Tesla Model Y vs Kia EV6: fuel economy and fuel cost
In model year 2026 the Tesla Model Y is the cheaper of the two to fuel: about $670 a year for its lowest-cost configuration (Model Y Standard (18in Wheels), 138 MPGe combined), against $800 for the Kia EV6 (EV6 Standard Range, 115 MPGe combined). That is $130 a year, or $650 over five years.
Both are classed as Small SUVs by the EPA. Costs assume 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel and electricity prices for both vehicles, using the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Each figure is rounded to $10 and every difference is calculated from the rounded values.
The EPA is still publishing model year 2027 ratings, so this page compares model year 2026, the latest complete year.
- Electric
- Small SUVs
Tesla Model Y
Lowest fuel cost configuration
Model Y Standard (18in Wheels)
$4.47 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
321 mi EPA range · 24 kWh/100 mi
6 configurations in MY2026
- Electric
- Small SUVs
Kia EV6
Lowest fuel cost configuration
EV6 Standard Range
$5.33 per 100 miles
15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
237 mi EPA range · 29 kWh/100 mi
5 configurations in MY2026
What the fuel costs
Annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration
- Tesla Model Y$670 a year · $4.47 per 100 mi
- Kia EV6$800 a year · $5.33 per 100 mi
Difference per year
$130
Tesla Model Y costs less to fuel
Over 5 years
$650
$130 a year × 5, 15,000 mi/yr, same fuel prices
Head to head, MY2026
| Measure | Tesla Model Y | Kia EV6 |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest-cost configuration | Model Y Standard (18in Wheels) | EV6 Standard Range |
| Powertrain | Electric | Electric |
| Combined rating | 138 MPGe (better) | 115 MPGe |
| City rating | 148 MPGe (better) | 128 MPGe |
| Highway rating | 129 MPGe (better) | 103 MPGe |
| EPA range | 321 mi (better) | 237 mi |
| Electricity use | 24 kWh/100 mi (better) | 29 kWh/100 mi |
| Annual fuel cost | $670/yr (better) | $800/yr |
| Cost per 100 miles | $4.47 (better) | $5.33 |
| Annual cost range, all configurations | $670–$880 | $800–$1,130 |
| Configurations in MY2026 | 6 | 5 |
| EPA class | Small SUVs | Small SUVs |
Best configuration by powertrain
| Powertrain | Tesla Model Y | Kia EV6 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | 138 MPGe · $670/yr Model Y Standard (18in Wheels) | 115 MPGe · $800/yr EV6 Standard Range |
Each cell shows the combined rating and the annual fuel cost of the lowest-cost configuration with that powertrain.
Where each one comes out ahead
Generated from the numbers above, comparing the lowest fuel cost configurations. No subjective judgements.
Tesla Model Y
- Lower annual fuel cost: $670 vs $800
- Higher combined rating: 138 MPGe vs 115 MPGe
- Higher city rating: 148 MPGe vs 128 MPGe
- Higher highway rating: 129 MPGe vs 103 MPGe
- Longer EPA range: 321 mi vs 237 mi
Kia EV6
Not ahead on any measure listed here.
Year by year
| Model year | Tesla Model Y | Kia EV6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined | Per year | Combined | Per year | |
| 2026 | 105–138 MPGe | $670–$880 | 83–115 MPGe | $800–$1,130 |
| 2025 | 104–125 MPGe | $740–$890 | 83–115 MPGe | $800–$1,100 |
| 2024 | 105–120 MPGe | $770–$880 | 83–117 MPGe | $800–$1,130 |
| 2023 | 111–123 MPGe | $760–$840 | 79–117 MPGe | $770–$1,170 |
| 2022 | 111–129 MPGe | $710–$840 | 105–117 MPGe | $800–$870 |
Earlier model years are costed with today's fuel prices, so the table shows how each model's efficiency changed, not what fuel cost at the time. Ranges cover every configuration of that model year.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to fuel, the Tesla Model Y or the Kia EV6?
The Tesla Model Y is cheaper: about $670 a year against $800 for the Kia EV6, a difference of $130 a year. That compares the lowest-cost configuration of each in model year 2026 at 15,000 miles a year with the same fuel prices.
How much would the Tesla Model Y save over five years?
About $650 ($130 a year for five years), assuming 15,000 miles a year and the same fuel prices. Your total depends on how much you drive and on local prices; see fuel cost by state.
Which has the better fuel economy rating, the Tesla Model Y or the Kia EV6?
The Tesla Model Y is rated 138 MPGe combined against 115 MPGe for the Kia EV6. City: 148 MPGe vs 128 MPGe. Highway: 129 MPGe vs 103 MPGe. These are the EPA ratings of each model's lowest-cost configuration.
How is the annual fuel cost calculated?
Distance of 15,000 miles a year at the EPA combined rating (55% city, 45% highway). Gasoline is priced at $4.36/gal (EIA U.S. average for regular, Sep 2026) and electricity at 18.3¢/kWh (EIA U.S. residential average, Jul 2026); premium and diesel configurations use their own EIA prices. Each result is rounded to $10, and differences are calculated from the rounded figures.
Are the Tesla Model Y and the Kia EV6 in the same class?
Yes. The EPA classes both as Small SUVs.
Explore these cars
- Tesla Model Y: ratings, trims and every model year
- Kia EV6: ratings, trims and every model year
- 2026 Tesla Model Y: all configurations
- 2026 Kia EV6: all configurations
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