We’ve already driven Kia’s EV5 electric SUV in Australia, but now the Korean automaker is getting ready to bring its Tesla Model Y fighter to Europe. Ahead of sales starting in Q4, Kia has revealed spec details of the Euro-market EVs, and right away it’s apparent that buyers looking for one particular option won’t find it.

While Aussie buyers can choose from both single and dual-motor configurations, Europeans won’t be able to order one of the dual motor, all-wheel drive models from launch. The 308 hp (312 PS / 230 kW) AWD version is coming, along with a more powerful, also-AWD GT performance model, but neither will be on the menu until 2026.

Related: Kia’s New ICE Minivan Looks Like A Crossover EV

Which means anyone in the UK or EU jumping on the first chance to order an EV5 will have to settle for a single 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) motor driving the front wheels. Zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes a leisurely 8.4 seconds in the front-driver, though based on our Australian review there’s still a surprising amount of torque steer to contend with.

Sticking with one motor does at least keep the weight down, and that’s good for electric range. Both the base model and the plusher GT-Line get the same 81.4 kWh battery, which uses NMC chemistry, not the LFP type used in other regions, and delivers up to 329 miles (530 km) of electric range.

We say ‘up to’ because that number relates to the Base trim. The GT-Line’s bigger (19- versus 18-inch) wheels and extra equipment cost it 15 miles (25 km), and the 20s on the upcoming GT range-topper will hurt the range numbers further.

Like the EV3, the EV5 misses out on the trick 800-volt electrics fitted to the EV6 and EV9, meaning a 10-80 percent fill takes around 30 minutes rather than under 20. But you still get Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability to keep your bikes, laptops and fridges going when you’re camping or working away from home.

Kia EV5 Base

The dashboard consists of of a 5.3-inch climate screen sandwiched between a pair of 12.3-inch displays: one for gauge cluster duties and another a touchscreen that you might not have to come into contact with very often thanks to the inclusion of the Chat GPT-powered Kia AI assistant. Another touchscreen is located at the back of the console so rear-seat passengers can adjust the tri-zone climate system to their liking.

Kia is pitching the EV5 as an electric alternative to its massively popular Sportage, though the newcomer is a significant 70 mm (2.76 inches) longer overall and its wheelbase is bigger by the same amount. But it’s even more likely that potential buyers will compare the EV5 with the facelifted Tesla Model Y.

We can’t fully size the pair up until later in the year when Kia reveals its prices, but we already know the base RWD, Long Range Tesla’s 5.9-second zero to 62 mph time kicks the Kia into next week, while its 311-mile (500 km) range is in the right ballpark. Which would you pick?

Kia EV5 GT-Line

Electric models play a growing role in Kia’s global strategy, and the company has built a reputation for crafting some of the most compelling EVs in the business. But in the States, that reputation isn’t quite translating to strong sales this year.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

While Kia’s overall numbers are up, its two flagship electric models are moving in the opposite direction. Both the EV6 and EV9 saw steep drops in sales. The absence of the smaller EV5 and EV3 from North American showrooms may be starting to feel like a missed opportunity.

Electric Sales Hit a Wall

The latest sales data reveal that Kia sold 4,938 examples of the EV9 in the United States in the first six months of the year. That’s a massive drop of nearly 49% from the 9,671 sold over the same period in 2024. Things were no better in June, with just 913 new EV9s finding homes across the country, down 52% compared to the 1,905 sold in June 2024.

The EV6’s performance is also on a downward spiral. Year-to-date, sales are down 46%, with 5,875 units sold compared to 10,941 in H1 2024. Things were particularly bad in June. While 2,171 Kia EV6s were sold in June 2024, only 680 were delivered the same month this year, a devastating decline of 69%.

While we suspect some Kia executives may be worried about these numbers, especially given the looming end of the federal tax credits at the end of September, they can at least celebrate a strong start to 2025 across the rest of its range.

Gasoline Models Pick Up the Slack

Despite the dip in EV sales, Kia’s broader lineup has helped the brand start 2025 on a high note. Total U.S. sales reached 416,511 units through June, up 8 percent from 386,460 in the first half of 2024. That momentum slowed slightly in June itself, with 63,849 vehicles sold compared to 65,929 a year ago.

