2025 KIA EV6 DEBUTS AT LA AUTO SHOW

After making waves as a bold entrant in the electric vehicle (EV) market three years ago, the Kia EV6 has firmly established itself as a standout model. Garnering accolades such as the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, the EV6 has become a symbol of Kia’s forward-thinking electrification strategy. Now, the 2025 Kia EV6 debuts at the Los Angeles International Auto Show with significant updates in design, performance, and technology, ensuring it continues to push boundaries in the highly competitive CUV and EV segments.

Steven Center, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Kia America, expressed his excitement about the refreshed model: “The EV6 represents Kia’s forward-thinking approach to electrification, and with this refreshed model, we are excited to build on that success by offering even more style, technology, and features that our customers will love.”

Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the 2025 Kia EV6 a serious contender for EV dominance.

A Sportier Evolution in Design

Kia has fine-tuned the EV6’s exterior and interior to keep pace with its evolving lineup, introducing subtle but impactful updates. The refreshed design maintains the EV6’s distinct identity while adding a sportier edge.

At the front, Kia’s signature Star Map lighting takes center stage with updated headlights and dynamic daytime running lights (DRLs), creating a high-tech and futuristic appearance. The front bumper adopts sharper angles, while character lines on the hood add depth and contrast to the overall look. The rear design echoes the Star Map theme with three-dimensional taillights and a wing-type rear bumper that visually ties the design language from front to back.

The side profile benefits from a more sharply angled sill molding, enhancing the EV’s stance, while new wheel designs in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches provide a fresh yet familiar aesthetic. The vehicle’s dimensions have been incrementally adjusted—overall length has increased by 0.6 inches, lending the EV6 an even sportier stance.

Inside, the cabin’s horizontal design theme and dual 12.3-inch curved display seamlessly blend the instrument cluster and center screen for an immersive driver experience. Borrowing design cues from the award-winning EV9, the updated interior features Star Map ambient lighting, a D-shaped steering wheel, and a revamped center console with a sleek finish. These updates contribute to a high-tech, futuristic, and luxurious vibe while maintaining Kia’s commitment to driver-focused design.

Power Meets Efficiency

The 2025 Kia EV6 doesn’t just look the part—it delivers a performance that’s as exhilarating as it is efficient. Building on the success of the 2024 EV6 Light Long Range, Kia introduces expanded battery options to meet the growing demand for greater range.

The standard 63.0 kWh battery powers a rear motor producing 167 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an efficient entry-level option. For those seeking more range, the 84.0 kWh battery promises a targeted 319-mile all-electric range (Light LR, Wind, and GT-Line trims with RWD configuration), paired with a rear motor delivering 225 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants add a front motor for a combined output of 320 horsepower and 446 lb.-ft. of torque, while the range-topping EV6 GT elevates performance to new heights. Equipped with a 601-horsepower dual-motor setup, the GT delivers an impressive 641 horsepower and 568 lb.-ft. of torque in GT mode, ensuring thrilling acceleration and dynamic driving performance. Enhancing driver immersion, the new Virtual Gear Shift simulates gear changes with visuals, sound effects, and tactile sensations.

For adventurers, the long-range model boasts an improved towing capacity of 2,700 lbs., automatically adjusting the estimated range based on trailer weight for added convenience. The ultra-fast 800-volt DC charging system ensures minimal downtime, charging from 10 to 80 percent in a matter of minutes, while the repositioned charge port (left rear fender) is compatible with the North American Charging Standard.

Next-Generation Technology

The 2025 EV6 takes connectivity and convenience to the next level with Kia’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. This next-gen system offers faster processing, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and enhanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functionality. Through the new Kia Connect Store, drivers can personalize their EV6 experience with digital features such as video and music streaming, gaming, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Even sports fans can showcase their team spirit with customizable display themes featuring NBA team colors and logos.

Innovative tech extends to convenience features like the Digital Key 2.0, which uses ultrawideband technology to enable smartphone or NFC-enabled card access. This allows users to lock, unlock, and even drive the EV6 without taking their phone out of their pocket. The system supports key sharing via text for additional convenience.

Parking features have been upgraded with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Parking Distance Warning, ensuring stress-free maneuvering in tight spaces. The EV6’s flush door handles with automatic deployment are now standard, adding a touch of sophistication and practicality.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Kia’s suite of ADAS ensures that the EV6 not only performs well but also prioritizes safety. The latest Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 includes enhanced features like Junction Turning Vehicle, Junction Crossing Vehicle, Lane Change Side Vehicle, and Evasive Steering Assist. Highway Driving Assist 2 keeps the EV6 within its lane, maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and even assists with lane changes in certain conditions, delivering a semi-autonomous driving experience.

Enhanced Ride and Comfort

To improve ride quality, Kia has introduced sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin and reinforced the vehicle’s frame to meet stricter IIHS safety standards. Enhanced steering response, thanks to a new belt-type steering column, ensures a more dynamic driving experience, while the electric tilt and telescopic column adds a layer of convenience for drivers.

The 2025 Kia EV6: A Vision for the Future

The 2025 Kia EV6 exemplifies the brand’s commitment to continuous innovation in the EV market. With its refreshed design, expanded battery options, cutting-edge technology, and advanced safety features, the EV6 solidifies its position as a leader in the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) segment. As the EV6 prepares to roll off the production line at Kia’s Georgia assembly plant in 2025, its competitive edge promises to attract a new generation of EV enthusiasts.

Whether you’re drawn to its sleek design, impressed by its performance, or excited by its tech-forward features, the 2025 Kia EV6 offers something for everyone. This is more than just a refresh—it’s a bold step forward in Kia’s electrification journey.