Kelley Blue Book: The 2023 Kia EV6 vs. the Ford Mustang Mach-E: Neither is boring, both have attitude—which electric SUV is better?

Let them fight.

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2023 Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 is one of the most aggressively styled electric cars on the market this year. Winner of the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, it’s technically been on the market for two model years. But a microchip shortage and high demand for its good looks have kept it rare. It offers up to 310 miles of range, a powerful GT model that can keep up with some exotic cars in a straight line, and a starting price of $48,700.

Kia EV6 highlights

Gorgeous contemporary cabin: Kia
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stole a celebrated interior designer from a luxury automaker not long ago. The hire is paying off. The EV6’s cabin is stunning, with soft-touch materials and a chic design. The Mach-E’s cabin is OK, but critics have said it looks like an iPad glued to a dashboard.

Ten years of financial security: While Ford
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protects the Mach-E with a 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and the powertrain with a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, Kia answers by almost doubling both, with a 5-year, 60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plan.

0.1 Seconds: The fastest Mustang Mach-E can get from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. But the fastest EV6, the GT model, can do the same run in 3.4. Will you feel the difference? No. But, in the rarified sub-4-second world where only McLarens and Lamborghinis played just a few years ago, bragging rights hang on tenths of a second. The EV6 can brag.

Also see: The 2024 Honda Prologue: Honda’s new electric SUV is attractive and spacious. When can you get one?

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has been so popular since its 2021 model year release that it’s been back-ordered for most of its existence. It borrows its name and some of its styling from one of America’s best-known cars, the Mustang muscle car, but adds electric power and SUV cargo space. Prices start at $45,995.

Ford Mustang Mach-E highlights

Heritage: You’ll meet muscle car purists miffed that the Mach-E is an SUV with the Mustang badge on the front. Ignore them. Pony car styling has worked for millions of Americans for generations, and here it is with no guilt over your emissions.

Real cargo space: Both of these vehicles are SUVs, but only the Mustang Mach-E has real SUV cargo space. Its 64.4 cubic feet will swallow more groceries than the EV6’s 50.2.

Uncle Sam will help you buy it: The federal government offers a $7,500 tax rebate on electric SUVs priced under $80,000 and built in North America. Ford builds this one in Mexico, so it gets the deal. Kia builds the EV6 in South Korea, so no dice.

Read: 3 reasons the Hyundai Ioniq 6 makes the Tesla Model 3 seem a bit boring

Similarities

In the growing field of electric SUVs from mainstream manufacturers, these are the two that look like rock and roll. At up to 310 miles (EV6) or 314 miles (Mustang Mach-E), their ranges are close enough to make no difference.

Conclusion

Every day, there seems to be a new electric SUV with a sticker price in the $40,000 range and a range of a little over 310 miles. Many are boring. The Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E are not. Both bring attitude to the contest. The EV6 is a touch quicker, carries a longer warranty, and is frankly gorgeous inside. The Mustang Mach-E has styling that may evoke pony car memories for some, carries more stuff, and qualifies for a tax rebate.

Only your own priorities can tell you which speaks to you.

Also see: 2.1 million EVs and plug-in hybrids on U.S. roads, and here’s how much gas they’ve saved

Specs

This story originally ran on KBB.com.