With Tesla's official introduction of the Model Y at a price of ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom price), the Indian electric vehicle market has gained significant traction, and a major shift is anticipated. The Model Y is entering a developing industry of high-end electric crossovers, but it's one that is already familiar with "premium" electric cars like the Kia EV6, which had a significant facelift in January 2025.

Although the Model Y and the Kia EV6 are high-end electric crossovers aimed at early adopters, their approach to drivetrain philosophy, user experience, and design differs greatly. To comprehend how these two worldwide EV legends compare in the Indian setting, consider this thorough comparison.

Design Comparison: Tesla Model Y vs. Kia EV6

The Tesla Model Y is obviously a Tesla since it shares the same platform as the Model 3 but has SUV proportions. Its coupe shape, flush door handles, and sleek lines adhere to Tesla's minimalist design ethic. Although its design may be criticized as unrefined, especially in a class that occasionally emphasizes road presence and visual drama, the absence of excessive creases and badging gives it a polished, aerodynamic appearance.

In contrast, the Kia EV6 offers a more forceful and articulate representation of electric mobility. It has a wide-bodied, low-slumped posture with a cab-forward profile and is based on Hyundai Motor Group's proprietary E-GMP platform. The EV6 stands out from the competition thanks to its striking front profile, small DRLs, beautifully sculpted sides, and LED light bar that spans the whole back. The 2025 update made minor stylistic improvements, such as new alloy wheel designs and new color choices, that enhanced the car's overall visual appeal.

Comparison of features between the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6

The Model Y has an extremely simple cabin design, which is a major departure from Tesla's prior designs. The 15-inch horizontal touchscreen that is positioned in the middle of the dashboard allows for complete control over the interface. With no physical buttons or instrument cluster in view, this screen controls everything from climate control and vehicle settings to navigation and music.

Some of the notable features of the India-spec model are real-time navigation data, wireless software updates, a high-quality audio system, a panoramic glass roof, and basic Autopilot (Tesla's standard driver-assistance package). One glaring absence, though, is smartphone integration; there's no support for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which may be a disadvantage for consumers used to mirroring apps.

Conversely, the Kia EV6 combines modern technology with conventional controls to create a more well-rounded interior environment. Two 12.3-inch curved screens, one serving as the digital instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment screen, support the dashboard. In addition to Kia's own navigation and voice control systems, the infotainment system also offers support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The EV6's interior experience is elevated by features like wireless phone charging, an augmented reality head-up display, a 360-degree surround view camera system, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, and ventilated and powered front seats with heating and cooling. The 2025 upgrade improved all aspects of its ADAS system, which includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision avoidance.

Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: Specifications

The Tesla Model Y is available in India with two trim levels: RWD and AWD. The RWD is said to have a WLTP range of 533 kilometers and an estimated 296 horsepower from a single rear-mounted engine. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6.9 seconds. The AWD model ups the ante with two motors that produce over 480 horsepower, enabling a much quicker 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 5.0 seconds and a comparative range of 514 kilometers (WLTP). Depending on the model, global specifications indicate battery capacities of around 60–75 kWh, even though Tesla has not released any battery sizes. Although both variants support quick charging, India's Tesla Supercharger network is still in its infancy.

The EV6 GT Line AWD from Kia has a dual-motor configuration that produces 325 horsepower and 605 Nm of torque, with a 5.2 second 0–100 km/h time. Despite its ARAI-certified range of 708 kilometers, the real-world number is between 500 and 550 kilometers, powered by a 77.4 kWh battery pack. One of Kia's main advantages is its 800V electrical system, which enables incredibly quick DC charging—with a 350 kW charger, it can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. The EV6 is still future-ready, even if these chargers are not yet commonplace in India.

Price comparison between the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y

The ex-showroom prices for the Tesla Model Y are ₹59.89 lakh for the RWD model and ₹66.89 lakh for the AWD model. The RWD's pricing makes it a fair entry point into the Tesla universe, but it doesn't deliver on performance. The AWD model, however, is the most expensive of the three, and it provides captivating handling and all-weather capability. Technology will be a hallmark of the Tesla experience in both the RWD and AWD versions, but it will lack features that are becoming more and more common and even anticipated in this market, such as ventilated seats, phone connectivity, and 360-degree cameras.

₹65.97 lakh (ex-showroom) is the price of the Kia EV6 GT Line AWD. It falls between the two Tesla versions and, all things considered, offers a superior value proposition. Even if the Kia EV6 GT Line AWD doesn't accelerate as quickly as the Model Y AWD, it has a longer range, quicker charging times, and more practical interior features. Additionally, Kia provides a superior service network throughout India and a more established dealer support structure. Overall, the EV6 provides Indian consumers with a higher-quality EV premium experience from a value perspective.

Read Also: Ford Bronco EV Makes Global Debut — Is an India Launch on the Cards?
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