Kia’s first dedicated EV has been around since 2021. Since then, its sister model Hyundai Ioniq 5 has sold more than 210,000 units. However, the EV6 will get a mid-cycle update to stay competitive in an increasingly challenging segment.
The new EV6 looks like a throwback to the past with angular headlights that resemble the EV9. Kia showed off both the standard and EV6 GT-Line models, with the latter featuring a headlight bar. The two trim levels come with different designs for the updated bumpers, but nothing special. Since this is a facelift, the profile is unchanged, although there are new 19- and 20-inch alloy wheel designs to choose from.
While the interior looks instantly familiar, the new EV6 has a different three-spoke steering wheel and a revised housing for the dual screens. Kia adds a fingerprint authentication system, a 12.0-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. We’re happy to report that the glossy piano black that ran along the center console appears to be gone with the facelift.
Then there are the subtle changes. The EV6 gets second-row side airbags and thicker B-pillars for added body rigidity. Plus, the electric motor is now quieter, and ride comfort has been improved by changing the shock absorbers. There’s also additional sound-insulating material around the rear motor. Over-the-air updates now extend beyond the navigation system, while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Kia is ditching the old 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery for a larger 84.0-kilowatt-hour battery that can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes at 350 kilowatts. The rear-wheel-drive EV6 Long Range can now travel 307 miles instead of 295, according to local testing procedures. In the United States, the equivalent pre-facelift variant travels 310 miles before running out of juice, according to the EPA.
The updated EV6 will go on sale domestically next month, followed by other markets. The top-of-the-line GT is likely to follow.
