FYI: The dynamically upgraded 2025 Kia EV6 promises speed, style, and sustainability with several new features, poised to challenge the dominance seen by the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Kia EV6 2025: An Overview of Exciting Upgrades
As the Hyundai Ioniq 5 captured significant attention in 2024, reaching the lucrative position of the fourth-best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. and propelling Hyundai to second place in electric car sales behind Tesla, it was inevitable that its cousin, the Kia EV6, would strive to match or even surpass these achievements. And it looks like the 2025 Kia EV6 is fully geared up to do just that.
For enthusiasts seeking speed, agility, and enjoyment in an electric vehicle, the updated Kia EV6 presents some compelling enhancements. Noteworthy modifications include a redesigned front end, a more robust battery providing extended range, the addition of a Tesla-compatible NACS plug allowing access to Tesla Supercharger networks, and a radically improved GT performance model. Furthermore, the EV6 GT now integrates simulated engine sounds and gear shifts, reminiscent of the Ioniq 5 N, enriching the driving experience with sporty sensations without detrimental emissions.
Performance Highlights of the 2025 Kia EV6 GT
In its native South Korea, the newly enhanced EV6 has already hit the roads, offering an exciting taste of the upgrades through Korean automotive channels like MotorWeekend on YouTube. Enhanced with a refined ‘revving’ sound, akin to Hyundai’s high-performance turbo four-cylinder engine, the EV6 GT capitalizes on its shared heritage with a familiar auditory thrill.
Crucially, this variant features a Virtual Shift system—permitting drivers to channel an internal combustion engine vibe by using steering wheel paddles to switch through simulated gears—delivering the thrill of high-performance driving minus the gas consumption. The intriguing aspect here is that while many EV enthusiasts prefer the quiet power delivery of electric vehicles, others, including myself, appreciate the nostalgic engagement found in internal combustion engine-like performance; the EV6 GT offers both worlds, granting control over these features according to your preference.
Unpacking the Power and Design
The prior iteration of the EV6 GT was no slouch, boasting 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque, achieving a rapid 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, placing it squarely in supercar territory. The 2025 revision takes it a step further: enhanced to deliver 601 hp, and peaking at 641 hp and 568 lb-ft in its most potent GT Mode. With such power comes the balancing act of range: while the previous model was limited to 218 miles on a single charge, the exact U.S. EPA range for the 2025 EV6 remains undisclosed. Additionally, unlike its lineup partners, the GT does not include a built-in NACS charging port, requiring an adapter for Supercharger access.
Looking Forward
The release specifics for the updated EV6, including a date for the North American market, are yet to be revealed. The anticipation surrounding these formidable improvements is to be expected, and as more details surface, the excitement grows. While upgrading might not be imperative for all current EV6 owners, the enhancements make it an enticing consideration.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi