'Does This Dethrone The Model Y?': Expert Shows 2026 Kia EV6. Then He Shares Pros And Cons

Tesla’s Model Y has been the default electric crossover for years, but a new TikTok review of the 2026 Kia EV6 is asking a provocative question: Is it finally time for a dethroning?

In a clip that’s been viewed more than 6,000 times, Recurrent Auto (@recurrentauto) owner and CEO Scott Case gives a detailed look at the latest iteration of the EV6. As someone who closely watches changes in the overall EV marketplace, it means a lot that he raises the question of whether this is a worthy challenger for the Model Y’s dominance.

Highlighting the styling and impressive mileage performance—”The combination of the very high efficiency of the EV6 and the very fast charge rate, those two things together is what make it one of the fastest-charging cars in the model year”—he asks viewers their thoughts on the vehicle’s potential among EV lovers.

Kia Closes The Gap

In his walkthrough, Case repeatedly returns to the notion that Kia is closing the gap in areas where Tesla long held an advantage. He starts at the front of the EV6, remarking that the refreshed face of the car now evokes commentary like “crab claws” and a “bulbous nose,” a departure from its earlier, cleaner design lines. He also praises the pop-out door handles, contrasting them with the flush handles on the Model Y, which many new owners struggle to locate on first use.

Inside, the EV6 leans into a cocoon-like ambiance. As Case describes it, the long wraparound display “feels like I’m getting hugged in here,” a sentiment meant to evoke comfort and continuity in the cockpit. This is a deliberate design move by Kia, shifting from more modular layouts toward integrated displays and a more immersive driver experience.

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But the story gets complicated when Case opens the cargo area. He laments that there is “not a ton of room” in the trunk due to its sloping angle and that the under-floor storage is minimal. He even quips, “I’m guessing there’s not a frunk in here,” before noting a small gear storage compartment tucked behind the front crossbar.

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In short, compared to the Model Y or VW ID.4, the EV6 trades utility for form. Industry spec sheets confirm this: The EV6 offers approximately 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space with seats upright and up to 46.7 cubic feet with them folded, depending on the trim. By contrast, the Model Y is widely reported to offer a larger total cargo volume, thanks to a wider rear opening and a deeper underbody frunk area.

Charging Ahead

Case moves quickly to what he sees as one of the EV6’s defining strengths: charging. He incorrectly says that the 2026 EV6 is the first Kia model with a built-in NACS port, which debuted on the 2025 edition. That change eliminated the need for an adapter to tap into Tesla’s Supercharger network.

It’s a game-changer in theory because Tesla’s charging infrastructure is arguably its biggest competitive moat. Kia publicly confirmed the switch and repositioned the EV6’s port to the left rear fender in 2025 to better match how drivers approach Superchargers.

But the charging story doesn’t stop at compatibility. Case points out that the EV6 can add 100 miles in just 13 minutes. Kia’s use of an 800-volt platform helps it push electrons aggressively, and in real-world tests the EV6 has exceeded its EPA ratings. In high-output charging stations, the EV6 is rated to go from 10% to 80% in as little as 18 minutes, adding roughly 200 miles of range in a single stop. That puts it among the fastest-charging mainstream EVs, and in some cases ahead of the Model Y, which supports peak DC charging of around 250 kW, though real-world average rates often fall below that.

Still, charging speed can’t fully eclipse other practical factors. With less cargo capacity, negligible under-hood storage, and a design that prioritizes aesthetics over utility, the EV6 isn’t likely to satisfy buyers who prioritize hauling and versatility.

And while the new NACS port gives it theoretical parity with Tesla’s network, real-world charging experiences depend heavily on station availability, queuing, and network robustness.

Thus, whether the EV6 “dethrones” the Model Y depends heavily on buyer priorities. For those who value fast charging, style and cockpit experience, the EV6 makes a compelling case. For buyers who demand maximum utility, deep cargo or a mature ecosystem, Tesla still holds advantages. Case’s framing invites that debate, and it’s one EV buyers will increasingly weigh as legacy automakers polish their offerings.

In the end, the EV6 may not unseat the Model Y, but it signals just how seriously Kia now competes.

InsideEVs reached out to Case via direct message.

 

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