Kia EV6 Review 2026

If proof were needed about how far perceptions of an automotive brand can be shifted over a relatively short period of time, then this car is it. Not just one of the best electric cars available, it’s one of the best cars on sale full stop. Read our comprehensive Kia EV6 review to find out why it's rated so highly.

Since its launch in 2021, the Kia EV6 has proved itself to be stylish, clever and desirable: incredible considering that the brand that makes it only appeared in the UK 30 years earlier, selling bargain-basement small cars. The EV6 is an altogether different proposition, though, with an upmarket interior and interesting styling that blurs boundaries between rakish hatchbacks and SUV coupes.

Things never stand still in the car world, though, and the midsize electric car market is currently one of the biggest boom areas of the industry, so there's a pretty much constant slew of new alternatives vying for customers’ attention. That's why Kia has applied various tweaks and improvements throughout the EV6's years on sale. Even so, the sheer number of rivals mean that the EV6 has its work cut out to remain front-and-centre in the class. 

Two of those rivals are from within the same manufacturing group, sharing much of the parts you can’t see — and some you can — with the EV6, although they have been honed to feel different.

With its attention-grabbing angular lines and 1980s-inspired details, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been made to feel like the more comfortable and relaxing car of the trio. For those who want an even more luxurious experience and aren’t afraid to take a step into the unknown/ there’s also the striking Genesis GV60: think of Genesis being to Hyundai and Kia what Lexus is to Toyota, and you’re along the right lines.

Because the Kia’s shape makes it a difficult car for people to pigeonhole, other rivals it’s cross-shopped against often don’t feel like direct alternatives. Yes, both the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Skoda Enyaq Coupe have rooflines similar to the EV6, but they also play on their family SUV attributes to a greater extent. It’s a similar story with the ever-popular Tesla Model Y, although for many, that brand’s draw is its network of Superchargers.

On the other side of the coin there are those which make no claim of being remotely family SUV-like, instead offering useable interior space combined with the convenience of five doors, yet with an attractive slinkiness to their lines. As a consequence, both the BMW i4 and the Polestar 2 are in Kia’s sights.

Many of the changes to the Kia EV6 came as part of its 2024 facelift. Visually, these were subtle, illustrating a rightness about its original form. The car's gently restyled nose features the company’s Star Map signature lighting and a revised bumper design, which is echoed astern. Matters are further enlivened by new alloy wheel designs.

The finger-print amplifying piano black plastic trims previously found inside are also gone, replaced by textured finishes that make it less obvious where your hands have been. Further tweaks include different dashboard mouldings, revised ambient lighting and fresher graphics for the dual 12.3-inch screens, now with wireless smartphone connectivity.

Under the surface the original Kia EV6’s 800-volt charging system already set the standard for rapid charging speeds. From the 2024 facelift, improved energy density means the battery capacity rises to 84kWh from 77.4kWh for increased range.

There remain two core power options, a single-motor, rear-wheel drive version developing 229PS and a dual-motor, all-wheel drive arrangement producing 325PS. At the top of the range, there's a high-performance Kia EV6 GT with bonkers horsepower, while later on, a new entry-level version was introduced with just 169bhp, although all versions are set-up to feel sporty to drive.

Kia installed upgraded suspension dampers from 2024 to try and make the EV6 behave better on uneven surfaces, largely to good effect. While the EV6 doesn’t offer the same plush low-speed ride as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, it’s noticeably sharper in the bends and feels more tied-down at higher speeds. It’s never uncomfortable, either, and motorway cruising is pleasant thanks to comfortable seats, clever driving aids and good overall refinement.

There remains a brilliant blend of both style and substance in the Kia EV6. It doesn’t just look like a car from another century, it drives like one, too. If that’s not enough to get you the behind the wheel of a Kia, which, don’t forget, still comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, we don’t know what is.

Kia EV6: Range and charging times

When the Kia EV6 first went on sale, all versions got the same 77.4kWh battery pack, and so did the high-performance GT model when that came out a little while later. A facelift in 2024 brought a new 84kWh battery that was applied across the range, which improved range figures across the board. The precise range figures varied depending on the power output, trim level, and wheel size of the car in question.

2025 then saw more changes. At the top of the range, the GT was given more power, while at the bottom of the range, a new entry-level version of the EV6 was introduced that used a less powerful 169PS rear-mounted motor paired to a smaller 63kWh battery. In terms of range, you can see the various ramifications of all those various changes in the table below.

In terms of charging times, all have super-fast 800V charging capabilities. When battery sizes were increased from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, maximum DC rapid charging rates rose from 220kW to 260kW to compensate: in short, if you can find a powerful enough charging station, all versions of the EV6 will take on a 10% to 80% charge in 18 minutes or thereabouts.

