Kia EV6 (2026)

Autocar remains positive about the Kia EV6, though it no longer sees it as an EV class leader. The facelift preserves its distinctive styling, spacious cabin, engaging rear-drive handling and sensible pricing, while the revised interior and easy-to-use technology keep it appealing in everyday use. The dual-motor version is especially quick yet smooth and controllable, rather than brutally accelerating. However, rivals now offer stronger performance, better efficiency and range, and greater comfort. The EV6’s sporty suspension feels busy and firm, rear-seat comfort is compromised by the high floor, and the test car failed to match Kia’s advertised rapid-charging capability, averaging 125kW. Autocar’s verdict is measured but favorable: this is no longer an outstanding all-rounder, yet its bold design, agility and practicality make it a distinctive, likeable choice, especially in rear-drive GT-Line form.

What Car? gives the Kia EV6 a strongly favorable review, calling it a brilliant, well-rounded electric SUV. Its standout strengths are genuinely useful: competitive real-world range, exceptionally rapid charging, huge rear-seat space, confident handling, and a polished blend of physical and touch controls. The reviewer particularly appreciates the responsive AWD version and the relaxing front seats, which can turn charging stops into surprisingly comfortable breaks. The entry-level Air with rear-wheel drive is considered the smartest buy, offering strong equipment without the expense of faster variants. Still, the EV6 is not flawless: the ride and cabin refinement trail some rivals, rear visibility is restricted, the boot is merely average for such a large car, and the infotainment can pause annoyingly. Prices and depreciation also temper its value case. Even so, the facelift keeps the EV6 highly competitive and makes it an easy recommendation for buyers prioritizing range, charging speed, space, and driving ability.

Carwow’s Tom Wiltshire is highly positive about the Kia EV6, calling it a polished and engaging all-rounder. He praises its distinctive styling, spacious rear cabin, thoughtfully designed interior, physical controls, strong real-world range, and exceptionally rapid charging, with a 10–80% top-up possible in about 18 minutes. Even standard versions are enjoyable on winding roads while remaining comfortable and composed on motorways, and the 650hp EV6 GT adds genuinely thrilling performance. The review is balanced, however: the ride is firmer than an Ioniq 5, rear visibility is poor, some controls are buried in menus, and boot space trails rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq. Its value is also less compelling as newer EVs offer more range or space for similar money. Overall, it remains well worth shortlisting, especially for buyers who value driving enjoyment, fast charging, and distinctive design.

Parkers’ Luke Wilkinson is highly impressed by the 2026 Kia EV6, calling it a compelling all-electric SUV package. The facelift brings a larger 84kWh battery, up to 361 miles of WLTP range, and quicker charging through the car’s unusual 800-volt architecture, while pricing reportedly remains close to the outgoing model. Wilkinson also praises its comfortable ride, strong performance across the range, distinctive styling, and especially rapid acceleration in the dual-motor and GT versions. The review is enthusiastic rather than blindly promotional: it acknowledges that the EV6 now faces much tougher competition from the Tesla Model Y, Volkswagen ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, Skoda Enyaq Coupe, and Ford Capri. Still, the opening assessment strongly suggests the facelift has sharpened an already excellent EV, with the full verdict to follow after examining practicality, interior quality, technology, driving, and running costs.

The Driven’s Riz Akhtar is strongly impressed by the 2026 Kia EV6, especially its polished handling and practical range. After a week in the GT-Line RWD, Akhtar praised its 84kWh battery, roughly 450km-plus real-world range, fast 800V charging, spacious rear seats, useful V2L capability, and physical controls that make the transition from petrol cars easier. Local chassis tuning appears to be a standout: on Melbourne’s winding mountain roads, the EV6 felt planted, comfortable, and more athletic than its SUV shape suggests. The 168kW rear motor and improved i-Pedal system also add everyday enjoyment. The main reservation is price, with the $79,660 model costing more than increasingly capable rivals from BYD, Zeekr, and Tesla. Still, Kia’s warranty, dealer network, appealing design, and driving character make it a compelling test-drive candidate, though budget-conscious buyers should also consider the cheaper EV5.