Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: Electric SUV Showdown
America's best-selling EV vs Korea's most awarded. Which is the better electric SUV?
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.
Tesla Model Y RWD
From $58,900
SUV
60kWh single motor
255kW
~141Wh/km
5★ ANCAP (2025)
854L + frunk
Kia EV6 Air RWD
From $72,590
SUV
84kWh single motor
168kW
~174Wh/km
5★ ANCAP (2022)
490L
Price Breakdown
The Model Y RWD is $13,690 cheaper than the EV6 Air RWD since Tesla's September reprice, and even the dual-motor Model Y Long Range at $68,900 undercuts the entry EV6. The Kia answers with a bigger battery and more range per charge. Tesla's frequent price changes make its depreciation unpredictable, while the EV6 has depreciated more steadily; a gap this large is still hard to claw back.
Safety Rundown
Both 5-star ANCAP. The Model Y has Tesla Autopilot with automatic lane changing. The EV6 has Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane change. Both require hands on wheel. Safety features are comprehensive on both, no meaningful difference.
Feature Showdown
The EV6's standout features: V2L (power external devices from the car), 800V architecture (faster charging), and a conventional dashboard with dual 12.3-inch curved screens. The Model Y counters with Camp Mode, Dog Mode, Sentry Mode, the Supercharger network, and the 15-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates.
Drivetrain
Very different recipes. The Model Y RWD pairs a small 60kWh pack with class-leading efficiency; the EV6 Air RWD carries a much larger 84kWh pack on Kia's 800V E-GMP platform shared with the Ioniq 5.
| Drivetrain | Model Y RWD | EV6 Air RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | 400V | 800V |
| Power | 255kW | 168kW |
| Torque | 340Nm | 350Nm |
| Battery | 60 kWh | 84 kWh (77.4 usable) |
| Efficiency | ~141Wh/km | ~174Wh/km |
| Range (WLTP) | 466km | 582km |
| Cd | 0.23 | 0.288 |
| 10-80% DC Charge | ~16 min (175kW) | 18 min (240kW) |
The Tesla's aerodynamic and efficiency advantage (Cd 0.23 vs 0.288, roughly 141 vs 174Wh/km) means it wrings 466km from a pack 24kWh smaller, which also makes it cheaper to charge per kilometre. But there is no substitute for battery: the EV6's 84kWh pack delivers 116km more claimed range, and its 800V architecture keeps charging stops short despite the bigger battery.
Space & Comfort
The EV6 has a more conventional and premium-feeling cabin. The Model Y is more spacious but more minimalist.
| Space | Model Y | EV6 |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Space | 854L | 490L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1,919L | 1,300L |
| Frunk | 117L | 52L |
| Wheelbase | 2,890mm | 2,900mm |
| Display | 15" centre | Dual 12.3" curved |
| V2L | No | Yes (3.6kW) |
The Model Y's 854L boot is 74% larger than the EV6's 490L. This is a massive practical advantage for families. The EV6's dual curved screens and ambient lighting create a more premium cabin atmosphere, and V2L lets you power camping gear, power tools, or even a small fridge from the car.
True Cost to Own
The Model Y is cheaper to buy and run. The EV6's 7-year warranty is its strongest ownership advantage.
| 5-Year Cost (est.) | Model Y RWD | EV6 Air RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway (est.) | ~$61,900 | ~$76,500 |
| 5yr Electricity | ~$3,170 | ~$3,920 |
| 5yr Insurance | ~$11,000 | ~$10,500 |
| 5yr Servicing | ~$2,000 | ~$2,500 |
| Resale (est.) | -$29,000 | -$34,500 |
| True 5yr Cost | ~$49,070 | ~$58,920 |
The Model Y works out roughly $9,900 cheaper over 5 years on our estimates, and the lower purchase price is most of that. The EV6's 7-year warranty covers you for 2 extra years vs Tesla's 5-year term, which is worth considering for the complex electric powertrain. Kia also has a more traditional dealer service network.
Charging Networks
Tesla's Supercharger network is the most extensive and reliable in Australia. The EV6 uses CCS charging (the universal standard) and can use any CCS fast charger. Tesla has opened some Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles, but coverage varies by location.
The EV6's 18-minute 10-80% charge time is among the fastest of any EV in this price range, and it does that while refilling a much bigger battery than the Tesla's. On a multi-stop road trip, its longer legs between stops add up.
Use our Speed vs Range calculator to see how speed affects range for both cars.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Model Y if: You want more boot space, more power, better efficiency, a much lower price ($13,690 under the EV6), and the Supercharger network. The practical choice for families.
Buy the EV6 if: You value the longer range (582km vs 466km), higher towing limit, V2L capability, a 7-year warranty, and prefer a more conventional dealer experience with a premium-feeling cabin.
The Verdict
We now match the entry rear-drive versions, and the price gap has blown out: the Model Y RWD lists at $58,900 after Tesla's September reprice, $13,690 under the EV6 Air RWD. The Tesla wins on price, power (255kW vs 168kW), acceleration (5.9s vs 7.7s), efficiency and boot space (854L plus a frunk vs 490L). The EV6 counters with a much bigger battery and 116km more claimed range (582km vs 466km), 200kg more towing, V2L, 800V charging and a 7-year warranty. For most Australian families the Model Y is the better all-round package at a much lower price. The EV6 is the pick for maximum range, towing and warranty, if you can justify the premium.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
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