The standout so far has been the K5 sedan. Kia has moved 34,565 K5s this year, up from 12,807 cars sold in the first half of 2024. That’s a nearly threefold increase, giving the once-overlooked midsize sedan some well-deserved attention.

The Carnival minivan also got a sizable boost. Sales are up 57 percent to 33,152 units, from 21,083 at this point last year. The Telluride, one of Kia’s most in-demand models, has climbed 15 percent to 61,502 units from 53,700. And the Sportage continues to hold its title as Kia’s top seller in the United States, with sales growing 9 percent year-over-year, reaching 87,172 units.

KIA US SALES

While EVs have generally been gaining popularity across the United States over the past couple of years, April wasn’t such a good month for them. New EV registrations fell 4.4 percent, marking the first dip after 14 consecutive months of growth. The slide was led by notable declines from several automakers, including Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai.

Read: Kia Sold Just 37 EV9s In May, But A Gas Sedan Is On Fire

According to data from S&P Global Mobility, which excludes gasoline-electric hybrid models, a total of 97,833 new EVs were registered in the US in April. This means that EVs accounted for 6.6 percent of total registrations, falling from the 7.4 percent share they had in April 2024. A number of factors could be at play here.

At the same time, overall light vehicle sales, regardless of powertrain, grew by 7.2 percent in April to approximately 1.5 million units.

Speaking to Autonews, S&P Global Mobility analyst Tom Libby, said that beyond the usual range anxiety and charging concerns, “consumers are seeing media reports that government support for EVs is on the chopping block and automaker investments in the technology are slowing, undermining confidence in a product that doesn’t yet have significant organic demand”.

“The increases in the prior months have been weak, so I think there is an ongoing trend of weakening in the EV market,” Libby told Auto News. “We’ll have to watch where it goes, but there’s a lot of influences working against EVs right now.”

The Winners And Losers

Tesla remains the largest seller of EVs in the United States. In April, 39,913 new Tesla models were registered across the country, representing a 16 percent decline from April 2024. In second place was Chevrolet with a total of 9,160 registrations. It bucked the trend with a massive 215 percent spike, increasing its share of the EV market to 9.4 percent. This was primarily thanks to the Equinox EV with 5,424 registrations, trailing only the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Ford came in third with 5,534 registrations, down 33 percent from April 2024. BMW edged out Hyundai for fourth place, logging 4,812 registrations, an 8.7 percent uptick. Hyundai fell to fifth after a 25 percent drop, totaling 4,796 units.

A number of other brands saw declines, including Rivian (down 30 percent), Mercedes (down 19 percent), and Kia (down a steep 68 percent). Cadillac and Honda posted big gains, up 104 percent and 2,359 percent respectively, while Volvo jumped 263 percent. Some smaller players, like Porsche and Fiat, also recorded substantial percentage increases, albeit from far smaller volumes.

US EV SALES APRIL 2025

Performance fans have had it pretty good in recent years, especially from some unlikely sources. The Stinger GT, especially with the 3.3-liter turbocharged V6, was one of those outliers, setting a high standard when it landed and proving Kia could do more than just practical commuters.

Since then, the Korean brand has turned out a handful of genuinely compelling performance cars. But that chapter is winding down. The GT badge isn’t going anywhere, but its connection to gasoline power is nearing the end.

Read: New Kia K4 Variant Fixes Its Most Controversial Angle, But You Probably Can’t Have It

Speaking to members of the press, Australian product chief Roland Rivero confirmed to CarSales that Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) as a whole is gradually moving away from combustion engines because of regulations. “The N tagline is being more and more applied to electrified product, and for a bunch of reasons,” he said.

“You’ve got to satisfy the global situation, and CO2 regulations are tightening all around the world,” Rivero continued. “Ours is going to catch up very, very quickly too, so I can understand why R&D centers are still trying to dial up driving enjoyment responsibly.”

