The Kia EV6 is a radically different electric vehicle from the Korean manufacturer; indeed, it shares many similarities with the equally stylish Hyundai Ioniq 5, both being great inclusions to the EV market.
When it comes to audio, the automaker offers a six-speaker configuration in its entry-level Air and GT-Line trims, which we have one review, and a 14-speaker Meridian Audio system within the GT-Line S and top-spec GT models.
Click here to read the full Kia EV6 review
Kia EV6 audio setup
To tinker with the vehicle’s audio settings, one has to navigate to the ‘Sound Settings’ tab on the 12.3″ infotainment system. Here, you’ll find a three-band equaliser, below are our optimal settings:
- Radio noise control: Original sound
- Treble: +0
- Midrange: +2
- Bass: +3
- Balance & Fader: Centre
To connect up to the vehicle’s audio system using your smartphone, you can opt for a wireless connection over Bluetooth where the SBC and AAC codecs are supported only, or opt for higher-fidelity playback by using a wired USB connection instead. Here, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported through the infotainment system.
As for media controls, there are the onscreen touch controls, a volume wheel by the dashboard alongside a few touch-sensitive media settings, and smartly laid out physical buttons on the steering wheel, which allow you to change tracks and adjust the playback volume.
Read next: Hyundai Ioniq 5 audio review: Bose 7+1 sound system!
Kia EV6 audio performance
For a demo of the EV6’s audio system head on over to our YouTube channel.
When it comes to its stock audio configuration, the EV6 has a woofer driver within each of the four doors and a tweeter in each of the A-pillars. The Meridian Audio system adds a tweeter within each of the rear door trims, two mid-range speakers and a centre channel within the dashboard, two surround speakers within the rear parcel shelf and a subwoofer in the boot.
The inherent lack of a subwoofer within the six-speaker configuration is immediately apparent when listening to ‘Essence’ by WizKid. Here, the sub-bass extension is cut short and can’t provide that pronounced low-end rumble unlike the upgraded systems within the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin and Kia Soul EV, all of which have a dedicated low-end driver positioned in the boot. Undoubtedly, if you’re a basshead or would like to feel your music, you’ll have to opt for the more expensive GT-Line S or above in order to benefit from the subwoofer found within the Meridian audio system.
On the plus side, the mid-bass tones are pronounced and controlled. We added three notches to the bass EQ in order to attain a more hearty audio reproduction. Surprisingly, the Kia EV6’s stock configuration does a better job through this frequency range than the upgraded Bose system found within the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Read next: The best dash cams to mount inside your vehicle
Given the extra oomph in the mid-bass tones, it’s no surprise that vocals are a little pushed back. One might jump at boosting the mid-range EQ to the nth degree but doing so will affect Mariah Carey’s pitch-perfect vocals in her single ‘H.A.T.E.U.’. As such, we added two notches to the mids and found a good median between the system’s tonal accuracy and ability to emphasise vocals throughout the cabin.
As for the highs, the tweeters found at the front provide plenty of energy and excitement. one could add a few notches to the ‘Treble’ EQ to further emphasise the cymbals but this, at least to our ears, adds sibilance and harshness at the top end. At the rear of the cabin, however, music is a bit more lifeless due to the lack of dedicated high-end drivers.
The same could be said about the overall soundstage and instrument separation within the stock EV6 audio configuration. The lacklustre number of drivers within the cabin has a knock-on effect in this department, whereby music isn’t as fulfilling nor engaging as other vehicles that boast more speakers.
Finally, onto cabin noise, the EV6 is competent at keeping exterior noise down to a minimum; nevertheless, it’s no match to the serene Tesla Model 3. Using a sound meter we recorded, 36 dBA at a standstill; 55-57 dBA, while driving at 20-30mph; 61-64 dBA, while driving at 40mph; and 70-74 dBA when at 70mph. As for when the windows are brought down, the level increases by roughly 10 dBA.
Read next: Tesla Model 3 audio review: Better than the Polestar 2?
TotallyEV’s verdict on the Kia EV6’s audio system
On the whole, the six-speaker audio configuration will suffice for some consumers but will disappoint audiophiles, namely when pitted against the likes of the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin and Kia Soul EV.
Should you be set on getting the EV6 and you’re into music, we’d recommend looking into the GT-Line S, where its 14-speaker Meridian audio system provides a much-needed boost in the sub-bass tones and a more fulfilling soundstage for all occupants.
How would you rate the Kia EV6’s audio system? Let us know in the comments section below or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
It’s a shame that the press vehicle you were given only had the base sound system. The Meridian branded sound system has ended up being surprisingly storied and extremely contentious amongst owners, so an extra voice weighing in on its quality would have been great!
For some context, owners of the EV6 have frequently complained that the Meridian Sound System has significant subwoofer performance issues. Workarounds abound, from popping out two panels on the cover over the subwoofer compartment, to entirely removing the cover, to replacing the subwoofer entirely. Kia has done a recall on the vehicle to address issues with the sound system amplifier and included software and firmware changes across multiple infotainment updates which were aimed at improving the subwoofer performance. And this also means that a fully updated and serviced car today sounds different from a launch EV6 during the initial wave of reviews.
All this to say: there’s no sensible reason for you to do a re-review of the EV6 right this second, but the facelift with a bunch of upgrades which was revealed in South Korea a couple months ago should be arriving in European markets for 2025. I’d really hope you could get your hands on a model with the premium sound system (assuming it’s still the same Meridian branded system) and give your thoughts on what it sounds like with all the improvements released by Kia over the last couple years.
Thanks for sharing! That would be great to do in the future; fingers crossed we can make that happen. Many thanks for the input.