If charging at home on a conventional 7kW wallbox charger, expect a full charge to take somewhere in the region of ten hours on most versions, maybe as little as nine if you have a car with the older 77.4kWh battery. The exception is the later entry-level car with the 63kWh battery, which could be done in less than eight hours. Plug any of them into a regular domestic three-pin plug socket (provided you've paid extra for the necessary cable), and you'll be looking at days - rather than hours or minutes - to charge.

Hyundai and Kia have gone down different routes with the tuning of their electric cars, despite them being very similar underneath. Whereas the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is tuned primarily for comfort, with a soft ride and rather unengaging handling, the Kia EV6 sacrifices some plushness for more satisfying handling. 

New for the 2024 facelift, Kia has installed upgraded frequency-selective suspension dampers to try and make the car behave better on uneven surfaces, largely to good effect.

Which you prefer out of the EV6 and Ioniq 5 will depend on your priorities, but we reckon the EV6 might be the better compromise. Although it’s firmer and you feel (and hear) more of the road surface, it still manages to filter out sharp potholes and speed bumps really well. Combined with good forward visibility and a fairly decent turning circle, it makes for a good town car.

Plus, once you’re up to higher speeds, it feels less loose and floaty than the Hyundai. It’s also noticeably better at smoothing-out bumps than the disappointingly harsh Tesla Model Y. Road- and wind noise aren’t as intrusive, either, so it’s a solid choice for ploughing the motorways. 

While the EV6 isn't as thrilling on a twisty road as a Porsche Taycan or BMW i4, unsurprisingly, it does a better job than most other electric cars. There’s loads of grip and it doesn’t lean very much in the bends, and although the steering isn’t brimming with feel (very few steering systems are these days, in fairness), it’s accurate enough to inspire confidence. 

The all-wheel drive model feels a little more planted and grippy, which is necessary given the extra performance and the fact that it’s considerably heavier than the RWD car, at 2165kg. 

On that subject, it's worth noting that the later entry-level model, with its smaller 63kWh battery and 169PS electric motor, is considerably lighter than all other EV6s, weighing in at less than two tonnes. We haven't tried it yet, but we'd hope it would feel lighter on is feet than the rest of the range.

Throughout its life, there have been two core powertrain options in the Kia EV6 range. The first is the single motor, rear-wheel drive system, labelled 225bhp by Kia, which converts to a metric figure of 229PS. With 350Nm of torque on tap that translates to a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.7 seconds while the top speed is electronically pegged at 115mph.

Then there's the all-wheel drive Kia EV6. This version has two motors, producing a combined 325PS (referred to by Kia as 320bhp) and 605Nm of torque, offering 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 116mph. Initially, both these powertrains were fed by a 74.kWh battery, but this was later swapped out for a larger 84kWh item for greater range.

Most people will find the 229PS model delivers plenty of performance for their needs. Yes, a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds might sound a bit wet next to what a Tesla might put out, but because you get instant electric motor response, it feels nippier than the number suggests, and it'll easily beat most petrol or diesel cars away from the lights.

If you do crave more zip, the dual-motor AWD model is brisker still, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.2 seconds. It feels it, too, with huge off-the-line muscularity and improved on-the-move pickup.

Both versions have very quiet electric motors and strong, progressive brakes. Handily you can alter the regenerative braking - from strong right down to nothing at all - via paddles behind the steering wheel. In the zero regen' mode, it’s quite incredible how easily the EV6 coasts along without losing speed or using power.

These may be the core powertrains, but that's not to say that they're the only powertrains on offer. At the top of the Kia EV6 range lies the high-performance GT, which again utilises a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, but this time with the output dialled right up. When it originally hit the market, the output stood at a whopping 585PS, but when it was facelifted in mid-2025, power was hiked to an even-more-whopping 650PS. Either way, the 0-62mph sprint time is given at 3.5 seconds, probably because the version with extra power had also been given a bigger, heavier battery. In any case, this sort of sprint time is what you might expect from a Ferrari, and here it is, being delivered in a Kia hatchback.

At the other end of the scale, Kia took the decision midway through 2025 to introduce a more affordable entry-level version of the EV6. This has a more modest 169PS rear-mounted electric motor fed by a smaller 63kWh battery, giving a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.7 seconds. We've not tried it yet, so we can't tell you what it's like, but we suspect that this level of performance will suffice for the majority of drivers looking for a more affordable route into Kia EV6 ownership.

In 2022, Euro NCAP awarded the Kia EV6 a full five-star rating for crash safety, with a strong 90% adult occupant score. The pedestrian protection score could've been better, but it did well on the safety assist front. 

