Launched in 2022 and dropped in Down Under two years later the Kia EV6 set a trend
as an edgy non-fossil-fuelled star. Now, after a four-year run, the Korean maker has
given the model a facelift. Not a kilometre too soon, it appears, with rivals, especially
from China, snapping at its heels.
An enhanced vehicle inside and out, the new EV6 further advances comfort and
technology, all four grades keeping in step with Kia’s other EVs for $70 of ‘loose
change’. All variants debut Kia Connect and Over-The-Air updates.
Across the range the EV picks up more kilometres thanks to a larger battery of 84kWh,
up from 77.4kWh of the outgoing models. The entry-level Air grade, with rear-wheel
drive, offers up to 582km from a single electric motor.
The GT-Line, also with a rear-wheel drive single unit, can clock up 560km, while all-
wheel drive GT-Line and GT variants, with two motors chip in with 522km and 450km,
respectively.
Prices start at $72,660, plus on-road costs for the Air rear-wheel drive, the GT-Line
RWD (the test vehicle) is $79,660, the GT-Line dual motor AWD $87,660 and the
flagship GT dual motor AWD $99,660.
The EV6 is covered by Kia’s seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty and has a battery
warranty of seven years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
STYLING
The latest in looks have nudged the EV6 back up to where it was at birth. Kia’s Star
Map brand lighting sees to that with new high-tech headlamps and daytime running
lights giving the EV6 a wider, more dynamic character.
The front bumper possesses sharper angles, complemented by bold lines on the bonnet
flowing to the air intake, adding contrast and depth up front. Moving to the rear, 3-D tail-
lights ‘speak’ the Star Map language, while the wide bumper wing visually connects with
the front of the vehicle.
New snazzy wheel designs in 19 to 21-inch sizes, depending on trim level, have been
wheeled out with the aim of underscoring the EV6’s striking appearance.
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin copies the EV6 horizontal design theme, enhancing a wide-open
feeling. This brings into play a driver-focused standard twin 12.3-inch instrument display,
which takes in the infotainment centre screen in a clear and precise manner.
Taking a lead from the award-winning EV9, the new EV6 features a new steering wheel
design across the board and an upgraded centre console with a sleek finish and Kia’s
Fingerprint Recognition in top-trim GT-Line and GT.
Cargo carrying space opens at 480 litres with all seats in use and expands to 1250 litres
with seat backs folded. There is also a bonus 52 litres of ‘frunk’ (front trunk) under the
bonnet.
INFOTAINMENT
A new system features upgraded software with advanced graphics, plus the introduction
of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all models.
The EV6 now incorporates Kia Connect, which provides customer connectivity for safety
and convenience. The addition of Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates the customer
with wireless technology the source of the latest in vehicle functions. Th GT-Line also
takes a 14-speaker Meridian audio system.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Heart of the new EV6 powerplant is a larger 84kWh high voltage battery pack, up from
77.4kWh. The Kia EV6 GT-Line test vehicle feeds this into a rear-mounted permanent
magnet synchronous motor.
Maximum power of 168kW and torque of 350Nm is put to ground through a single-
speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The maker claims average fuel
economy of 15.5kWh per 100 kilometres. The EV6 on test ranged from 13 to 15-plus
under varied driving conditions.
SAFETY
With a top five-star ANCAP rating, multiple crash tests demonstrated strong occupant
protection in the MY6 range. Results showed the driver’s survival space was maintained
well and frontal and side curtain airbags effectively protected the head from stiff
structures or external objects.
Rear passenger dummies showed low risk of head, neck, and chest injuries, though lap
belt positioning slightly increased abdominal injury risk. Side impact tests and
thorax/side curtain airbags were updated in 2025 models to enhance protection further.
The EV6 includes a robust set of driver-assistance technologies, including forward
collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision warning, plus high-
beam assist and curve-adaptive lighting.
Passive safety includes frontal, side, and curtain airbags strategically placed to
maximize protection during collisions, while the passenger cell is reinforced with high-
strength steel to absorb and distribute impact forces. Advanced seatbelt designs with
pre-tensioners and load limiters help reduce injury risk.
DRIVING
While the GT-Line offers spirited acceleration off the mark it is designed more for
comfort than extreme handling, making it ideal for daily commuting and longer trips.
Driver visibility is limited by bulky B- and C-pillars, skinny rear windows and a middle-
seat headrest.
One -pedal regenerative braking is smooth and easily wound up and down via steering
wheel-mounted paddles.
Ride and handling of the GT model has been the subject of detailed attention globally
with stiffer rear sway bars and softer front springs. Australian engineers paid particular
note to retune suspension and steering of the flagship.
The result is improved ride and handling in all five drive modes – Normal, Eco, Sport,
Snow, and mydrive – with increased feel and grip all round. Improved rough road and
driving limit confidence go hand in glove with steering feedback, with natural feel,
improved cornering accuracy and effort build-up.
SUMMARY
The Kia EV6 has more South Korean substance than its cheaper Chinese rivals, with its
GT-Line rear-wheel drive model leading the way. Cannot say fairer than that.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Kia EV6 Air RWD $72,590
Kia EV6 GT AWD $99,590
Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD $87,590
Kia EV6 GT-Line RWD $79,590
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Kia local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Kia EV6 GT-Line,1sp auto, RWD sedan)
POWERTRAIN
Electric motor: Rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum power 168kW
Maximum torque: 350Nm
DRIVELINE: 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear), RWD
BATTERY: Lithium ion
Capacity 8.2Ah
Energy: 84kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 560km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 16.9kWh/100km
Energy consumption on test 15.5kWh/100km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 10-80% (350kW Charger) Approx. 18min
DC connector: CCS type 2
AC Charge 10-100% – with 11kW Charger Approx. 5h 20m (3 Phase 230V 16A)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4695mm
Width: 1890mm
Height: 1550mm
Wheelbase: 2900mm:
Turning circle: 11.6m
Kerb weight: 1805kg
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years / unlimited kilometres
