2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Vs 2023 Kia EV6 GT Comparison

Kia EV6 GT: The GT is the top dog in the EV6 lineup. It uses a dual motor set-up that’s good for a crazy 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. To get all that power to the ground, the GT comes standard with all-wheel drive.

So how quick is it? Kia claims the 4,795-pound crossover can go from 0 to 60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. That’s properly quick, and the vehicle feels every bit capable of hitting those claimed numbers. Put the EV6 in sport or GT mode, hammer the accelerator, and the vehicle pulls hard.

Even in wet, snowy conditions, the GT still launches with authority. The four tires just grip and go. Slow things down though, and the EV6 GT is perfectly docile. In normal driving, there’s plenty of power, but it’s easy to drive smoothly and softly.

Of course, like many modern EVs, there’s fake noises available to mimic some sort of engine, or in this case, motor sound. It’s possible to fully customize how the vehicle sounds, or another option is to select a pre-set sound.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: The Mustang Mach-E Performance Edition only has 480 hp. Although it’s a bit ridiculous to use only before 480 horsepower, the Ford does have 96 less ponies than the Kia. But when it comes to torque, like a good American car, the Mach E is the champ. It has 89 lb-ft more torque, for a total of 634. Even with nearly 5,000 lb to haul around, Ford claims this dual motor, all-wheel drive SUV can hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from a standstill in 3.5 seconds.

As the numbers suggest, acceleration is a wash between the two in real world driving. But the torque in the Mach E is noticeable at lower speeds. Around the city there’s a bit more urgency behind the Mach-E’s launches. So much torque is available, it’s quite easy to break the front tires loose under hard acceleration.

Kia EV6 GT: The biggest drawback to the EV6 GT is its range. In optimal conditions, it will only travel up to 206 miles (332 kilometers) on a single charge. That’s partially due to a somewhat small battery pack of 77.4 kWh, and of course having 556 hp. Utilize the EV6’s 2,300-lb towing capacity, or make continued 0–60 mph sprints, and range will only get worse.

Officially, the GT version of the EV6 is rated at 85 MPGe (2.8 Le/100 km) city and 74 MPGe (3.2 Le/100 km) highway.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: The Mustang Mach-E counters with a larger 91 kWh battery, which enables the vehicle to travel 260 miles on a single charge. That’s over 25-percent further than the EV6 GT, which is not a small difference.

More than just a larger battery, the Mustang Mach-E GT is also more efficient in its power usage. Official ratings for the GT Performance are 90 MPGe (2.7 Le/100 km) in the city, and 77 MPGe (3.1 Le/100 km) on the highway.

Kia EV6 GT: Kia’s intentions with the EV6 GT is for it to be more than a one trick pony. To help the vehicle corner and brake as well as it accelerates, it comes equipped with 255/40R21 summer tires at all four corners. During the testing period though, the summer rubber had been replaced with winter tires, and the fronts appear to have lived a very hard life.

The GT exhibits minimal body roll when taking freeway on-ramps with haste or blasting along winding country roads. The vehicle does it best in trying to hide its portly weight. The crisp steering and responsive drivetrain make the EV6 act like it’s at least 1,000 lb lighter. But there’s only so much the engineers could do to overcome physics and every once in a while, the EV6 GT suddenly reminds me just how heavy it is.

Probably the best way to describe how this car drives is like a large premium sports sedan. Think of some of the heavyweight V8 monsters with granite-like chassis and you get the idea. It’s fun to drive like those cars as well—just in a different way. It lacks the connection and feel of its gasoline-powered counterparts, but the instant electric torque and all-wheel drive system make the GT entertaining.

The EV6 also does do a great job swallowing up bumps in the road and smoothing out broken pavement. We expect a high-performance EV likes this to ride much stiffer, but this suspension does a great job absorbing impacts. And it does so quietly.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: The Mach-E lives up to its Mustang name, as it feels as close to a muscle car as any EV we’ve driven. The way the power is delivered both on and off the throttle. The way there’s just a bit of body motion, but it’s otherwise controlled. It just has this big, powerful, brutish feel to it. The Mach-E doesn’t try to hide its weight as much as the EV6; in fact, it almost embraces it.

The handling is still quite good and the steering very responsive, especially in Unbridled mode. But the quick responses of the EV6 aren’t quite here in the Mach-E GT Performance. It does make the Ford more predictable to drive, but not as engaging. I’d put money on the EV6 being quicker on a track or through a set of switchback canyon roads. Some of the Ford’s handling deficit can be attributed to the slightly smaller and taller 245/45R20 tires.

