I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m a big fan of the movement toward electric vehicles. I’ve owned a few hybrids, and the EVs I’ve driven have usually impressed me.
One thing that has somewhat hampered the design of many electric cars and trucks has been an issue you could best describe as a shortcut. Far too many manufacturers just take an existing combustion engine car and reconfigure it as an EV. And it’s worked for some of them.
But Kia took a different approach. They said, “Why don’t we just start from scratch and design an all-electric crossover vehicle from the ground up?” That’s exactly what they did. The result is their EV6.
I drove it for a week, and I loved it.
The Basics
The EV6, first introduced in 2021, slots into the category known as the compact crossover. Kia uses the battery platform called the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) which was developed by their parent company, Hyundai. Essentially what this does is combine the battery and the transmission into a single powertrain. It’s used in Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles.
You might be thinking: So what? Well, using this dedicated platform delivers several packaging and performance benefits when compared to old-school EVs that were simply built upon combustion-engine models.
What you get is a 5-door SUV that’s roomy and technologically advanced (more on both of those in a bit) tucked into a stylish vehicle that certainly stands out in a parking lot. This is not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill crossover OR electric vehicle. It has carved out a look all its own, which is not something we can say very often in this lookalike world of transportation.
The redesign of the front headlamps, front bumper, and the full-width taillamp get a big thumbs-up.
You get several trim options, ranging from the Light all the way up to the GT, and also select between rear-wheel drive and AWD.
The big news with the 2025 “refresh” of the EV6, however, is its new compatibility with the NACS charging system. That means you can use the superfast charging stations normally reserved for Tesla vehicles, and, believe me, it made a difference.
The Inside
Most of the buzz about the interior of the EV6 is around the roominess. I can’t disagree with that. I found it quite spacious, including the room in the back for your passengers. You can thank the long wheel base and the flat floor.
But this cockpit is also a treat for the eyes, as well. The start-stop button is angled toward the driver, which is a minor touch, but appreciated. The new steering wheel looks sufficiently futuristic, while the dual 12.3-inch display screens really pop.
You’ll find nice premium touches in the cabin, too, with fine materials and a driver-friendly layout. One prestigious magazine called the cabin “practical,” but I’d go a step beyond and describe it as practical and stylish.
Again, not a given these days.
The Drive
Well, this is where it got fun for me. To be fair, this is not a sports car, nor does it market itself that way. Still, I found the drive peppy and responsive.
Like many EVs, a touch of the accelerator will deliver a smile.
The trim I drove was the GT-Line with all-wheel drive. So this Kia EV6 has twin motors, and overall delivered 320 horsepower. That was plenty—you’ll have no issues merging onto the highway.
Step up to the GT and you can go hog-wild. It sports more than 600 horsepower. Is that enough for ya?
The steering and handling are solid, but I was a sucker for the first-rate regenerative braking. You can pretty much do some one-pedal driving, because when you take your foot off the accelerator, the car begins to brake. It can practically come to a stop that way, and, as a bonus, it’s helping to recharge the battery. I got hooked on the one-pedal feature in a flash.
As for range, if you opt for the rear-wheel drive, you’re looking at about 319 miles on a full charge. For my AWD, it was more like 270. During my week, I stopped at a Tesla supercharging station and spent about 20 to 30 minutes each time.
The Tech
I mentioned the dual screens on the dash. They not only look good, but they’re quite functional. You get a nice, big reminder of your remaining charge, both in percentage and in miles left.
And—hallelujah!—Kia believes in incorporating some buttons and switches, too. Bless them.
You get a fine suite of driver-assist tools. Loved the 360-degree camera view which employs a hologram to show your vehicle as it pulls into parking spaces, etc. Also, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. It may have been just a weird glitch, but my connection with CarPlay dropped a few times during the week.
I like the wireless charging pad, but one of my few minor critiques was its placement. I felt the pad was hampered by the overhang of the storage bin between the seats, which effectively blocks the lower third of your phone. But hey, we’re not supposed to be touching it while we’re driving anyway, right? This will probably be something the designers fix relatively quickly, I would think.
The Bottom Line
Everyone has their own particular tastes when it comes to appearance, drive, and tech functionality. We like what we like, right?
Well, I liked the EV6 a lot. It might be my favorite electric vehicle I’ve driven in the last two years. It looks great, it drives well, and the new charging partnership means you’ll have the ability to top up your battery much faster.
This one’s a champ. Take it for a spin and see.
The Details
2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line
Dual-motor e-AWD
320 horsepower
NACS charging port
MSRP: $58,900
As tested: $60,740
Reviewed by Dom Testa
Vehicle provided by manufacturer