Head-to-head · vehicle level

Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y

Kia EV6 68Tesla Model Y 76on the MotiveGrid ScoreKia EV6 about $3,550 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Kia EV6 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,550 less over five years, thanks to cheaper insurance. The Tesla Model Y counters with more range (321 vs 237 miles) and notably more cargo room.

Go with the Kia EV6 for the better long-term value; consider the Tesla Model Y if you prioritize more driving range and more cargo space.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Kia EV6 vs. Tesla Model Y

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Kia EV6 versus 2026 Tesla Model Y.
MetricKia EV6Tesla Model Y
MotiveGrid Score6876
Cost of Ownership7367
Powertrain6171
Driver Assistance2230
Livability3646
Safety95100
5-Year Cost to Own$49,213$52,764
Depreciation (5-yr)$23,309$25,034
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$4,413$2,863
Insurance (5-yr)$11,115$14,260
Maintenance (5-yr)$955$1,125
Tires (5-yr)$2,050$1,750
Financing (5-yr)$5,702$6,017
Registration (5-yr)$1,670$1,715
Starting Price$37,900$39,990
Horsepower168 hp295 hp
Electric range237 mi321 mi
Cargo volume24.4 cu ft76 cu ft
Seating55
Towing capacity3,500 lbs
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Electric
2026$37,900
2026 Kia EV6 electric crossover in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$37,900
Mo · 5yr
$820
$49,213 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$39,990
2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper
MSRP
$39,990
Mo · 5yr
$879
$52,764 / 5 years
Best for families
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score

Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.

Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →

Tesla Model Y scores higher overall.

Kia EV6
0
/ 100
Tesla Model Y
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
EV6
73
Model Y
67
Winner: EV6
$3,550 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
EV6
61
Model Y
71
Winner: Model Y
+10 pts
Long electric range
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
EV6
22
Model Y
30
Winner: Model Y
+8 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
EV6
36
Model Y
46
Winner: Model Y
+10 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
EV6
95
Model Y
100
Winner: Model Y
+5 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Kia EV6 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,550 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Tesla Model Y still wins if your priority is best for families.

Daily commuter
Tesla Model Y
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia EV6
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Tesla Model Y
Better safety rating with substantially more cargo room
Highway driver
Tesla Model Y
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia EV6
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03

Cost of Ownership

Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation

State

Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%

Charging mix

Kia EV6
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$820
$49,213 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$820/mo
Tesla Model Y
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$879
$52,764 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$879/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Tesla Model Y recoups its $2,090 price premium in 7.6 years ($276/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Kia EV6 comes out about $3,550 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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