The Kia EV6 was once considered the new EV benchmark when it first launched, but the electric vehicle landscape has shifted dramatically. While this Korean electric crossover remains one of Kia’s best creations, sales have plummeted from 21,715 units in year three to just 11,077 through September 2025.
What happened? We spent a week with the 2026 model to find out.
What Makes the 2026 Kia EV6 Special?
The Specs That Matter:
The 2026 Kia EV6 received a makeover with a larger battery for 2025, so no major changes are expected for 2026. Here’s what you get:
- Power: The GT-Line AWD produces 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque
- Range: Up to 319 miles with the 84.0-kWh battery (RWD models)
- Charging Speed: 10-80% charge in under 18 minutes on a 350-kW fast charger
- Price: Starting at $58,900 for the GT-Line AWD, $60,740 with delivery
The Good: Why We Keep Coming Back
1. Driving Dynamics That Thrill
The EV6 drives with instantaneous acceleration, tight body control, and verbose steering feedback that makes hitting apexes a breeze. This isn’t just transportation—it’s genuinely fun behind the wheel.
2. Lightning-Fast Charging
Starting with the 2025 model year, the EV6 comes equipped with a Tesla-style NACS charging port, meaning it can use Tesla’s Supercharger stations without an adapter. Combined with 800-volt architecture, you’re back on the road in the time it takes to grab coffee.
3. Premium Tech Package
The GT-Line includes dual 12.3-inch panoramic screen displays, heads-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, Meridian speakers, and wireless device charging. The infotainment is responsive with excellent graphics and intuitive menus.
The Bad: Where Kia Falls Short
Price vs. Competition Problem
Here’s the shocking truth: When the EV6 first arrived, the Model Y cost $58,990, but now the Tesla starts at just $39,990. Our Kia test vehicle? Over $60,000.
Tesla offers more range, similar performance, a simpler buying experience, more towing capacity, and more cargo space—all for $20,000 less.
Limited Cargo Space
The EV6 provides 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space, and the front trunk is only big enough for a few small accessories like charging adapters. If you need serious hauling capacity, look elsewhere.
Real-World Efficiency
In real-world testing over 900 miles, the EV6 managed exactly 3 miles per kWh. While respectable, it’s not class-leading.
Should You Buy the 2026 Kia EV6?
Buy it if:
- Driving dynamics matter more than pure value
- You want Korean design flair over mainstream EVs
- Fast charging and NACS compatibility are priorities
- You prefer a sportier feel than the Hyundai Ioniq 5
Skip it if:
- Budget is your primary concern (Tesla Model Y offers more for less)
- You need maximum cargo space
- Range over 300 miles is non-negotiable
- You’re comparing strictly on specs-per-dollar
The Verdict
The 2026 Kia EV6 is still a good car—one could even call it great. It’s certainly a blast to drive. But in late 2025, what really makes it hard to recommend is its price. Drop that by somewhere between five and ten percent, and it would feel far easier to justify.
The EV market has matured faster than Kia’s pricing strategy. Until that gap closes, the EV6 remains a fantastic vehicle that’s tough to recommend over better-value alternatives.





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