Arkansas man who ditched his Tesla for a Kia EV6 four years ago shares whether he regrets selling it after all this time
Published on Feb 15, 2026 at 10:55 AM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Feb 12, 2026 at 6:01 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Four years after taking ownership of a Kia EV6 and leaving his Tesla Model Y behind, this driver shares what he ‘loves and hates’ about the switch and reflects on the process.
Back in 2022, the Tesla fleet was in its finest form, with the Model 3 and Model Y dominating the sales charts across America and proving that EVs were a viable switch for all road users.
This is still partially true now, albeit with more competitors. But back then, you’d have been a brave person to bet against the Tesla range.
Was it bravery or stupidity that drove Arkansas man Joel to trade his Tesla Model Y in for a Kia EV6 – or was it a stroke of genius that flew under the radar?
VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie
Man trades Tesla Model Y for Kia EV6 thanks to Super Bowl ad
In the wake of the Super Bowl, cars are at the forefront of people’s minds after seeing a number of adverts aired during the American Football festival.
One of those drivers was Joel, who was won over by the Kia EV6 he spotted during one of the extensive ad breaks back in 2022, as the Los Angeles Rams scored a fourth-quarter touchdown to beat the Cincinnati Bengals.
Three weeks later, the Korean electric car rolled up his driveway for the first time, and he’s never looked back.

That is, until now, as he’s reflected over the decision on its fourth anniversary – it’s safe to say he’s happy with his choice.
In a new upload to his YouTube channel, EV Geek Studios, the man revealed the key differences, explaining how he prefers the ‘ride’ despite Tesla’s better software.
Click the star icon next to supercarblondie.com in Google Search to stay ahead of the curve on the latest and greatest supercars, hypercars, and ground-breaking technology
The differences between a Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y
Although the Tesla fleet was thriving on the market in 2022, it was actually the Kia EV6 that was named Car of the Year, beating the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Renault Mégane E-Tech.
They both excel in very different areas.
Having spent two years driving the Model Y before the EV6 switch, Joel revealed that the Tesla is actually much better in terms of software and interior organisation.
He claimed that the Kia EV6 has some annoying quirks, such as glitches in the Apple CarPlay integration, unsuitable wireless phone-charging ports, a tiny rear mirror, and low headlights.
Whereas the Model Y excels in these areas.
“I love the software in a Tesla. It’s 99.9% percent brilliant,” he said.
“It’s absolutely amazing. The way it’s integrated with everything else.”

However, that’s the only positive swing for Tesla, as the EV geek claimed that the Kia won in every other department while driving.
Faster charging speeds, extra comfort in the cabin, less ‘noise’, the heated seats – everything was tipped in favor of the Kia EV6.
Would he buy it again?
Well, there’s one clear stance unfolding here.
He absolutely prefers the Kia, and if he rolled the clocks back to Super Bowl 2022, he’d definitely take the plunge after watching the advert again.
“If I had to buy this car again, I would. There’s nothing I just can’t stand about this car. It’s just weird little things… every car is going to be like that.

“Tesla had great software, but I didn’t like the ride… I’m getting older, having back issues… I prefer this for what I do in this car, which is basically to and from work every day.”
The Kia range impressed so much that just six months ago, his EV6 was joined by his wife’s new EV9.
The innovative brand continues to impress with its EVs, earning critical acclaim in some of the biggest publications in the world.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
After beginning his career writing about all things gaming, Jack joined the Supercar Blondie team in November 2024 as a Content Writer. Since joining SB Media, in addition to a love for covering emerging tech, he has developed an admiration for vintage restorations, particularly old American brands like Dodge and Ford.