After a Year with the Kia EV6: What I Learned About EV Tires and Real-World Driving Challenges

My recent experience with Lucid Motors’ new Gravity SUV has provided some valuable insights into my own vehicle, a 2024 Kia EV6. While my EV6 has commendable range and performance, something felt off after I returned from a week of driving the Gravity, which retails for $123,000. It wasn’t long before I identified the culprit: my EV6’s tires.

After a week on a fresh set of tires, I noticed distinct differences in traction, vibrations, road noise, and braking when I returned to my EV6. It seems that sometimes, we become accustomed to issues in our vehicles, failing to notice them until we experience something superior. If there’s one thing I can confirm, it’s that my EV6 felt less refined compared to the Gravity.

Once I returned home, I conducted the penny test on my tires and was disheartened to find Lincoln’s head visible on all four. Time for new tires, it seemed. Tire wear is an inevitable aspect of vehicle ownership and, unfortunately for me, the EV6 is due for a replacement after just 17,000 miles and 15 months, significantly less than the mileage I typically achieve with my gasoline-powered vehicles.

Kia EV6: Tire Insights

The importance of tires extends beyond what many drivers realize. They are the only point of contact with the road, supporting the entire weight of your vehicle and managing the crucial phases of moving and stopping. The right set of tires can tremendously enhance your driving experience. For instance, fitting quality summer performance tires on an electric vehicle might outperform gas cars in competitive environments. On the flip side, a high-end car like a BMW M3 can underperform if it’s equipped with low-quality or worn tires.

This rings even truer for EV drivers. Tire selection can directly impact electric range and efficiency. For example, during my recent evaluation of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT equipped with all-terrain tires, I found it struggled to match the efficiency of its standard variant, primarily due to its tire design aimed at mild off-roading.

The images provide a visual comparison via the penny test: my EV6 at the top, a 2025 model with only 4,000 miles at the bottom left, and my gas-powered Mazda at the bottom right. Noteworthy differences are apparent.

Given that EVs generally weigh more than their gasoline counterparts—my EV6 tips the scales at around 4,300 pounds, nearly 900 pounds more than a comparable Kia Sportage—their tires experience more stress. Additionally, the instant torque provided by electric motors can accelerate wear.

Equipped with Kumho Crugen HP71 all-season tires, my EV6 is positioned to deliver low noise but may not fully complement the vehicle’s handling, which I find lacks excitement. Tire preference is subjective; opinions about noise, performance, and quality can vary widely. My experience tells me that I won’t miss the Kumhos.

Tire Maintenance for EVs

Regular maintenance for an EV primarily revolves around tire rotations and fluid checks, like adding windshield washer fluid. I’ve had two rotations in the past year, each costing about $70. It’s easy to overlook this maintenance since traditional oil changes are no longer necessary. However, regular rotations are vital for ensuring even tire wear and maximizing their lifespan.

Is Tire Wear Normal for EVs?

When it comes to tire wear, there are no definitive answers. It’s commonly suggested that EV tires wear approximately 20% faster than those on gasoline vehicles, although this can vary significantly. I’ve encountered other Kia EV6 owners with widely varying experiences; some reported lasting up to 30,000 miles, while others faced replacements around the 16,000-mile mark. My own history with traditional vehicles usually sees tire lifespans around 30,000 to 40,000 miles, but numerous factors like driving style, weather conditions, and maintenance practices play a role in tire wear.

Different brands may also yield different results. Tesla, for instance, has faced scrutiny for uneven wear, although the number of units on the road contributes to the visibility of this issue.

The Cost of Replacing EV Tires

The financial implications of replacing tires can be daunting. A new set of Kumhos would cost around $1,037.40 for four, excluding installation. Since I’m dissatisfied with these tires, I’m exploring alternatives, particularly the Continental CrossContact all-season tires on the 2025 Kia EV6, which may be a more suitable and cost-effective option.

I want to avoid spending $800 to $1,000 annually on tire replacements for my EV6, making the search for durable solutions critical.

Understanding EV-Specific Tires

The market for EV-specific tires has emerged as manufacturers adapt to the unique demands of electric vehicles. Brands like Hankook, Michelin, and Bridgestone are developing tires with lower rolling resistance and materials engineered for the added weight and torque from EVs. These tires often come with sound-dampening features to compensate for the quieter ride in electric vehicles.

However, whether your EV strictly requires these specialized tires is subjective. While tire manufacturers advocate their products, the effectiveness of regular tires shouldn’t be underestimated. As Joshua Sorter, a tire development director at Discount Tire, stated, “An EV tire is just a tire that has characteristics that EV drivers want.” Regular tires can perform excellently in EV applications if selected wisely.

Prioritizing research is essential when seeking the right tires. Recent tests by Tire Rack reveal that while some tire models enhance range, others focus on longevity. It’s worthwhile to gather information from various independent tests and user reviews to identify the best fit for your needs.

Will EV Tires Continue to Wear Quickly?

I don’t anticipate that rapid tire wear will be a permanent issue. During a panel on EV performance at Electrify Expo, Sharda Mohammed from Michelin acknowledged that tire longevity directly impacts customer satisfaction. As electric vehicle ownership continues to rise, ongoing advancements in tire compounds and designs should lead to improvements in durability and sustainability. I genuinely hope for a more enduring tire solution in my future.

In conclusion, tire maintenance and selection significantly impact the driving experience of electric vehicles. As technology evolves and more drivers embrace EV ownership, we can expect improvements in tire durability and performance, making it all the more critical to stay informed and choose wisely for a rewarding driving experience.