Refreshed Kia EV6 Provides More Range and Technology

9 additional miles with a new 84 kWh pack, up from 77.4 kWh.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Nov. 21, 2024

2025 Kia EV6

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After three years from initial availability, the 2025 EV6 refresh was unveiled at this years 2024 LA Auto Show. Updated front and rear fascia’s, updated interior touches, and updated trim levels with added features and amenities, the EV6 carries on as one of the best values in the US EV marketplace.

The 2025 EV6 will be assembled at Kia Georgia’s assembly plant and will be available in Light (RWD only), Light Long Range (RWD or e-AWD), Wind (RWD or e-AWD), GT-Line (RWD or e-AWD), and GT (e-AWD) trims. It’s expected to go on sale in the first half of next year and as of this writing, owners may be eligible for at least a $3,750 Fed tax credit for those that qualify.

2025 Kia EV6 Design Changes

The 2025 EV6 includes the brands signature Star Map headlights and DRLs with wing-like graphics while the front bumper incorporates sharper angles. From the rear, the three-dimensional taillamps continue with the design while the rear bumper adopts a wing-type shape tying the front to the rear. The 2025 EV6’s side profile changes include more sharply angled sill moldings. New 19 to 21” alloys depending on the trim level round out the exterior refresh.

Inside, the EV6’s driver-centric layout features a standard curved dual 12.3-inch display that integrates the instrument cluster and center screen. A D-shaped wheel, and an updated center console with a sleek new finish contribute to its high-tech look.

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2025 Kia EV6 Drivetrain Updates

With the addition of the 2024 EV6 “Light” Long Range trim with the larger battery pack, Kia continues to update range across the board. For 2025, the EV6 introduces larger battery options, with the standard 63.0 kWh battery paired with a rear motor. The available 84.0 kWh battery has a targeted an all-electric range of 319 miles in RWD configurations of the Light Long Range, Wind, and GT-Lines. This setup comes with a rear motor making 225 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The more powerful AWD option combines dual motors to deliver 320 hp and 446 lb.-ft. of torque, while the EV6 GT makes 601 hp and 545 lb.-ft. of torque. With standard GT mode activated, 641 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque (up from 576 hp and 545 lb.-ft., respectively, from the 2024 EV6 GT) is available.

The long-range models with the 84.0kWh battery are now tow cap rated for 2,700 lbs. and automatically detects trailer weight to adjust the distance-to-empty. Expect a 20% to 40% range haircut when towing obviously.

The EV6’s best in class, 800V DCFC system carries on. The charge port (excluding the GT) has been relocated to the left rear fender and is now compatible with the North American Charging Standard. The EV6 also introduces improvements to its Integrated Converter Control Unit (ICCU) with increased output density. Expect a slightly longer charge time to accommodate the larger battery but 5 to 80% in 19 + minutes on a 350 KW and 22 + minutes on a 150 should still be doable.

2025 Kia EV6 Convenience Updates

The EV6 adds new tech including an ultrawideband-based Digital Key 2.0 which allows customers to use their compatible smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive. The system also supports key sharing via text on compatible devices for added convenience.

Remote Smart Parking Assist and Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, along with Parking Distance Warning were also added. The EV6’s flush door handles with automatic deployment are now standard.

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2025 Kia EV6 Safety Updates

The 2025 EV6 continues to offer Kia’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and adds Junction Turning Vehicle, Junction Crossing Vehicle, Lane Change Side Vehicle and Evasive Steering Assist. Also available is Highway Driving Assist designed to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions.

All told, the small range increase is a welcome addition. Pricing for the current 2024s is a bit soft with Kia providing a $7,500 rebate to 2024 purchasers. This despite US 2024 EV6 sales of 17,717 YTD is up 8.4% over the 16,340 sold through the same period of 2023. With the 2025 refresh and possibly the $3,750 fed tax credit, I would expect to see the $7,500 rebate disappear for at least a few months. The full 2025 EV6 pricing breakout will be available soon.

 

Hi All:

Regarding the $3,750 or $7,500 Fed Tax Credit, the 2025 EV6 will qualify for the $3,750 as soon as it goes on sale because it is now being built within the recently upgraded West Point, GA plant. Unless the Fed Tax Credit is removed by the DJT team. To achieve the full $7,500 Fed Tax Credit, a high percentage of the Li-Ion and pack build will have to be sourced from within North America. Namely, the new Hyundai/SK battery manufacturing facility in Bartow County, GA which was announced in 2022.

At the time, Hyundai and SK signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the partnership for a new EV battery facility in the U.S. Hyundai and SK On stated back then that their Bartow Centre, a zoned manufacturing and industrial site was aiming to begin initial production in 2025.

With that, Kia PR responded to my inquiry regarding the Tax Credit's future with the following reply:

2025 Kia EV6


Great looks, even better utility, reasonably priced, 319-miles of range in RWD trim, and its charge rate is near the top of the EV universe. What more could you ask for? ​

I also asked about peak power and overall charging rates. I did not receive an answer to those questions.

I hope that helps?

Wayne