Speaking of which, all models come with automatic emergency braking that detects cyclists and pedestrians, lane keeping assist (that’s easily switched off via a wheel-mounted button), a driver alertness function and intelligent speed assist. 

Mid-spec models also bring rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and safe exit assist (which stops you opening the door into oncoming traffic. You’ll need the GT-Line S model if you want proper ‘Highway Assist’ self-driving functions, parking collision avoidance and blind spot cameras. 

The 2024 facelifted model has not been subjected to a separate Euro NCAP test, and it's now unlikely that it ever will.

Electric cars aren’t usually great for towing but most Kia EV6 versions have a reasonable 1800kg braked trailer weight limit. The exception is the entry-level 169PS version, where the permissible weight drops to a paltry 500kg.

Will this desirable electric model fit in your garage? Well, the Kia EV6 has dimensions of 4695mm long, 1890mm wide and 1545mm tall, so do with those numbers what you will. That makes it 60mm longer but with a 60mm lower roof height than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with which it shares much of the componentry you can’t see. 

Passenger space is still excellent, however. Yes, that lower roof means there isn’t acres of headroom like in the Ioniq 5 but unless you’re well over six feet tall you won’t find your scalp brushing the roof. If ultimate headroom does matter then avoid the GT-Line S versions with their space-robbing sunroof. 

Legroom is nothing short of exceptional, both in the front and rear. Up front, the wide cabin, big windscreen and lack of a bulky central tunnel means it feels positively airy, with lots of leg space.

Unsurprisingly, given a whopping 2900mm wheelbase, the rear is almost limo-like, as even if there’s two six-footers up front, two equally-sized adults can stretch out behind with loads of kneeroom to spare. What’s more, the rear backrests recline for extra relaxation, while the cabin width and lack of a lump in the floor means the middle seat is pretty useable as well.

We can’t even complain about storage: the door bins and the glovebox are large, there’s a huge storage area between the two footwells, another deep cubby below the centre armrest and plenty of cupholders. 

The only slight black mark with the Kia EV6 is the boot space. At 490 litres with the seats up (480 litres in cars with the upgraded stereo due to the subwoofer in the boot) it’s enough for most family needs, yet that’s only a few litres more than you’ll find at the back of the smaller Ford Explorer and the Kia lags behind the Renault Scenic E-Tech’s cavernous 545-litre capacity. Still, the load space is long and there are plenty of little practical touches, such as being able to fold the rear seats via levers in the boot itself. 

You also get a 52-litre space under the bonnet — a frunk or a froot, depending on your preference — with rear-wheel drive EV6s. With a second front-mounted electric motor fitted to all-wheel drive versions, that drops to a less useable 20 litres. That’s not really good for anything other than your charging cables but at least it’s there, unlike with some EVs. 

Rear visibility is hampered by that sloping roofline, larger pillars and the shallowness of the back window when viewed from the driver’s seat.

There’re plenty of parking aids across the range to assist, while top models get both remote smart parking — that lets you move the car forwards and backwards in and out of a space via the key from outside — and a blind-spot monitoring system that displays a camera feed in the digital dials. 

Kia has rapidly improved the feeling of quality in its cars in the last few years, to the point where they feel more upmarket than many mainstream rivals. The EV6 is no different, and even better in the updated version introduced at the end of 2024.

Gone is the piano black trim finish previously found inside, replaced by a textured finish to cut down on fingerprint smudges. There’s also a sophisticated steering wheel design, an updated dashboard finish and new ambient lighting sources to highlight the horizontality of the new interior design.

The cabin of each of the core Kia EV6 variants — Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S — is now finished in a different upholstery, with good looking black and white variations using cloth, artificial suede and leather, depending on your trim level choice.

It’s certainly posher inside than a Volkswagen ID.5, and wouldn’t feel overly inferior even next to premium-badged German alternatives such as the BMW i4.

Regardless of which Kia EV6 you go for, you get the same infotainment setup comprising of a panoramic interface featuring two 12.3-inch screens, which dominates the dashboard. From 2024, the system was upgraded with freshened-up software, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity were also added.

The facelift also brought a fingerprint scanner with which to load your personal settings, handy if you share the car with other people, while the uprated wireless charging pad can now operate at 15 watts. 

The touchscreen itself is pretty intuitive despite there being quite a lot of menus, and the response seems good, even if there is occasionally some lag. It’s easier to operate than Volkswagen’s system, though the digital dials aren’t quite as clever. 

We’re glad that Kia has stuck with proper physical steering wheel buttons for the EV6 rather than fiddly haptic touchpads, although there is a panel of haptics elsewhere, which can be switched between shortcuts for the infotainment screen and climate controls. You can opt to lock either mode in as the default setting, and the response is decent, but traditional climate knobs and switches remain easier to use. 

