There are more choices than ever when it comes to electric vehicles. However, one of the early arrivers, the Kia EV6, continues to evolve and improve. After three years, the newest model is surely the best one yet.
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line all-wheel drive retains its aggressive exterior feel while hewing closer to Kia’s “Opposites United” design language.
The first EV6 showed up about three years ago and made a splash with its impressive exterior styling and ample interior. Now for 2025, those are still the vehicle’s strong points, although the outside has been updated this year to come more in line with the rest of the Kia lineup’s “Opposites United” styling theme.
Now for 2025, those are still the vehicle’s strong points, although the outside has been updated this year to come more in line with the rest of the Kia lineup’s “Opposites United” styling theme.
Powerful change
However, what powers the EV6’s gotten a few tweaks too. A 63-kWh battery is now standard, but there is an available 84-kWh battery pack that has a targeted all-electric range of 319 miles in Light LR, Wind and GT-Line trims with RWD configuration.
Our GT-Line model came with a larger-than-standard 77.4 kWh battery with a fine-but-not-319-miles range of 252 miles. After a week of lead-footing it around metro Detroit, I’d say we wouldn’t have made 252 miles, but in normal driving, I think that kind of range is certainly doable.
Putting a further drag on our range were the non-standard, but good-looking 20-inch wheels, instead of the 19-inchers that are the norm. I’m not sure how much the impact is on the overall range, but for a vehicle you’re likely to just drive around town in, I’d take them and sacrifice a few miles.
Our GT-Line model came with a larger-than-standard 77.4 kWh battery with a fine-but-not-319-miles range of 252 miles.
Go fast
The powertrain puts out 320 horsepower, which explains my “heavy-footed” reference earlier. It’s not the now-601-hp GT model, but it’s more than enough power to satisfy your inner Mario Andretti/Michael Schumacher/Sebastian Vettel (pick your reference based on your age).
If you’re going to drive fast, you’re likely going to want to recharge fast and Kia makes that possible.
The EV6 features an ultra-fast 800-volt DC charging system. To make charging more convenient, the charge port has been relocated to the left rear fender and is compatible with the North American Charging Standard, i.e. Tesla standard.
This move doesn’t apply to the GT model for reasons I’m unsure of. The EV6 also introduced improvements to its Integrated Converter Control Unit (ICCU) with increased output density — all in the name of more power/speed faster.
Safety stuff
Climb inside the EV6 GT-Line and you’ll enjoy plenty of space and light, comfortable and supportive seats and a slew of technology.
Of course, the EV6 features all of the latest safety equipment. Kia offers a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, with newer features including Junction Turning Vehicle, Junction Crossing Vehicle, Lane Change Side Vehicle and Evasive Steering Assist.
You can also add Highway Driving Assist 2, which maintains a predetermined distance from the vehicle in front you. It will also keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions. It’s not quite on par with Ford’s BlueCruise or GM’s Super Cruise, but it’s not designed to be.
Additionally, there are dual front advanced airbags, plus a driver’s knee airbag, and front seat-mounted side and full-length curtain airbags. I’m not advising you to crash, but Kia seems to want to make sure if you do, you’ll fare better than that most.
It’s what’s inside that counts
Climb inside the EV6 GT-Line and you’ll enjoy plenty of space and light, comfortable and supportive seats and a slew of technology that makes sense right away. That tech is anchored in the middle of the dashboard by a 12.3-inch touch screen that is easy to reach and crystal clear.
The EV6 seats are comfortable and supportive, and in the GT-Line model, they’re heated!
That screen handles all of the navigation and other infotainment functions and while it does tilt toward the driver a touch, the front seat passenger can see and use it without any problems.
New vehicles come with its Kia Connect system. I didn’t use it because, well, I’m an Apple CarPlay fan and it comes with that or Android Auto ready to use, and I used it. The EV6 features an impressive Meridian Premium audio system that delivers clean, crisp sound.
The upside to the new model is that its able to accept over-the-air updates so you never know when you may get a pleasant surprise or be able to avoid a drive to the dealer to handle a recall issue.
Yes, please
The 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD is an impressive machine. It skews away from the “appliance on wheels” feeling that some other EVs can give you. It’s fast, handsome and an overall strong performer.
Well, it needs to be as it’s a tad pricey. Our tester came in at a smidge under $60,000 after destination fees. That makes it tough to compete with some other offerings from Ford, GM and Tesla. But this vehicle’s built in the U.S. so it helps with the still-in-existence EV tax credits — while we’ve still got ‘em anyway.
None of the competition is so much cheaper that it would steer you away from the EV6 GT-Line, including me.
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