OWINGS MILLS, MD, Feb. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fast, high-performing, roomy, clean, and with the ability to charge quickly, the all-electric 2023 Kia EV6 not only shifts the electric vehicle market into high gear, it captures MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Awards Best of the Year honor for 2023. The announcement was made during a digital ceremony on February 9.
MotorWeek host and creator John Davis says, “The “EV6 pushes all the right buttons: up-to-date design details such as its five-door coupe-like profile, flush door handles, and unique LED lighting make it a style leader. The dedicated EV platform means an airy interior with exceptional room both front and rear, executed with an ultra-clean layout that perfectly blends sportiness and comfort.”
Davis added, “With 576 horsepower, the top EV6 GT performance model is clearly very fast; capable of a run from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. The EV6 also was designed with an 800-volt battery architecture that is changing the charging game, allowing the car to be charged more quickly, adding more than 200 miles’ range in just 18 minutes.”
While it is possible to spend more than $60,000 for an EV6, the manufacturer’s suggested retail pricing begins in the high $40s, close to the average for current new car transactions, making the EV6 a most affordable EV alternative.
Davis concludes: “Every EV6 model begs to be driven with enthusiasm thanks to instant throttle response and nailed-down handling. The Kia EV6 is simply an outstanding, breakthrough vehicle design, which is why it’s MotorWeek’s 2023 pick for the Drivers’ Choice Award Best of the Year designation.”
The full slate of awards announced by MotorWeek, now in its 42nd season as TV and digital media’s original automotive magazine series, reflects the enthusiasm Americans continue to have for cars. The Drivers’ Choice Awards digital ceremony can be viewed at MotorWeek.org and on MotorWeek’s YouTube channel.
The 2023 Drivers’ Choice Award winners also are featured on MotorWeek.org and appear on a special episode of MotorWeek (#4223) airing on public television stations beginning February 11. The episode can also be seen on the series’ cable partner, the MAVTV Motorsports Network, beginning February 26.
MotorWeek’s editorial staff evaluated more than 150 cars, trucks, and sports utility vehicles this year. Drivers’ Choice Award winners in 12 consumer-driven categories were chosen based on driving performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency, and value for the dollar.
“Following a momentous year for the EV6, with its U.S. launch just one year ago, and the recent debut of the high-performance EV6 GT, we are honored to receive these awards from MotorWeek,” said Steven Center, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Kia America. “The EV6 represents an important step toward Kia’s transformative ‘Plan S’ global electrification strategy and its future-forward design, dedicated EV platform, and performance continues to impress,” he adds.
MotorWeek and the 2023 Drivers’ Choice Awards are nationally sponsored by Lucas Oil, Auto Value and Bumper-to-Bumper, and TireRack.com.
2023 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award Winners
Best Family Sedan: Toyota Prius
Best Luxury Sedan: Mercedes-Benz S-Class*
Best Sport Sedan: Acura Integra
Best Sport Coupe: Nissan Z
Best Performance Car: Audi RS3
Best Small Utility: Mazda CX-50
Best Midsize Utility: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Best Large Utility: Hyundai Palisade
Best Luxury Utility: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Best Small Truck: Ford Maverick*
Best Fullsize Truck: Ford F-Series**
Best EV: BMW i4; Cadillac LYRIQ; GMC Hummer EV Pickup; Kia EV6
* Denotes repeat winner from 2022 ** Denotes repeat winner from 2021 & 2022.
About MotorWeek
MotorWeek is television’s longest-running and most-respected automotive series. Debuting in 1981, MotorWeek launched a new television genre by becoming the first weekly series to offer consumer-oriented car and truck reviews, do-it-yourself car care tips, and the latest auto industry news.
Produced by Maryland Public Television (MPT), the award-winning series is now in its 42nd season. The winner of numerous automotive journalism awards, MotorWeek is a reliable and trusted source of automotive news on television and on the web.
Distributed nationwide and overseas by MPT, MotorWeek airs on 90 percent of PBS stations. Viewers can find the days and times their local public television station airs MotorWeek by going to the station listings page on MotorWeek.org. MotorWeek can also be seen on the MAVTV motorsports and automotive enthusiasts' cable channel, and Spanish-language viewers can catch MotorWeek on the V-me network.
Online, MotorWeek episodes can be streamed 24/7 on mobile devices and streaming box or source with the PBS video app, while the latest episodes are also available for free at pbs.org/show/motor-week. Many of MotorWeek-archived road tests and features, including popular Retro Road Test Marathons, can also be accessed at www.youtube.com/Motorweek with nearly three million viewers each month.
MotorWeek is also the source for up-to-the-minute automotive news, instantaneous driving impressions, and exclusive videos online at MotorWeek.org. Viewers can also follow MotorWeek on Facebook and Twitter as well as download complete shows on iTunes.
For commercial licensing opportunities regarding the 2023 MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards including the use of the logo, contact David Eng of PARS International Corp. at (212) 221-9595 x145 or david.eng@parsintl.com.
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