The Last of the GT Gas Crowd

This is a serious blow to those who love performance cars. Since the Stinger GT came out, Kia has been quietly offering a great value in its sports cars. That sedan was genuinely excellent to drive and still lives on to a degree in the Genesis G70. Kia still sells the K5 GT, a front-wheel-drive sedan that packs more power than it probably needs, which, lets be honest, isn’t always a bad thing.

As we understand it, the K5 GT will be the last combustion-powered GT car from Kia. Meanwhile, Hyundai has already committed to another generation of the Elantra N, reportedly with a bigger engine. So the torch hasn’t gone out completely, but the flame is flickering.

Shifting Gears: From Gas to Kilowatts

Keep in mind that many brands, big and small, have backtracked from previous goals to go all-electric. Even Porsche, which has been talking about an electric 718 for ages, is changing its tune. Can Kia and Hyundai make a success of EV performance cars while other brands get cold feet?

If any brand can make electric performance succeed, it seems like Kia and its corporate partner, Hyundai, are the ones to do it. The EV6 GT is a genuinely epic little hatchback to drive, and it’s supercar-quick. Then, if that’s not good enough, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is basically everybody’s favorite performance EV.

“There’s no reason why an electrified product can’t give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and what not,” Rivero said. “Hot hatches are harder to justify as a business case, ongoing, when you combine all the elements of CO2 regulations and the global movement [toward electrification].”

The Kia boss was also asked about the possibility of hybrids or range-extended EVs playing a role in Kia’s performance future. He didn’t confirm anything, but as CarSales noted, there are ongoing rumors that Hyundai is developing hybrid N models. If that’s true, it’s likely Kia could follow suit.

So sure, it’s sad to see combustion GT cars go away, and Hyundai Motor Group might come to regret this choice… but at least the performance we’ve come to appreciate from the brand isn’t dying altogether. 

Drivers may love the promise of hands-free, mind-at-ease driving, but not all advanced driver assistance systems are created equal. Tesla has long marketed its vehicles as tech-forward and autonomous-ready, but fresh data from Euro NCAP tells a different story, especially when it comes to how clearly the system communicates with drivers.

More: Chinese SUV Beats Porsche Macan To Become Euro NCAP’s Safest EV In 2024

The Model S earned just 30% in Assistance Competence, a category where even smaller and more affordable EVs outperformed it. For comparison, the Kia EV3 scored 74% and the Renault 5 managed 73%. Both vehicles cost significantly less and make fewer promises about automation.

Euro NCAP’s Assisted Driving Grading program is built to evaluate how safely and responsibly automakers implement partially automated features. The scoring system weighs two key areas: Assistance Competence, which looks at how well the system communicates with the driver, and Safety Backup, which assesses how the car handles actual safety interventions, such as collision avoidance.

In the most recent round of testing, both the Tesla Model S and the Volvo EX30 received a “Moderate” rating, an underwhelming result for two companies that lean heavily on safety and tech in their marketing.

Tesla’s Language Problem

Tesla’s latest Autopilot system in the Model S did deliver a strong 94% score for Safety Backup, but its poor Assistance Competence score pulled the overall rating down. Euro NCAP cited the misleading “Autopilot” branding and promotional language, which they say overstates the system’s capabilities and can mislead drivers into overestimating how autonomous the system really is.

“Tesla is misleading consumers about their Autopilot system’s capabilities simply through its name and marketing, which could have potential safety implications,” said the organization. “A well-designed system will co-operate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Another problem noted by the testers is that the steering input of the Model S is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when they do, it automatically disengages.

“The name ‘Autopilot’ of Tesla’s system, as well as its promotional material, all suggest full automation, which is deemed inappropriate by Euro NCAP and led to a downgrade in their score,” said Euro NCAP. “Additionally, unlike the Porsche, its steering input is resistant to a driver attempting to override it, and when the driver does, the system automatically disengages, limiting its usefulness.”

EuroNCAP

As for the Pilot Assist system fitted on the Volvo EX30, it scored 72% for Safety Backup and 62% for Assistance Competence. The main reason for the relatively low scores is that the driver has to take their eyes off the road in order to check the system alerts on the centrally mounted touchscreen. Furthermore, the driving assistance systems were found not to disengage, even after repeated hands-off alerts.

