Test-Driving The 2025 Kia EV6

Just look at it. I remember seeing a Kia EV6 for the first time back in 2021. There was nothing like it on the road. It was sharp, futuristic, low-slung, and had pointy fin-like bits aft of the rear doors. And I recall holding on for dear life as the 577 bhp GT version catapulted me down a Cotswold country road. Happy memories, indeed.

The guise I had on test recently wasn’t the full-fat GT. You can’t buy those new for now; the top-spec facelifted version develops a respectful 320 bhp. That’s still more than what’s needed.

My loaner was the 225 bhp RWD EV6 GT-Line S, a mouthful but still a beautiful car.

Kia EV6 What’s New?

Notably, the front end. It’s been facelifted, but that’s not all. Kia’s boosted the battery capacity from 77.4kWh to 84.0kWh, meaning its official range is upped from 328 to 361 miles.

Regarding the exterior changes, it has adaptive LED headlights and rear privacy glass.

Likewise, there’s new safety equipment, and most of it’s annoying. This isn’t Kia’s fault, but the EU safety legislation. Kia was forced to introduce lane-keep assist, a speed limit warning dinger, and a driver monitoring system. All are equally irritating; the latter moans when you wear sunglasses because it can’t see your eyes.

Kia EV6 What’s It Like To Drive?

If you’ve driven one before, you’ll see no change. It drives exactly the same. If you haven’t, it’ll take time to get over its sheer girth.

The 2,165kg EV6 feels lighter than the figure suggests, but that’s because Kia’s used some chassis trickery here. Its spring rates are stiffer and its damper force is increased compared to its Hyundai Ioniq 5 stablemate.

Put simply, it takes corners quickly, and conjuring oversteer can be easy. Don’t panic if this happens as it’s perfectly controllable.

My car was fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, an option you’d be daft to go for on many modern EVs, but these made the ride remarkably comfortable. Similarly, you’re cushioned from bumps and ruts without being entirely disconnected from the road.

Over a 59-mile trip consisting of backroad, town, and motorway driving, the EV6 returned a 2.9mi/kWh average. A figure somewhat off Kia’s claimed 3.7mi/kWh. That’s not to say it won’t achieve that, bearing in mind the most I saw over a 29-mile journey was 3.1mi/kWh.

Kia EV6 Verdict

It’s more handsome than before, drives the same as the last, and is more interesting to look at than a Tesla Model Y. However, an entry-level Tesla Model Y offers slightly more power and range.

This aside, the EV6 offers impressive rapid charging with 10-80% taking just 18 minutes at a 350kW and 1hr 16 minutes at a 50kW station.

Its interior’s fresh and contemporary, the seats are comfortable and everything’s within reach. Interested in an electric car? Why not look at the Ford Explorer? If hybrid’s more your thing then check out the Mazda CX-80 PHEV.

Overall, the Kia EV6 is an interesting Tesla alternative. It’s time to get over the badge, Kia’s moved up in the world.