2025 Kia EV6 Get Refreshed, More Battery, More Manic GT Model
The Kia EV6 ushered in a new era of all-electric vehicles for Kia. The first to use the EV designation, the wagon-like SUV received a positive reception from customers and the media like us.
For the 2025 model year, the EV6 receives the model’s first significant refresh since being introduced. Changes include new batteries, an updated front and rear design, upgrades to the interior, as well as changes to the trim structure.
Following the Family
The styling changes to the front and rear give the 2025 Kia EV6 better family resemblance with the brands other SUV models. Called the “Opposites United” design language, the new headlights and daytime running lights feature what Kia calls wing-like graphics to give the vehicle a wider look with more presence. The front bumper continues this style update with sharper angles that go from the hood down to the air intakes, which are for cooling and not an actual engine of course. The front bumper is now 0.6-inches longer, which adds the same increase to the vehicle’s overall dimensions.
At the back, the taillights are also updated along with the rear bumper that also features a wing-like design element to make the EV6 look wider. The side of the SUV gets altered front and rear cladding along with more sharply angled side sills. Of course, what would a refresh be without including new wheel options? The EV6 has new styles for 2025 ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter.
More Juice for the GT
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT matches its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, with an upgrade to 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque. The driver selectable GT Mode delivers a temporary boost of power to 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. The EV6 GT also gets the Virtual Gear Shift feature found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. If the extra power and improved driver engagement are anything like the Ioniq 5 N, the upgraded GT could quickly become one of our favorite SUV/Wagon vehicles.
At the other end of the spectrum, entry level EV6 models with the smaller battery feature a single rear motor that makes 167 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Models with the larger battery can come with a choice of power units. Rear-wheel drive vehicles have a single motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive versions get dual motors with a combined 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque.
EV9 Trickles Down Inside
The Kia EV6 now includes a standard curved dual 12.3-inch display. It houses the customizable digital driver’s information center as well as the infotainment system. Elements found in the larger, three-row EV9 are now included in the 2025 EV6, such as Star Map lighting, a D-shaped steering wheel, and the center console’s new design. Electric tilt & telescopic steering is now available on the small SUV as well.
More Battery, More Range
Both batteries in the 2025 Kia EV6 have grown in size compared to last year. Standard now is a 63.0 kWh battery while the upgrade unit measures 84.0 kWh in size. This should allow rear-wheel drive EV6 models with the larger battery to travel an estimated 319 miles on a single charge.
The 2025 Kia EV6 continues to incorporate 800-volt fast DC charging. All models, except for the EV6 GT, have the charge port door moved to the left rear fender. Inside, the plug is now compatible with the North American Charging Standard.
Towing, Response, Comfort, Safety
For the 2025 model year, Kia has updated the comfort and handling of the EV6. An upgraded belt-type steering column should improve steering response. More sound insulation materials have been added throughout the cabin to lower outside wind and road noise levels. Kia also reinforced the EV6’s structure in an effort to meet more stringent IIHS safety standards.
Towing capacity is now increased to 2,700 pounds for rear wheel drive long range models with the larger battery. The EV6 will also automatically detect trailer weight and adjust the distance-to-empty meter inside.
More Tech
The 2025 Kia EV6 offers a variety of available in-vehicle entertainment features, including video and music streaming, gaming, and a Wi-Fi Hotspot. Tying into Kia’s NBA partnership, it’s also possible to customize the EV6’s display theme to incorporate a professional basketball team’s colors and logos. Digital Key 2.0 is now also available on the 2025 Kia EV6.
The 2025 Kia EV6 will be available in a variety of trims, including Light (RWD only), Light Long Range (RWD or AWD), Wind (RWD or AWD), GT-Line (RWD or AWD), and GT (AWD). The 2025 Kia EV6 will be built at Kia’s Georgia plant, and is planned to be on sale during the first half of next year.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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