Decades ago, electric vehicles (EVs) were seen as glorified golf carts – comically small and inefficient. But modern EVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 prove just how far the technology has advanced, offering the style, performance and capabilities to rival gas-powered cars. As sleek, high-tech crossovers loaded with the latest tech, they show EVs can be practical yet exciting.
But between the Mustang Mach-E and EV6, which of these newcomers in the growing EV crossover segment reigns supreme? With similarities in size and an SUV silhouette paired with electric motors, yet differences under the sheet metal, it’s important to dive into the details from every angle – performance, charging, features, and more – to pick out a winner.
By evaluating this emerging pair of electric crossovers side-by-side, consumers can determine if the iconic Mustang galloping into the EV era or Kia’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle best fits their needs.
Mustang Mach-E vs EV6: At a Glance Comparison
Before analyzing what sets these two apart, here is a high-level overview of their basic specifications:
| Specification | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Kia EV6 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 266 hp | 168 hp |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | Mid 6 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Battery Capacity | 68 kWh | 58 kWh |
| Max Range (Est.) | 247 miles | 232 miles |
| Max Charging Speed | 150 kW (10-80% in 45 min) | 350 kW (10-80% in 18 min) |
| MSRP (Base Model) | $44,995 | $40,900 |
Reviewing the vital statistics above, some differences that stand out are the Mustang Mach-E’s additional horsepower and range balanced mainly by the EV6’s faster charging capabilities and lower starting price.
Digging deeper, there is more to the story and additional factors that determine how these electric crossovers compare overall.
Driving Performance and Powertrain
The Mustang Mach-E arrived for 2021 as Ford’s first ground-up battery electric vehicle, bringing zero-emissions and exhilarating torque off the line. Living up to the legendary Mustang name, its rear-wheel drive architecture and available all-wheel drive deliver sports car-like handling many wouldn’t expect from an electric crossover SUV.
Underpinning the experience is a choice of 68 or 88 kWh lithium-ion battery packs powering a single or dual-motor drivetrain outputting between 266 and 480 horsepower. Acceleration ranges from a brisk 6 seconds 0-60 mph time for the base Select trim up to a lightning-quick 3.5 seconds for the GT Performance Edition. No matter the model, drivers will feel the immediate jolt of electric torque propelling them forward.
In the EV6, Kia leverages the dedicated E-GMP platform optimized exclusively for battery-electric vehicles rather than adapting existing internal combustion engine architecture. The low-mounted, pouch-style 77.4 kWh battery pack (with a 58 kWh option) feeds a 168 horsepower rear-wheel drive motor on standard models, cutting 0-60 mph times to a respectable 7.2 seconds.
Available all-wheel drive and a larger motor bumps output to 320 horsepower, trimming the sprint below 5 seconds. While custom tailored to EV needs, the EV6 lacks some of the athletic DNA in Ford’s legendary nameplate. Handling falls slightly short of the Mustang’s sharp reflexes, but remains balanced and nimble.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Mustang Mach-E brings not just faster acceleration and more muscle but also handling and agility closer to its namesake thanks to rear-wheel drive architecture. The EV6 puts up a good fight but comes just shy of matching Ford’s icon.
Battery Range and Charging Comparison
For environmentally-conscious buyers considering ending their reliance on gas, vehicle range and charging pose common concerns. Luckily, both the Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 deliver ample range for normal commutes and road trips, while supporting sufficiently fast DC fast charging.
The Mustang Mach-E Standard Range touts the longest driving range, achieving an EPA-estimated 247 miles from its 68 kWh battery in rear-wheel drive configuration. That‘s just ahead of the EV6‘s maximum 232 miles. Moving up to the Extended Range 88 kWh battery only slightly reduces max range to 224 miles despite the added capacity.
Both support roughly 150 kW peak DC fast charging, with the Mustang Mach-E needing approximately 45 minutes to replenish 10-80% and the EV6 impressively charging to that level in just 18 minutes. Level 2 charging can also fully recharge both overnight using a home charger installation.
With maximum ranges over 200 miles and only 45 minutes for substantial fast charge re-ups, either model provides the usability for daily commutes and long road trips alike. The EV6 gains back some advantage with its remarkably fast charge curve.
Advantage: Tie
The Mustang Mach-E touts extended range capabilities on select versions while the EV6 can regain 100 miles of range in barely over 15 minutes, demonstrating there are different paths to equally capable real-world usability.
Interior Space and Cargo Flexibility
Sharing similar external dimensions aligned with compact crossovers, both EV models also cater to passenger space and cargo flexibility demands of small families. Up front, occupants enjoy exceptional head and legroom along with a feeling of airiness amplified by expansive glass roofs.
In the second row, passengers in the Mach-E get over a half foot more legroom thanks to its longer wheelbase. The EV6 fights back with nearly 20% greater cargo capacity behind the second row, at 24.4 cubic feet versus 20.8 cubes in the Mustang. Folding the 60/40 rear seats down opens up 59.3 cubic feet in Ford’s pony car crossover and 53.5 cubes in Kia’s electric wagon.
Creative packaging solutions also help these vehicle score practicality points. The EV6 allows the cargo floor to sit flush when the second row is folded, while a front trunk provides additional storage. Unique to the Mach-E is the option for a drainable “frunk” cooler.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
With advantages in back seat legroom and wider cargo dimensions, the Mustang Mach-E caters better to passenger and gear hauling needs, especially with its deep front trunk supplementing the rear capacity.
Technology, Connectivity and Driver Assistance
Modern vehicles are coming packed with screens, speakers and an array of electronic driver assistance aids and connected features. Ford and Kia equipped their electric flagships with appealing technology suites catering to preferences of savvy digital natives.