The Mach E’s suspension matches the Kia’s in terms of comfort, but I can hear it hitting bumps and cracks in the road more. It’s lacking the same isolation as the EV6.

Kia EV6 GT: The interior of the EV6 has a funky design without being over the top. I really like the look of the dashboard, which features the usual Kia layout and controls. If someone’s driven a recent Kia, they’ll know how to use the EV6 almost right away.

Headroom upfront is only listed at 36.8 inches (935 millimeters) and it’s as tight as the numbers suggest. This six-foot tall tester just fits behind the wheel. But anyone taller may be bumping their head into the roof. The front seats are very supportive and quite comfortable. But in this $63,000 crossover, neither have any power functions. Yeah, $63 grand and no power seats.

Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Mach-E’s interior has a pleasing design that’s a different take on modern. The giant center screen and rectangular driver information screen are surrounded by a mix of soft touch, hard plastic, and fabric materials. We wouldn’t say either interior layout is necessarily better than the other, but if I were to choose one, I’d take the Kia’s.

The Mach-E’s front seats are supportive and quite comfortable. The Kia has a bit more support, but the cushions on the Ford are more comfortable. I prefers the Mustang’s seat as it better fits my body type—or maybe more so my age.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Mach-E feels more like sitting in a SUV, mainly due to the higher driving position and that long hood. With over 40 inches available, there’s noticeably more headroom in the Ford. Rear seat headroom is better as well, and legroom is about the same as the EV6. The Ford’s seat cushion is placed higher, but the roofline curves down at the sides and obscures the view outside. Thankfully there’s a large glass roof that makes it feel bright and airy.

Cargo capacity is another win for the Mach-E as it offers a more square cargo hold that can carry up to 26.6 cu ft of gear. As a bonus, there is a 4.7 cu ft frunk under the hood as well.

Kia EV6 GT: The EV6 looks less like a SUV and more like a lifted long-roof hatchback, or dare I even say wagon. Its styling is modern, stands-out, and quite pleasing to these eyes.

Less pleasing is the fact it features no rear window wiper either. The swept up rear taillights do keep road spray off the rear window, but not rain. We feel any vehicle with a rear hatch, regardless of vehicle shape, should have an attached wiper.

Ford Mustang Mach-E GT: The Mach-E has a more rounded shape, with plenty of Mustang styling cues throughout. In the seemingly mandatory weird door handles contest most electric vehicles participate in, the Ford is the winner. The Mach E’s doors open via push-button on the outside, and the fronts have these tiny little handles to open them. Even the interior handle release is a bit funky, with a giant toggle-switch like operation.

Speaking of buttons and handles, one design element we don’t like on either vehicle has to do with the rear cargo doors. Both vehicles have the power liftgate buttons right above the license plate. Although it’s hidden from view, this is where all the crud builds up from road spray.

The Ford Mustang Mach E GT Performance features a lot of equipment missing from the Kia EV6 GT. The list includes items like dual power front seats, a rear wiper, a glass roof, and Ford’s terrific Blue Cruise intelligent driving system. The EV6 GT does have some features not found in the Mustang Mach E like the lane watch cameras and head up display.

But the Mach-E counters with a larger trunk, more useful frunk, and the better range mentioned earlier. At this point, it seems like the Mustang Mach E is running away with this competition. Well, not so fast.

As tested, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance comes in at $72,135 (including destination) for American buyers. That’s over $9,000 more expensive than the 2023 Kia EV6 GT we have on hand that stickers for $62,925.

In Canada, the gap is even larger. The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance costs $92,780 after destination charges compared to the 2023 Kia EV6 GT that has an MSRP of $76,745.

The comparison between 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT vs 2023 Kia EV6 GT boils down to two main questions. First, is the price premium worth it for the Mach-E GT over the EV6 GT? It’s not an easy answer as there is a lot of good reasons to pay the extra money for the Ford.

The next question has to do with personal preference? What is more important? The performance and engagement of the EV6 GT? Or the livability and range of the Mach-E GT?

Safe to say, we’re torn. Ask us tomorrow and our decision might change. But a winner must be declared. For now, we will save the cash, deal with the shorter range, and take the more fun-to-drive Kia EV6 GT.

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