With a sizable presence at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia unveiled three refreshed models, each receiving some significant updates over their existing counterparts. The well-liked EV6 electric SUV is now three years into its lifecycle and due for a refresh, which is just what Kia has done.
Greater Range
The biggest news surrounding the refreshed EV6 is the bump from its 77-kWh long-range battery to an 84-kWh unit. In the long-range RWD “Wind” trim, Kia expects range to increase from 499 km to over 513 km, with similar improvements hoped for with the AWD variants.
The EV6 will still receive charge speeds up to 350 kW at DC fast chargers, enabling a recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in as few as 18 minutes. The charge port has been relocated from the passenger-side rear fender to the driver’s side, and more notably, the 2025 Kia EV6 moves to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug format, opening up access to the Tesla Supercharger network.
Still a Great Drive
Power outputs largely carry over with RWD Wind models still generating 225 hp and AWD Land trims delivering 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The GT models see a notable jump from 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque, to 601 hp and 545 lb-ft, and that swells to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft when the GT drive mode is activated via the bright green button on the steering wheel. The EV6 GT also gains the “virtual gear shift” feature from the EV9 GT that simulates gear shifts through programmed audible and tactile sensations meant to increase driver engagement.
Steering response across the board is also said to be improved for feel.
Family Style
The EV6’s new look also delves deeper into the brand’s “Opposites United” design language. Eagle-eyed spotters will notice the subtle tweaks to the EV6’s rear end treatment that consists of modest revisions to the lights, and a bumper skin re-shape around the lower reflectors. The profile remains untouched, short of different 19- to 21-inch wheel designs, body cladding, and paint offerings. It’s really only the front end that’s immediately different, thanks to reshaped headlights and daytime running lights that take on the Star Map shape Kia is applying to other models. A thin line of LEDs strings together the two headlight assemblies.
The lower fascia now gets a series of stacked, bridge-shaped lines that conspire to make the EV6’s front end busier, if not necessarily better. The front overhang is now 15 mm longer, making the overall length of the car increase by the same amount in the interest of styling.
Cabin Updates
The EV6’s interior updates are also quite subtle. The overall layout of the cockpit remains the same, with the shapes and positioning of controls carrying over, including the dual-mode controls for climate and audio adjustments that Kia claims are more natural in their operation than before. Aside from some of the material finishes being improved over last year’s model, the steering wheel is the most noticeable interior update, now featuring the squared-off three-spoke shape shared with the larger EV9. The steering wheel is now electrically adjustable for tilt and telescoping and the centre console’s wireless phone charger gets a grippier surface to help keep the phone in place.
Kia has added more sound deadening to better insulate against road rumble, and the EV6’s frame has been reinforced to meet stiffer safety standards.
Better Tech
The EV6 gets more connected with Kia’s next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit that promises faster processing, over-the-air updates, and real-time route adjustments based on road and traffic conditions when navigating. The active safety suite has been updated with the ability to warn about vehicles turning or crossing intersections, plus evasive steering automation in emergency situations.
Kia is offering its latest digital key with the EV6, which allows customers to utilize smartphones and watches to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle even when a key fob isn’t present.
Final Thoughts
With technology changing as rapidly as it does, especially in the EV segments, Kia is keeping the EV6 relevant with a series of key updates to improve its range and performance while also providing greater convenience for occupants.
Pricing for the 2026 Kia EV6 lineup will be available closer to its arrival within the first half of 2025.
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