Kia EV6 vs Tesla Model Y

The Kia EV6 starts from $72,590 before on-road costs, while the Tesla Model Y opens at $65,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $6,690.

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 $79,849 and $72,490 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

Both the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Kia EV6 and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Kia EV6.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV6 and 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Kia EV6 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV6 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that you will not find on the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV6 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather.

The Kia EV6 uses a Electric producing 168kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 168kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 1.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 84kWh (Kia EV6) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y). DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV6) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).

The Kia EV6 measures 4,695mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 97mm shorter than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV6 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 490L in the Kia EV6 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 364L advantage.

For towing, the Kia EV6 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV6) vs 5 years (Tesla Model Y). The Kia EV6 has longer coverage.