The Hyundai-Kia electric onslaught continues apace. From £20k Hyundai Inster to three-tonne Kia EV9, via cars like the mould-breaking Ioniq 5N and well-received EV3, the new product offensive has impressed - and arrived very quickly. Already the 2021 launch of the EV6 family SUV seems a long time ago in the grand scheme of its maker’s electrification strategy, so an update is due.
The changes were outlined earlier in the year, and focus on a new look outside that aims to bring it closer to larger and smaller Kia EV models, a freshen-up of the interior, and an overhaul of the battery that sees capacity increase (to 84kWh, from 77kWh) in a pack that weighs a kilo less. Like its Ioniq 5 relative, the EV6 is unlikely to appeal to all customers, such is the distinctiveness of the ‘Modern Contrast’ design concept, though surely something memorable has to be preferable to forgettable. Kia's confidence in itself - a world away from its not-so-distant past - is to be applauded; the new ‘star map’ light design further modernises the 6, and looks smart.
While the inside gets some useful improvements like the redone wheel (which looks far better for three spokes) and a more elegant touchscreen design, there remain a couple of gripes. Chief among them is that screen, which can feel a touch laggy compared to the very best systems out there, an impression compounded by the excessive fiddling required to turn off the mandatory assistance features. As with the larger EV9, the 6 is a very nannying car even by modern standards, very strict on the lane keep and beeping provocatively every time the speed limit changes, so those features really are best disabled. Eventually.
Plenty about the EV6 interior remains good, though really they were the features that marked it out before. There’s a glut of stowage spaces and charging solutions, which is ideal in something so family-focused, and a decent amount of space. Like the Hyundai, the Kia seems like a fairly large car on the road (4.7m long, 1.9m wide), yet an even bigger one from the seats, though headroom isn’t exactly generous. Navigation between smartphone mirroring and the native system is slick (handy if you’ve forgotten about those assists), the HVAC controls are sensibly done, and there are useful buttons everywhere for useful (and frequently used) features. What becomes noticeable is just how easily the EV6 slips into family life. Unobtrusive and easygoing aren’t exactly sexy traits, though they’re jolly handy with a weekend at the in-laws in prospect.
Despite claims about some suspension revisions, the EV6 is still a tad fidgety and easily agitated at low speed. Even with some chunky sidewalls on the 20-inch wheels, the ride is busier than ideal when running to nursery, or the shop, or whatever errand you’ve forgotten this time. Not egregiously bad, sure, though a little out of kilter with the Kia’s generally placid vibe. Opting for a GT-Line with 19s rather than this GT-Line S might help on that score. On the other hand, it’s pretty good once up at cruising speed, levelling out and hushing the miles away. There’s precious little sound from anywhere, the seats are comfy, it’ll return just over three miles per kilowatt hour and the full beam, when needed, is fantastic. Again, the EV6 requires very little by way of accommodation or allowances - it just works.
That extends to ultra-fast charging, too, which is now rated at 258kW against the old 239kW. We saw almost 200kW accepted without any pre-conditioning, which makes the EV splash and dash (volt and bolt will catch on, it has to) a realistic prospect. In theory, however, an old EV6 won't be far behind at the Instavolt, albeit with fewer miles possible: a 2021 WLTP claim of 300 miles is now 326 (official efficiency is 3.5mi/kWh, and the battery is about 7kWh larger). A useful improvement for no weight gain, though hardly transformative to the ownership experience.
The EV6’s accomplished nature extends to driving it without everyone else in tow, too. A sterner ride than an Ioniq 5 gives it keener responses, and the Kia very capably handles whatever challenge is thrown at its two-tonne kerbweight. Sport mode is interesting for waking up the four-wheel drive and quelling any low-speed, rear-drive silliness. With some additional steering weight and soundtrack volume, it does make for an appreciably different experience. Up to a point beyond which most buyers will need, the EV6 demonstrates good balance, damping control and agility. Moreover, the regen paddles remain a useful tool in any driving situation (and the pedal itself is quite good). The steering is perhaps overly light, though the Kia retains one of the more sorted chassis in the class. Bear in mind that half a dozen years ago a family-focused Kia might have been a Sorento or an Optima and the EV6’s ability is on another planet.
Our test car was a top-of-the -range (until there’s a new GT) dual motor GT Line S, with 326hp. On this experience, you’ll not want anything less, because the single motor car drops almost 100hp, and with stuff onboard this model only feels just about fast enough. If that seems a bit of a stretch for a car said to reach 62mph in 5.3 seconds, it is definitely the initial zip of electric acceleration doing much of the hard work. The rear-drive, single motor adds almost 2.5 seconds to that time, so don’t say you weren’t told. It feels strange to have such yawning chasms between the models in the lineup; when a GT returns, the EV6 will be offered only with either 226hp, 326hp, or 585hp. Some filler would surely have been useful.
Nevertheless, the Kia remains a very impressive EV, one that still stands out as eminently recommendable in a packed sector. It remains preferable to the VW MEB options, as well as the Mustang Mach-E and Nissan Ariya. Thanks to the advances made by rivals and the limited reach of the facelift, it’s no longer the tip of the spear, though there remains little arguing with a family car this practical, this fundamentally okay to drive, and this easy to live with. Kia says this EV6 is one 15 new EVs it’s bringing to market by 2027. What slowdown, eh?
SPECIFICATION | 2025 KIA EV6 AWD GT-LINE S
Engine: Lithium-ion battery, 84.0kWh capacity, twin AC synchronous electric motors
Transmission: Single-speed, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 326@4,600-9,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 446@ 0-4,400rpm
0-62mph: 5.3 secs
Top speed: 116mph
Weight: 2,165kg
Range: 324 miles (WLTP), 3.5mi/kWh claimed
Price: £57,175
1 / 15