Other vehicles in this round had mixed showings. The MG ZS also landed in the “Moderate” category, while the Mazda CX-80 and the Chinese XPeng G9 fared better with “Good” ratings.

The Pleasant Surprises

More encouraging results came from four models that earned a “Very Good” rating. The Porsche Macan’s, using its InnoDrive system with Active Lane Keeping, scored 92% for Safety Backup and 85% for Assistance Competence, the highest in this round. Euro NCAP praised the clarity of its status displays and the transparency of its promotional materials.

More: The Brands With The Most 5-Star Safety Ratings Over The Last 10 Years

Other good performers with intuitive systems included the facelifted Toyota bZ4X crossover and the Kia EV3 small SUV. Finally, the Active Driver Assist package of the Renault 5 electric supermini impressed Euro NCAP’s testers, who praised it for “demonstrating how assisted driving systems can perform just as well on more affordable cars”.

Adriano Palao, ADAS Technical Manager at Euro NCAP, said: “The safe operation of Assisted Driving systems can only be achieved if consumers clearly understand their role as drivers, know how to operate the system, and are aware of its limitation…A well-designed system will cooperate with the driver, appropriately inform about the level of assistance, and ultimately offer crash avoidance in critical situations; otherwise, it may introduce additional risks.”

Below you can find the scores of all nine models that participated in this testing phase.

EURO NCAP ASSISTED DRIVING 2025 TEST RATINGS

Not every sales jump in the auto industry follows a straightforward narrative, and Kia’s latest numbers are a good example of that. The company had a solid May, moving 5 percent more vehicles than it did in the same month last year. But that top-line figure doesn’t tell the whole story.

While its flagship electric models took a hit, one unassuming sedan, the K5, surged with a 256 percent increase in monthly sales. Kia’s not alone in this EV slowdown, either.

More: Mercedes’ Electric G Flops So Hard It Could Change What Comes Next

It’s worth noting that the K5 has been out for several years. Its huge jump in sales during May doesn’t seem to be an outlier either. For the year, it’s up 220 percent. Put into raw sales figures, the company had sold just 9,036 through May last year. This year, it’s shifted 28,951 of them. Combined with the K4, Kia has already made over 90,000 sales this year.

Electric Models Lose Steam

No doubt, the brand wishes its flagship electric vehicles were seeing even a modicum of that success. The recently refreshed EV6 is great to drive, but buyers aren’t snatching it up with the same vigor they did last year. Through the first five months of the year, it’s down 40.8 percent. The EV9, Kia’s flagship electric SUV is having an even tougher time as it’s down 48.2 percent in that same period.

That trend doesn’t appear ready to change either. In May alone, the EV6 was down 69.8 percent. The EV9 sold just 37 units across the country and, as such, was down a whopping 98.3 percent during the month. It’ll be interesting to see what Kia does to incentivize buyers to return as the new model year version rolls in to dealerships. These are both impressive cars, but consumers seem apt to favor hybrids now more than ever.

To Kia’s credit, this trend away from EVs and toward combustion cars isn’t one isolated to the brand. Ford announced its May sales figures recently and saw a similar trend. While the Mustang Mach-E continues to do well, the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit are dozens of basis points off where they were last year.

KIA USA SALES

From the big EV9 SUV to the junior EV3 by way of the EV4 and EV6 sedans, Kia seems to have most electric bases covered. But there are still a few niches to fill and the EV2 will arrive inside a year to help plug one of those gaps.

As its name suggests, the EV2 slots below the relatively new EV3 and replicates most of its features, just on a smaller scale. Although both are B-segment SUVs, the EV3 handles the upper end of the size and price scale and the EV2 targets the lower.

