Unbelievable! The 2025 Kia EV6, an electric vehicle that’s been flying under the radar, has just received some incredible upgrades, making it a must-have for EV enthusiasts.
This competitively priced EV offers an impressive 300-mile range, robust performance, and a sleek design. Yet, despite its impressive specs, it hasn’t gained the recognition it deserves.
The Underrated EV6
The Kia EV6, a mechanical cousin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, has been consistently outperformed by its sibling in sales, despite offering many superior features. It’s even struggled against the Ford Mustang Mach-E and GM’s EVs, and let’s not even talk about the Tesla Model Y!
As a proud owner of a 2024 Kia EV6, I’ve always wondered why this gem hasn’t caught on. But now, with the updated 2025 model, I’m thrilled to report that Kia has addressed many of the concerns and created an even better version.
Impressive Upgrades
The 2025 EV6 boasts an improved electric range across all models. The base EV6 Light now offers a 63.0-kWh battery, an upgrade from the previous 58 kWh. Most buyers will opt for the 84-kWh battery, an increase from 77.4 kWh, delivering up to 319 miles of range in RWD configuration. The Wind AWD model, a personal favorite, provides an impressive 295-mile range.
But the improvements don’t stop there. The new EV6 sports a redesigned “Tiger Nose” Grille and headlamps, enhancing its overall look and performance. It also adopts a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, offering compatibility with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
A More Refined Experience
The 2025 EV6 feels like a well-rounded, refined vehicle. The door handles, a major pain point in the previous model, now pop out automatically, a welcome improvement. The car feels better built, with reduced body roll and improved road handling. The interior is quieter, and the switch to Continental tires enhances the overall driving experience.
The EV6 maintains its edge over the Ioniq 5 in terms of performance, offering a slightly quicker and more athletic drive. With up to 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, it’s a pleasure to drive.
Software and Charging
The EV6 now features an upgraded software system, similar to the Ioniq 5 and other Hyundai Motor Group EVs. This system offers useful EV-specific settings, including energy usage charts, charging management, and battery health information. The voice recognition system remains excellent, but newer systems are starting to outpace it.
While the software has its limitations, with a sluggish app and a lack of third-party infotainment apps, the EV6 shines in fast-charging. It can reach 80% in half an hour on a Tesla Supercharger or a 350 kW CCS station, making it an excellent choice for electric road trips.
Pricing and Verdict
The GT-Line EV6, a loaded press model, retails for $60,740, but with the improvements across the lineup, buyers can opt for more affordable models like the Light Long Range AWD ($50,300) or the Wind AWD ($54,300). Kia is also offering generous discounts on its EVs.
In the competitive EV market, the updated Model Y remains the gold standard, but the Ioniq 5 and EV6 are strong competitors, offering superior features in some respects. After a year with my EV6, I’d choose this model again, and I encourage anyone interested in EVs to give the Kia EV6 a closer look.