The 2025 Kia EV6 electric compact SUV exterior is so sleek and stylish it could pass for an upscale sedan.
Inside is where the SUV design is manifested. The roomy interior provides a huge amount of legroom for the front and back seats, and headroom is ample as well. A boosted ride height improves visibility for the driver.
The rear cargo area is large enough to give a midsize SUV a run for the money. A gaping entry and extra tall liftgate enhance what was already an impressive space.
Five trim level offerings for the 2005 EV6 include Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line, and GT. The Light trim comes with rear-wheel drive and the GT Trim has all-wheel drive. The others are available in RWD and AWD configuration.
Performance delivery based on model and drive configuration starts at 167 horsepower and ratchets up to 601 hp. The GT has a Launch Mode feature that temporarily boosts power to 641 hp.
Maximum travel distance on a full charge is 319 miles and ratchets down from there depending on how much the horsepower was ratcheted up.
In consideration of driving enthusiasts dispirited by the silence and serenity of an electric vehicle, the GT has a Virtual Gear Shift feature that simulates gear shifts with visuals, engine sound effects, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustments.
I drove the EV6 GT-Line AWD, a good blend of performance (320 hp) and maximum range (270 miles). This model includes the updated 84 kWh battery that would increase the drive range to 319 miles if it were RWD.
A mention about one issue with the EV6: The outside door handles pop out if a key fob approaches, and return to hiding after locking or engine startup. It’s an excellent automatic system with a drawback in my case. The tilt-lever handle is designed to work best for right-hand use, and I’m left-handed. But it wasn’t a massive struggle and I’m well-seasoned at surviving in a right-handed world.
Kia was openhanded in its supply of standard features for the EV6 GT-Line AWD. A sampling includes handsome 20-inch black wheels, a heat pump, heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, heated and ventilated power front seats, SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Meridian premium audio system, power sunroof, power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with a panoramic display and navigation. The list of advanced driver-assistance systems is exhaustive.
It was a good week with the EV6 GT-Line AWD. The ride is fast, smooth, and comfortable with solid, responsive handling. The miles-remaining display was reliable. If the charge was dwindling, I had no concern about “false hope,” that the level would take a nose dive between shut-down and re-start. I’ve seen it happen before. For the record, it wasn’t with a Kia.
2025 Kia EV6 G-Line
Base Price: $58,900
Price as Driven: $60,740
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