Kia has given us our first look at the new GT version of the facelifted EV6 in Korea, introducing a host of styling, tech, and mechanical enhancements over its well-received predecessor.

The refreshed EV6 first debuted in May 2024, with the North American-spec version making its appearance in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. At the time, Kia only showed us the standard and GT-Line trims, so this marks our first proper look at the flagship GT variant.

Subtle Yet Sporty Upgrades

Predictably, the EV6 GT borrows heavily from the GT-Line trim, sharing the same aggressive bodykit and sleek, slimmer LED lights. But a closer look reveals a few key design flourishes that set the GT apart.

For starters, the GT rolls on an exclusive set of 21-inch alloy wheels, paired with striking lime-green brake calipers. The differences don’t end there—look to the bumper intakes, where the GT sports a unique pattern, alongside a redesigned rear diffuser and vertical reflectors replacing the GT-Line’s horizontal ones.

More: Kia’s Updated 2026 EV6 Adds Range, Tech, And A Fake Gearbox For GT

The exterior color palette adds further distinction. While the Wolf Gray option grabs attention in the press shots, other hues include Snow White Pearl, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, and the Yacht Matte Blue. Inside, the GT-exclusive “Black & Neon” theme continues the lime-green accents on black leather and suede upholstery.

Tech-wise, the EV6 GT keeps up with modern expectations, adding a curved digital cockpit that integrates dual 12.3-inch displays, augmented reality navigation, and a reworked steering wheel. Sports bucket seats now come with 8-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, making sure you stay planted, comfortable, and cool.

More Power And Simulated Gearbox

In addition to the welcome exterior and interior upgrades, the 2026 Kia EV6 GT benefits from extra grunt and a larger battery, matching the specs of the mechanically related Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The dual-motor AWD powertrain produces a combined 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS) and 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque, which can grow to 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) using the temporary boost function.

When launch control is activated, the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint can be completed in 3.5 seconds. Despite the extra power (+65 hp and +23 lb-ft), the acceleration figure is identical to the pre-facelifted EV6 GT, making it 0.1 seconds slower than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

What sets the EV6 GT apart from the pre-facelift model is the Virtual Gear Shift system borrowed from the Hyundai. Yes, it’s a bit gimmicky, but for those nostalgic for internal combustion drama, this faux gearbox simulates shifts with sound effects and torque modulation. Whether you’ll find it engaging or a novelty that wears thin after a few miles is up for debate—but at least Kia is trying to inject some personality into the EV experience.

Other standard performance goodies include the electronically controlled suspension, and the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD).

Range Gains And Familiar Fast-Charging

Last but not least, thanks to a new 84 kWh battery (up from 77.4 kWh), the EV6 GT offers a modest boost in range, now reaching 355 km (221 miles) under Korea’s testing protocols. Official EPA figures haven’t landed yet, but expect something slightly below this mark. As with the previous model, the battery supports 350 kW fast charging, letting you juice up from 10–80% in just under 18 minutes.

Pricing And Availability

The EV6 GT is already available to order in Korea, with North American deliveries scheduled to start in the first half of 2025. Despite the added performance and tech, Kia has held Korean pricing steady at ₩72.2 million ($51,800 after subsidies). Whether the U.S.-spec model will maintain its predecessor’s $61,600 MSRP remains to be seen, but if so, it’ll remain a strong choice for anyone eyeing the upper echelon of performance EVs.

Kia

The Hyundai Motor Group is recalling 208,107 electric vehicles in the United States as they can suffer a loss of drive power. The problem centers on the integrated charging control unit, which can be damaged and prevent the 12-volt battery from charging.

The recall is broken up into two parts and one includes 62,872 Kia EV6s from the 2022-2024 model years. The second part is larger as it involves 145,235 vehicles including the 2022-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2023-2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6, 2023-2024 Genesis G80 Electrified, 2023-2025 Genesis GV70 Electrified, and 2023-2025 Genesis GV60.

More: Hyundai, Kia, Genesis Recall Nearly Every Single e-GMP EV In America

According to the government, the integrated charging control unit may be damaged from transient high voltage and thermal cycling over time. This can eventually prevent the 12-volt battery from charging, leading it to gradually drain. If this occurs, drivers will be warned something is amiss and may experience “progressive reductions of motive power.” If they continue, the vehicle may eventually lose all drive power.

