Head-to-head
Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6
Just $600 separates the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 on starting price, but the Kia EV6 goes 62 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Tesla Model Y
Australia's best-selling EV by a wide margin, the Model Y combines crossover practicality with the Tesla software and Supercharger ecosystem. The 'Juniper' refresh addresses many of the original's ride and cabin gripes.
- From
- $71,990
- Range
- 466 km
- Battery
- 62.5 kWh
Option B · SUV
Kia EV6
Built on Hyundai-Kia's 800-volt E-GMP platform, the EV6 charges from 10–80% in under 20 minutes on a 350 kW charger. The GT variant is one of the fastest production cars sold in Australia.
- From
- $72,590
- Range
- 528 km
- Battery
- 84 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 goes 62 km further on a charge (528 vs 466 km WLTP).
- 2
Boot · advantage Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y swallows 374 L more cargo with the rear seats up (854 vs 480 L).
- 3
Battery · advantage Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 carries a 21.5 kWh larger battery (84 vs 62.5 kWh).
- 4
DC charging · advantage Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 accepts 63 kW more DC peak charging (233 vs 170 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 5
Warranty · advantage Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 covers the vehicle for 3 more years (7 vs 4 yrs).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Tesla Model Y wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $600
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (5.9s vs 7.3s)
Where the Kia EV6 wins
- ▸ 62 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (233 kW vs 170 kW)
- ▸ Longer warranty (7 years)
Tesla Model Y
What we like
- ✓ Huge boot and frunk for family use
- ✓ Supercharger network access
- ✓ Strong residual values
What we don't
- ✕ Firm ride on 19-inch wheels
- ✕ Minimalist cabin polarises buyers
- ✕ No Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
Kia EV6
What we like
- ✓ 800V architecture for ultra-fast DC charging
- ✓ Striking exterior design
- ✓ Excellent ride/handling balance
What we don't
- ✕ Rear seat headroom limited by sloping roofline
- ✕ Boot smaller than EV5
- ✕ Updates have pushed price upward each year
Frequently asked: Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Tesla Model Y or the Kia EV6?
- The Tesla Model Y is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $71,990 versus $72,590 for the Kia EV6, a $600 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Kia EV6 has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 528 km, 62 km further than the Tesla Model Y's 466 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Kia EV6 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 233 kW versus 170 kW for the Tesla Model Y. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Tesla Model Y does 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds — 1.4 s quicker than the Kia EV6's 7.3 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Which has the longer warranty?
- The Kia EV6 is covered by a 7-year vehicle warranty, versus 4 years for the Tesla Model Y. Both also carry separate high-voltage battery warranties — check the manufacturer's site for the latest kilometre and condition limits.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Tesla Model Y
if…
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you regularly load it up (374 L more boot)
- ✓ you match the profile: families
Choose the
Kia EV6
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (62 km further per charge)
- ✓ you regularly do long road trips (faster DC peak)
- ✓ peace-of-mind warranty matters (3 more years of cover)
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.