The Hyundai E-GMP electric vehicle platform rolled out in 2021 with the Ioniq 5. Sister brand Kia also uses this architecture in the award-winning EV6, which launched a bit later in 2021 for the 2022 model year with both rear- and dual-motor setups.
Hyundai facelifted the Ioniq 5 for the 2025 model year, which also marked the debut of the no-nonsense Ioniq 5 N. The folks at Kia prepare a refreshed EV6 for 2025 as well, although it's not clear whether the go-faster GT will get more oomph or an upgraded suspension for improved handling.
In any case, Kia has recently teased the 2025 model on social media. To be revealed this month, the facelifted EV6 dons a sharp front lighting signature and what appears to be an EV9-inspired contrasting panel between the revised headlights. The rear light bar has been revamped as well, but as opposed to the front end, it's a different affair from the EV9.
As far as the cabin is concerned, one has to wonder if the family-sized EV9 was used as inspiration for this area. Given that both the facelifted Sorento and the all-new K4 borrow a few bits and pieces from the 2024 Kia EV9, we'd be surprised to see Kia going in a different direction with the EV6's cabin.
From the design of the steering wheel to the design of the center console, physical controls, digital instrument cluster, and the infotainment system, a lot of small updates will make for a dramatic overall change from the pre-facelift 2024 model. One can also make a case for a steering column-mounted shifter as opposed to the current rotary dial shifter.
Photo: Kia
The carparazzi spied the 2025 Kia EV6 cold-weather testing a few months ago, but due to heavy camouflage, it's hard to say whether the front bumper is any different from the 2024 model. The rear one surely is, with Kia's design teaser showing less black garnish on the crossover's rear bumper.
Under the skin, the most obvious upgrade over the 2024 Kia EV6 would be a larger battery than the 77.4-kWh unit dubbed Extra Long Range in Kia vernacular. Hyundai premiered an 84-kWh pack in the Ioniq 5 N, but alas, the most powerful series-production Hyundai of the bunch was not designed with driving range in mind. The most you can expect from said high-voltage battery in combination with the 641-horsepower electric motors is 448 kilometers (278 miles) under the WLTP testing standard or a meager 221 miles (356 kilometers) under the EPA's testing standard.
Now available with a $7,500 customer cash lease bonus, the Kia EV6 is advertised in the United States with a starting price of $42,600 (before taxes and options), up to 310 miles (499 kilometers) of driving range, and 18 minutes of DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent. As for the sportiest version of the bunch, the EV6 GT kicks off at $61,600 and nets 218 miles (351 kilometers) from 77.4 kWh.
EV6 deliveries in the United States totaled 4,059 units in the first quarter of 2024, representing a 667-vehicle improvement over Q1 2023. Last year, on the other hand, Kia America sold 18,879 units.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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