boot at 744L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Cadillac Optiq makes the most power at 224kW. The Cadillac Optiq is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