The EV6s were involved in a recall earlier this year, but a supposedly ‘fixed’ vehicle experienced a loss of drive power in May. This sparked an investigation and Kia eventually found “88 unique cases that allege loss of motive power” following the initial recall. Thankfully, no crashes, injuries, fatalities or fires were reported.

On the Hyundai and Genesis side, there were 57 reports between March 25 and November 5 of this year. None resulted in any injuries or crashes.

Owner notifications are slated to be sent out in the coming weeks and the remedy will see dealers inspect and replace the integrated charging control unit, as well as its fuse, as necessary. In addition, dealers will install updated software that “optimizes thermal management and peak voltage during operation.” Unfortunately for technicians, this is a huge pain as the fix for the EV6 is 26 steps long and involves removing underbody paneling as well as taking out the rear seat.

The Kia EV6 has already proven to be a practical and fun electric crossover, and for the 2025 model year, it promises to get even better. With a fresh look, upgraded tech, and a bit more performance, the EV6 facelift makes its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, following its earlier introduction in Korea and Europe. It now offers a longer range, improved handling, and a more aggressive design. The GT trim, meanwhile, gets a substantial power boost—along with the addition of simulated gear shifts.

Exterior Revisions

The first thing you’ll notice on the outside is the redesigned front fascia, now featuring slimmer LED headlights and more streamlined air intakes. The side profile sees fresh wheel designs and subtle tweaks to the cladding, while the rear boasts new LED taillight graphics and a revised bumper. While these changes are incremental, they manage to freshen up the EV6 without diluting its signature silhouette.

More: Hyundai’s American-Made Ioniq 5 Costs More But Goes The Extra Mile

The facelift also brought an increase of 0.6 inches (15 mm) in length, due to the slightly longer front overhang. Overall, this reinterpretation of Kia’s Opposites United styling language is slightly different from the rest of the lineup, allowing the EV6 to retain its curved lines and sporty stance.

Interior

Inside, the crossover adopts a new curved digital cockpit with dual 12.3-inch displays. Other changes include a redesigned steering wheel and a new finish for the center console. The displays can be customized with the colors and logo of your favorite NBA team, through the Kia Connect Store. Finally, the ADAS suite has been improved, and the cabin is quieter thanks to additional sound-absorbing materials.

Bigger Batteries and Extended Range

The 2025 EV6 ditches its smaller 58 kWh and 77.4 kWh battery options in favor of larger 63 kWh and 84 kWh packs shared with he facelifted Hyundai Ioniq 5. This upgrade results in a maximum range of up to 319 miles (513 km) for the top-spec 84 kWh RWD model, a modest but welcome improvement of 9 miles (15 km) over the outgoing Long Range RWD trim. In addition, towing capacity sees an uptick to 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg), further boosting the EV6’s utility credentials.

Charging remains swift thanks to the retained 800-volt DC fast charging architecture, although Kia has relocated the charging port to the left rear fender for most trims (excluding the GT), now supporting the North American Charging Standard (NACS).

The 2025 Kia EV6 is available with single (RWD) and dual (AWD) electric motors, which are carried over from its predecessor in the non-GT trims (Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line). The ride and handling of the E-GMP-based model have been upgraded, courtesy of an improved steering response, and a reinforced chassis.

More Power for the GT Trim

At the top of the lineup, the 2025 Kia EV6 GT takes cues from its sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Its dual-motor system now cranks out a hefty 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS), with a temporary boost to 645 hp (481 kW / 654 PS) in GT mode. This upgrade delivers 65 additional horses and 23 lb-ft (31 Nm) more torque than the outgoing GT, making it a more serious contender in the performance EV space.

More: New Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lands With Three-Rows And Massive 110.3 kWh Battery

In true Hyundai-Kia fashion, the EV6 GT also borrows the Virtual Gear Shift feature from the Ioniq 5 N, which uses sound effects and torque modulation to mimic the sensation of gear changes.

Launch

The 2025 Kia EV6 (excluding the GT) will be assembled alongside the larger EV9 at Kia’s facility in Georgia. Sales are set to begin in the first half of next year, with pricing details to be revealed closer to launch.