2025 Kia EV6 Review: A Stylish and Engaging Electric SUV

The electric SUV market is more vibrant than ever, with numerous compelling options for consumers. The 2025 Kia EV6 stands out with its unique design and impressive features. This mid-size electric SUV boasts several updates for the new model year, including refined styling, enhanced safety and comfort, and an upgraded battery pack. Our test model, the 2025 EV6 Wind AWD, benefits from an 84-kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of 319 miles.

Track Performance

The EV6 Wind AWD is equipped with a dual-motor powertrain. The front motor delivers 99 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, while the rear motor adds 221 hp and 258 lb-ft, resulting in a combined output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft. The rear-biased power distribution, combined with a low center of gravity thanks to the battery placement, ensures stable and engaging launches.

During our tests, the EV6 Wind accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds. These figures are impressive for an SUV weighing 4,621 pounds. Braking from 60 mph required 124 feet, and it navigated our figure eight in 26.1 seconds at an average of 0.72 g.

While these numbers don't match the performance of the higher-performance EV6 GT, the EV6 Wind AWD offers respectable speed. When compared to rivals like the dual-motor 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Kia's capabilities become even more apparent.

The Mustang Mach-E, with 370 hp and 500 lb-ft, achieved a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, a braking distance of 120 feet, a quarter mile time of 13.0 seconds, and a figure-eight time of 26.3 seconds at 0.70 g. Despite the power difference, the EV6 held its own, and with better tires, it could potentially close the gap further.

Range and Charging

In our real-world range test, where we drove the EV6 at highway speeds (approximately 70 mph) from 100% to 5% charge, the vehicle achieved 266 miles. While this is below the EPA rating, it's still a solid performance. Notably, it surpassed its platform sibling, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD, by 32 miles, likely due to the EV6's smaller wheels. It also outperformed the 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD and the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach E Premium AWD, both of which achieved 252 miles.

Our fast-charging tests revealed that the EV6 can add 160 miles of range in 15 minutes and 232 miles in 30 minutes, making it well-suited for long trips. Kia and Hyundai EVs are known for their fast-charging capabilities, and the EV6 is no exception.

Driving Experience

On the road, the EV6 delivers a comfortable and composed ride, effectively absorbing bumps without excessive movement. The driver's seat provides a sense of being in a car rather than an SUV, thanks to its low roofline.

The cabin is quiet, with minimal road noise primarily coming from the tires. The steering is precise, offering good feedback and contributing to the SUV's overall composure and sporty feel. The uniquely shaped steering wheel is a highlight, featuring high-quality materials for a pleasant tactile experience.

Inside the EV6 Wind, the white seats contrast nicely with the dark green interior trim, creating a rich and spacious ambiance. Rear-seat comfort is commendable, although some testers found the seat height to be slightly low, affecting knee comfort. The sloping roofline can also impact headroom and cargo space.

The EV6 offers a variety of regenerative braking modes, allowing drivers to customize their preferred level of deceleration. The highway driving assist system is also noteworthy, providing smooth and reliable braking and instilling confidence in real-world driving scenarios.

Areas for Improvement

The brakes were a point of concern for some test drivers, with reports of a spongy and inconsistent feel. While the braking performance was effective, the lack of consistent feedback detracted from the overall driving experience.

The dual-function climate and media touch panel was another area of criticism, with its usability proving frustrating for some users.

EV6 vs. Ioniq 5

The EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 share the same E-GMP platform. Both being strong contenders, the choice boils down to personal preferences. The EV6 generally felt more planted on the road, while the Ioniq 5 offered a livelier, more engaging driving experience.

The exterior and interior designs differ significantly. The EV6 has a sleek, elongated appearance despite being slightly smaller overall. It also demonstrated a slight edge in acceleration and range compared to the Ioniq 5 in our tests. The Ioniq 5 may be a better choice for those prioritizing cargo space or rear-seat room, but the EV6 is arguably the more engaging vehicle to drive.

The 2025 Kia EV6 is an appealing option in the electric SUV market, offering a unique combination of style, performance, and features. While not the cheapest, its solid performance, comfort, and quality justify the price. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual needs and preferences, but choosing an EV6 is a decision that is hard to find fault with.