Related: Kia EV2 Concept Previews Small Electric SUV For 2026 With Funky Styling

That means rather than duking it out with the Skoda Elroq and Volvo EX30 and starting at £33k/€36k, the EV2 will battle with the new Renault 4, Citroen e-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda and have to kick off around £27k/€30k. Hitting those price targets while still turning a profit means the EV2, like the EV3 and EV4, will probably make do with simpler 400-volt charging technology rather than the fast-fill 800-volt systems used in pricier Kias such as the EV6 and EV9.

Expect the hardware nestling in the cut-down E-GMP platform to consist of a couple of different single-motor setups driving the front wheels and hooked up to a small electric battery suitable for city work and giving a range of around 200 miles (320 km). The Renault 4, for instance, gives buyers the choice of 40 kWh or 52 kWh batteries whereas the Kia EV3 offers 58.3 and 81.4 kWh power packs.

Credits: SHProshots

Kia hasn’t said much about the EV2’s technical spec, but it did give us some guidance as to what it would look like by unveiling the EV2 concept at Kia EV Day in Barcelona back in February (see gallery below).

New spy shots confirm the production car will stick pretty close to the concept’s overall design, though predictably the ‘real’ EV2 has ditched the show car’s rear-hinged rear doors and has a conventional B pillar instead.

Also: This $11K EV3 Clone Hit China Before Kia Could Launch The Real One

The EV2 goes on sale in Europe in 2026, but it might not be Kia’s smallest EV for long. Bosses have confirmed they’re considering building an even tinier EV1 to replace the Picanto and compete with VW’s ID1. Neither of those baby Kias will make it to US showrooms where the EV3, which lands soon, will remain the first rung on Kia’s electric SUV ladder.

Credits: Kia

Just when it looked like Chinese automakers had finally retired their industrial-strength photocopiers, along comes a new release to remind us that old habits die hard. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is a compact electric SUV with angular styling that looks suspiciously familiar.

And by familiar, we mean it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Kia EV3, a small electric crossover slated to launch in the US next year. While Kia is still mulling over whether to bring the EV3 to China, Dongfeng went ahead and jumped the line for them.

Also: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

The Nano 06 was first shown in April and has just hit the order books in China. To be fair, it’s not a carbon copy of the Kia, but the similarities are far from subtle either. The proportions, the shape of the greenhouse, the LED headlights, and even the plastic wheel arch cladding all echo the EV3’s design. Toss in the 17-inch alloy wheels that seem pulled straight from Kia’s sketchpad, and it becomes pretty clear this wasn’t just a coincidence.

To sidestep any legal drama, Dongfeng has given the Nano 06 a few distinguishing features. There are different bumpers, sculpted taillights, and a more conventional surface treatment along the sides. One genuinely original touch is the split tailgate, with the lower section doubling as a makeshift table or seat once parked.

Inside, the Nano 06 promises a fairly roomy five-seat cabin that can transform into a sofa-bed under the panoramic sunroof. The trunk features a three-layer setup with a total of 500 liters (17.7 cubic feet) of space, plus another 70 liters (2.5 cubic feet) tucked into the frunk.

The dashboard layout will feel familiar to anyone who’s peeked inside a modern Chinese EVs. It’s anchored by a 12.8-inch free-standing infotainment screen and an 8.8-inch digital cluster mounted behind a chunky two-spoke steering wheel.

Dimensions That Go Head-to-Head

The Nano 06 measures 4,306 mm (169.5 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 2,715 mm (106.9 inches), making it just 6 mm longer than the Kia EV3 and giving it a slight edge with 35 mm more space between the axles. Despite its compact size, the Nano is being positioned as a family-oriented, adventure-friendly option, at least according to its lifestyle-heavy promotional shots.

More: Xiaomi’s First SUV Looks Like A Ferrari But It’s Priced Like A Tesla

Underpinning the Nano 06 is Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture No. 3 platform. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers get two battery sizes to choose from: 44.94 kWh and 51.87 kWh. Those deliver an optimistic CLTC-rated range of 401 km (249 miles) and 471 km (293 miles) respectively. Fast-charging is no afterthought either, with the Nano able to grab 100 km (62 miles) of range in just 5 minutes if plugged into the right charger.