Top models get a fancy 360-degree surround-view camera system that gives you an external rendering of the whole car that can be moved around for greater awareness of obstacles when parking. It’s very clever, as is the augmented reality head-up display on GT-Line S trim that displays directional navigation arrows for you to follow on the windscreen. It’s not as distracting as it sounds.

Prices for the Kia EV6 kick off at just under the £40,000 mark for the entry-level 169PS version. Thereafter, prices for the more powerful 229PS rear-drive car range between approximately £46,000 and £55,000, while prices for the 325PS four-wheel drive car range between £52,000 and £58,000, roughly speaking. At the top of the range sits the GT at around £60,000.

It's certainly not the most affordable electric car on the market, then, and there are several cheaper options out there. Once you consider the space, quality, equipment, technology, polished driving manners and stylish design on offer, though, it still looks like really good value.

Of course, buying used can earn you huge savings. Early examples can be had for around £22,000, and these will likely be in desirable GT-Line trim with around 25,000 miles on the clock, or even-more-desirable GT-Line S trim with a few more miles. And, because all early cars had the 77.4kWh battery, all will have an impressive range. Kia's excellent seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which is fully transferrable to subsequent owners, means you shouldn't have any qualms about buying used, either.

When talking about petrol or diesel cars, the main running cost metric is miles-per-gallon (mpg). With electric cars, you need to look at miles-per-kWh: abbreviated to a still-clunky mi/kWh. The Kia EV6 comes off rather well here, with RWD models capable of between 3.7 and 4.9 mi/kWh without much effort. 

That means you get more out of each unit of electricity you zap into the Kia, which is important given steep energy costs and increasingly expensive public rapid charging. Like every electric car, the EV6 makes the most financial sense if you have the facility to charge it up at home. 

Assuming that your domestic power is billed at the UK's national average, then cars with the smallest 63kWh battery will cost around £17 for a full charge. Higher-spec cars with the older 77.4kWh battery pack will cost around £21 for a full replenishment, while newer examples with the biggest 84kWh battery are looking at around £23. We've documented the official range that should give you in the corresponding section further up this page.

The thing is, though, that most owners will charge their car overnight, and there are plenty of variable domestic power tariffs around that charge much less for off-peak electricity. Get yourself on one of those and take advantage of the lower overnight prices, and your charging costs will be slashed, likely to around a third of the figures previously quoted.

Conversely, using public DC rapid chargers will cost you way more than charging at home: you can most likely treble the figures previously mentioned. At least the EV6's super-impressive rapid charging speeds means you'll make the most of your time hooked up to these chargers.

Electric cars are no longer exempt from VED road tax, and the worse news is that all but the entry-level 63kWh version of the EV6 cost more than £40,000 when brand new. This means that on top of the regular £195-per year flat rate of tax, most EV6s will also be liable for the 'luxury car surcharge', adding an additional £425 per year to your tax bill between years two and six of the car's life.

Insurance premiums won't be cheap, either. Things don't look too bad on the entry-level 63kWh car, which falls in to group 29 of 50, but the other rear-drive cars have groupings of between 34 and 37. The regular all-wheel-drivers fall into group 40, while the GT commands a hefty group 46 premium.

There are three trim levels in the core Kia EV6 range, both before and after 2024’s makeover, consisting of Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S.

The entry-level Kia EV6 Air comes equipped with:

• 19-inch grey-coloured alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• vegan (faux) leather and cloth upholstery,
• dual-zone climate control,
• heated front seats
• heated steering wheel
• nav-based smart cruise control with stop and go tech
• dual 12.3-inch screens
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• six-speaker audio system
• five USB-C ports
• front- and rear parking sensors
• reversing camera
• a suite of driver assist features

Stepping up to the Kia EV6 GT-Line brings:

• black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels
• sportier exterior styling add-ons
• dark-tinted rear privacy glass
• solar windscreen
• adaptive LED headlights
• black vegan leather upholstery with white panelled seat bolsters
• electric front Premium Relaxation seats
• alloy pedals
• wireless phone charger

The top-spec Kia EV6 GT-Line S also adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• automatic flush door handles
• sunroof
• rear heated seats
• ventilated front seats
• electric steering wheel adjustment
• smart electric tailgate
• 14-speaker Meridian sound system
• augmented reality head-up display
• remote smart park assist
• 360-degree around view monitor
• camera-based blind spot monitor
• extra driver assist features including Highway Driving Assist 2 for semi-autonomous driving

In usual Kia fashion, the range of options is limited: essentially, you can choose your paint finish, with some colours carrying an additional charge, while all-wheel drive EV6s can be specified with a heat pump - for around £1000 - to condition the battery for greater efficiency.