At the helm of the Mach-E experience is the responsive 15.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system running SYNC 4A. An augmented reality-enabled navigation system makes directing drivers simpler and cinematic. A 10-speaker B&O Sound System and SiriusXM satellite radio capability provide premium audio. Standard Co-Pilot360 2.0 driver aids supply confidence-inspiring assistance.
Inside the EV6’s modern cabin is a curved 12-inch infotainment touchscreen with integrated climate controls plus a second screen for instrumentation. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system satisfy smartphone and audiophile needs respectively. Kia’s Drive Wise suite of advanced safety technologies match Ford’s standard features list.
Both automakers also provide EVs equipped for over-the-air software update capability, meaning new features and functionality can be added remotely over time without visits to the dealer. Overall, you can’t go wrong with either infotainment system.
Advantage: Tie
The Mach-E’s giant screen real estate counterbalances with the EV6’s high-fidelity Meridian audio, making both high-tech havens.
Driving Experience and Styling Characteristics
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E turns heads with its sleek shape and sporty persona, blending the style of the iconic coupe with compact crossover sensibilities. The low nose, aggressive fascia and fastback roof profile share unmistakable resemblance. Inside, drivers grip a flat-bottom steering wheel and sit in sport bucket seats.
Performance variants signal their athletic intentions through large alloy wheels, a rear wing and quad exhaust outlets. Distinct tri-bar taillights watch your six as drivers roar off ahead of the pack. Undeniably inspired by its namesake thoroughbred lineage, the Mach-E proudly carries the galloping stallion imagery into the EV age.
More conservative aesthetically, the Kia EV6 instead aims for contemporary and upscale. The sleek crossover body style lends a sporty fastback silhouette mirrored in the Mustang. Signature “heart beat” DRLs pulse rhythmically framing Kia’s new era “Opposites United” design language focusing on bold, daring visual contrasts.
Inside the EV6, a movable center console creates flexible space. Curved display screens and eco-friendly materials craft a refined, lounge-like environment. Sitting a bit taller than the Mach-E, the EV6 looks and feels more like a luxury wagon versus rock-star sports car.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
The thrilling looks and performance resonance of the Mustang Mach-E give it inherint style points over the more conventional clean-sheet EV6.
Awards and Recognition
The first year on the market, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E made quite the awards haul, spotlighting its unprecedented achievement bringing heritage American muscle roaring into the electric future while retaining key elements loyalists crave.
It secured Car and Driver’s first-ever EV of the Year award along with the magazine‘s Editors‘ Choice distinction. Adding further praise, it also captured Green Car Journal’s Green Car Award and both the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and Truck of the Year trophies. Kelley Blue Book bestowed Best Resale Value honors for plug-in vehicles.
In Europe, the Kia EV6 clinched perhaps the most significant industry accolade as winner of the prestigious 2022 Car of the Year. Adding this caliber trophy early in its lifecycle speaks to the vehicle earning recognition from an elite panel of automotive journalists judged it as best in class based on merits of design, safety, dynamics, value and innovation.
Certainly the EV6 making its mark across the ocean while the Mustang Mach-E racks up domestic awards demonstrates both make a name for themselves, quite literally in Ford’s case. We’ll call it a draw since the playing fields aren’t entirely parallel.
Advantage: Tie
The Mustang Mach-E checks the boxes for praiseworthy electric vehicle execution and driving enjoyment including a few key US-centric honors. Meanwhile, the Kia EV6 impressed the demanding Euro crowd out the gate.
Pricing Showdown
Economics inevitably play a role in vehicle shopping decisions. MSRPs for the EV crossovers start at $44,995 for a base Mustang Mach-E Select, over $4,000 more than the EV6 Wind at $40,900. However, factoring potential federal tax incentives changes math. Based on battery sourcing legislation qualifications, Ford buyers can redeem $7,500 in credits compared to $7,500 max for Kias since Hyundai Motor Group hit the 200,000 US sales cap.
In some states, additional rebates add up fast. For example, Californians can combined stack another $2,000 state incentive plus $750 CVRP rebate sweetening the deal. The Mach-E also seen slightly less market adjustments driving up sale prices further amid vehicle shortages. Doing the math brings the entry prices close enough together before even considering the higher horsepower and range favoring the galloping pony car. Only the entry GT trim creeps above the $60,000 threshold to qualify for maximum breaks.
Note that the Kia EV6 does undercut equivalent Mustang Mach-E Premium and GT variants by just over $3,000, so value appeals on higher-end configurations. Mustang intenders with one eye on their budget and desire for base models gain advantage from uncapped fed plus state credits.
Advantage: Ford Mustang Mach-E
Factoring tax incentives narrows gap between base models and mostly nullifies premium pricing on upper trim Cost of entry and ownership long-term goes to the Mustang Mach-E for buyers focused on lowest out-the-door and operating costs.
Verdict: 2022 Mustang Mach-E Claims the Electric Crossover Crown
The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6 both impress as strong contenders in the developing mainstream electric crossover space. As expected rivals given similarities in positioning and arrival to market nearly in lockstep, they deliver comparable range, performance, packaging and technology matching what buyers need from functional EVs.
Delving into the details, while the EV6 fights back with faster charging and arguably smarter storage, key advantages in most other categories provide Mustang Mach-E the win. Thanks to tradition rooted in combustion performance models, Ford’s pony car DNA pays dividends with advantages in critical performance metrics – acceleration, handling and braking.
Creative design preserving Mustang vibes earns styling points too while rangier configs satisfy drivers Logging more miles daily or embarking on road trips. Add sleeker looks and cabin roominess in one total package and it’s clear the Mustang Mach-E sets the pace in electrifying an American icon.