Pricing Is the Real Plot Twist

But the real attention-getter here is the price. The Dongfeng Nano 06 is listed between ¥79,900 ($11,100) and ¥109,900 ($15,300) in China. That’s more than three times cheaper than the Kia EV3, which starts at €35,990 ($40,700) in Germany.

Of course, the two aren’t competing in the same market, at least not yet, and if Kia does bring the EV3 to China, past pricing trends suggest it would land much lower. For context, the larger EV5 starts at just ¥149,000 ($20,700) in China.

Also: VW ID.7 Launches In China At Nearly Half The Price It Costs In Germany

In China, the Dongfeng Nano 06 will go up against direct rivals like the BYD Yuan Up, the Wuling Bingo Plus, and the Baojun Yep Plus small SUVs.

Dongfeng

The Kia EV9 is entering its third model year with a handful of minor updates. However, there are some notable developments including price cuts, increased ranges, and a new Nightfall Edition package.

Starting with the latter, the EV9 Nightfall is based on the upscale Land trim and costs an additional $1,500. It features gloss black skid plates, fascia accents, and side sills. They’re joined by gloss black mirrors and roof rails. Customers will also find black badging, black 20-inch wheels, and an available Roadrider Brown paint job that is exclusive to the model.

More: Kia’s EV9 Nightfall Is The Rare Special Edition That Actually Goes Faster

Inside, there’s a black on black interior with a unique upholstery pattern. A six-seat configuration comes standard, but a seven-seat setup is available as a no cost option. Customers will also find a standard Boost function that increases the torque output from 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) to 516 lb-ft (699 Nm).

The other big news for 2026 is increased ranges. The Light Long Range climbs from 304 miles to 305 miles, while the Wind and Land go from 280 miles to 283 miles. Lastly, the GT-Line gets a noticeable bump from 270 miles to 280 miles.

Kia held the line on pricing as the base EV9 continues to start at $54,900 before a $1,495 destination fee. However, the EV9 Light Long Range drops from $59,900 to $57,900. That isn’t the only price cut as the EV9 Land falls from $69,900 to $68,900. Likewise, the EV9 GT-Line sees its price reduced from $73,900 to $71,900.

As a refresher, the EV9 offers 76.1 and 99.8 kWh battery packs as well as an assortment of powertrains. The latter have outputs of 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS), and 379 hp (283 kW / 384 PS). This results in 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) times of between five seconds and 8.8 seconds.

2026 KIA EV9 PRICING

Electric vehicles are evolving so quickly that even the newest models often seem to have a shelf life shorter than your last iPhone. Kia, not one to be left behind, did a little refresh of the EV6 last year, rolling out a facelift and a new GT version. This update borrowed some nifty tech from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, just to keep things interesting. But hey, if you’re still interested in the outgoing EV6 GT, now might be your moment to snatch one up.

According to Cars Direct, a new dealer bulletin from Kia has let slip that the 2024 EV6 GT models come with a pretty sweet incentive, specifically a $20,000 lease cash rebate. But there’s a catch: you’ll need to commit to a 24-month lease to get that offer. If you’re the kind of person who wants a slightly longer commitment, you can opt for the 36-month lease, which will knock your rebate down to $18,500.

Read: Massive Depreciation Makes Kia’s EV6 GT A Steal

Before you get too excited, here’s the downer. The 2024 EV6 GT isn’t eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, and neither is the facelifted model – at least for now.

The new rebates make the 2024 EV6 GT a seriously tempting option. Originally priced at $61,600, you can likely find models in Kia’s inventory going for under $60,000 not factoring in the lease discount. However, interested shoppers had better make a decision quickly, as the incentive will only remain valid until June 2.

Something to keep in mind though is that Kia made some very important changes to the 2025 EV6 GT. For example, its battery pack has grown in size from 77 kWh to 84 kWh, and its twin electric motors allow it to deliver 641 hp and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm). It also has the same Virtual Gear Shift feature as the Ioniq 5 N and produces similar ICE-inspired sounds.

Kia is also offering some tempting lease deals on the refreshed and slightly faster 2025 EV6 GT, including $12,500 in lease cash for 24-month leases and $10,000 off 36-month leases. If you’re leaning towards the new model, these incentives could make it even more appealing, though, of course, it all depends on the money factor (interest) and the residual value (the car’s estimated worth at the end of the lease term).

Still, make no mistake, the original pre-facelift EV6 GT is pretty impressive. It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, all while offering more interior space than some of its competitors. One downside, however, is its relatively low estimated driving range of just 218 miles (which holds up in real-world conditions), so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

Kia’s midsize truck, the Tasman, is just getting started and is expected to stick around for quite a while, according to a high-ranking company official. However, it won’t remain frozen in time. Along the way, it’ll see upgrades including, in all likelihood, a styling refresh and, more notably, hybrid and fully electric variants.

More: Kia Confirms First Midsize Pickup For America

The update comes via Roland Rivero, General Manager of Product Planning at Kia Australia. Speaking with CarExpert, Rivero described the Tasman’s ladder-frame chassis as a “fairly modular platform” that can accommodate “numerous powertrains.”

Hybrid and EV Versions on the Table

Depending on the market, the Tasman is currently offered with gasoline and diesel engines, but electrified versions are on the horizon. Rivero confirmed that Kia is actively “studying and reviewing” both hybrid and fully electric variants, though he stopped short of committing to a specific timeline for their launch.

One possible setup involves pairing the turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine that’s available in the Korean market with a self-charging hybrid system, like what Hyundai is doing with the latest Palisade. Such a move could position the Tasman to compete directly with electrified midsize trucks like the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid.

As for the fully electric Tasman, expect a dual-motor setup providing all-wheel drive. This version would go up against the zero-emission trucks being developed by Toyota and Isuzu, including electric versions of the Hilux and D-Max.

Kia’s local head of Product Planning said the Tasman’s lifecycle will follow the typical pattern for light commercial vehicles, lasting “anywhere from 8 to 12 years.” To keep demand strong over that span, Kia plans to update and refine the midsize truck in a variety of ways.

Weekender Concept Shows What’s Possible

Some of those future styling updates might take cues from the recently revealed Tasman Weekender concept, which debuted at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show. While Rivero emphasized that the Weekender is “just a concept” for now, he acknowledged that it could influence future updates, saying there’s “plenty of opportunity to enhance the Tasman” throughout its run.

More: New Kia Pickup Coming To America And It’s Nothing Like The Tasman

The concept gets wider, body-colored fenders, redesigned bumpers, a more pronounced hood, and chunkier tires over the production model. These could make their way into a tougher, off-road-oriented variant of the Tasman, a move in line with the growing popularity of factory-built rugged trucks, led by models like the Ford Ranger Raptor.

In any case, it appears that Kia has plenty of ideas about the future of the truck, enhancing its presence as a newcomer in this competitive segment. Until a facelift arrives, owners of the Tasman can rely on the numerous available accessories, tailored for different use-case scenarios.

Electric vehicle sales in Australia are shifting fast, and the usual frontrunners are no longer guaranteed a spot at the top. As more buyers look beyond the legacy names, newer players are gaining ground, especially those with sharper price tags and more features for the money.

In 2023 and 2024, the Tesla Model Y was comfortably the best-selling EV in Australia. However, new options from Chinese and Korean brands have led to a massive slump in local sales of the Model Y, so much so that in April, it was only the 8th best-selling EV in the country. Evidently, it’s not just in Europe where Elon Musk’s company is falling out of favor.

Read: Tesla Couldn’t Even Sell Its Model Y Launch Editions As Hundreds Are Sitting Unsold

Storming in as the best-selling EV by far in Australia last month was the BYD Sealion 7, according to a report from Carsguide. It is the latest addition to BYD’s Ocean series of models and undercuts the Model Y on price, starting at AU$54,990 (~$35,400) and topping out at AU$63,990 (~$41,200), compared to the new Tesla that starts at AU$63,400 (~$40,800) and AU$73,400 (~$47,200) for the flagship version. Last month, 734 Sealion 7s were sold across the country.

Next up is the MG 4. While it’s been around for a couple of years now, the electric hatchback remains popular with 363 units sold in April. This positioned it just ahead of the BYD Atto 3, with 355 sold. Kia’s newly-launched EV5 and EV3 have also been well-received by local shoppers, with sales of 342 and 336, respectively. The BYD Seal then shifted 325 units while the new Geely EX5 sold 325 examples.

Then there’s the Tesla Model Y. A total of 280 were sold last month, positioning it slightly ahead of the Tesla Model 3 with 220 sales. Rounding out the top 10 was the BYD Dolphin with 216 examples finding new homes.

Now, before you start thinking recent sales represent the imminent collapse of Tesla, it’s worth noting that throughout April in Australia, Tesla was selling a mix of the outgoing Model Y and the brand new version. As we can see from the official page, Tesla still has a healthy inventory of the old crossover.

Many shoppers are likely holding off on placing an order until the new Model Y lands in earnest, which will happen over the next couple of months. Nevertheless, April’s results will likely have some local Tesla executives a little worried.

BEST SELLING VEHICLES AUSTRALIA

Wider Market Trends

Australia’s total new car sales declined in April. A total of 90,614 new vehicles were sold across the country last month, representing a decline of 6.8% compared to the same month in 2024 and quite a dramatic fall from the 108,606 new cars sold in March.

EV SALES AUSTRALIA

We’re seeing used electric vehicle prices take a nosedive, and even the mighty Kia EV6 GT isn’t immune. In fact, someone just snagged one at auction for less than half of its original MSRP of $64,360. So, would you drop $31,000 on a two-year-old EV with 21,000 miles on the clock? Let’s break down the upsides and downsides, and why this could actually be a fantastic deal for the buyer.

The Downsides of the Kia EV6 GT

Let’s actually start off by talking about the not-so-glamorous side of owning something like the Kia EV6 GT AWD. None is as big as the lack of range available in this thing. At best, you’re looking at around 206 miles (331 km) on a full charge, and that’s according to the EPA estimates.

In my testing, I found that you might hit that number – if you’re not constantly pushing it to the limit. My drive ended up around 175 miles, so don’t expect much more if you’re, you know, enjoying the throttle. It’s not great, especially for longer road trips. But on the flip side, it’s more than enough for day-to-day driving.

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That said, the suspension can be a little rough in GT mode, but running it in ‘normal’ mode seems like the solution. Finally, the climate controls are a bit finicky. I think most folks will get over that given time, but having tried them in several Kia products, I still don’t like them.

The Fun Side: Why the EV6 GT is a Steal

With that Debbie Downer section out of the way, let’s get into why this is such a great car to drive. Sure, 576 horsepower (429 kW) sounds like the obvious answer, and it’s certainly part of it, but it’s more than just outright speed. The EV6 GT handles exceptionally well. Sure, it’s outshone slightly by its cousin, the Ioniq 5 N, which we’ve also reviewed, but that in and of itself is a compliment in that they’re very similar.

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In our testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the EV6 GT performed admirably on the drag strip and the road course. The only bit that wasn’t superb was the way ABS engaged during trail braking. That’s something software updates might have solved in the meantime, though. Ultimately, this is a four-door superhot hatch, and we haven’t even gotten to the X factor.

Read: 2025 Kia EV6 Proves Facelifts Aren’t Cheap

Speed is great and getting a big discount thanks to depreciation is too, but it’s the things that make this car so livable that make it such a steal at $31,000. First and foremost, it’s comfortable, it’s spacious, and it has enough space in the back to haul five people and an afternoon’s worth of gear. On top of that, if one needs even more space, it can tow almost 4,000 pounds! That’s ridiculous for such a small car that can drive as sharply and as fast as this one does.

All of this having been said, there’s no question that there are some unknowns out there. How will EVs like this one hold up years from now? Will replacement batteries and motors ever be economical to replace? These are some of the big questions the new owner of this Cars&Bids find might have to consider down the road. Til then, they get to enjoy one of the most well-rounded cars in the segment for less than half of its MSRP. 

Photos Cars&Bids