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.

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.

Review: Kia EV6 Facelift Is Better Than Ever, But We’d Wait For The EV5

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. 

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Kia has announced pricing for the facelifted 2025 EV6, which was introduced at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Most variants are now built in West Point, Georgia and all models benefit from an assortment of changes.

The entry-level EV6 Light starts at $42,900 before a $1,475 destination fee. That’s an increase of $380 as the base price climbs by $300 while the destination fee has been hiked $80.

Review: 2025 Kia EV6 Facelift Is Better Than Ever, But We’d Wait For The EV5

The Light Long Range sees a $250 increase before destination, while the range-topping GT skyrockets $2,200 before shipping. That’s a pretty wide spread, but the lineup benefits from significant updates.

2025 KIA EV6 PRICES

The most noticeable is the redesigned front end, which features Star Map lighting units that aim to give the car a “wider, more dynamic appearance.” They’re joined by an angular front bumper and a revised hood.

Rounding out the highlights are three-dimensional taillights and new cladding. Buyers will also find restyled wheels measuring between 19- and 21-inches.

The interior largely carries over, but there’s a new steering wheel and an updated center console. They’re joined by 12.3-inch displays, heated front seats, and fabric / SynTex upholstery. The entry-level model also sports a 10-way power driver’s seat, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a wireless smartphone charger.

Buyers will find a host of standard driver assistance systems including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist, and High Beam Assist. Other niceties include Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, Forward Collision-Avoidance, and Rear Occupant Alert.

Some of the biggest changes occur beneath the skin as there are larger 63 and 84 kWh battery packs, which replace the previous 58 and 77.4 kWh units. Thanks to this change, the model now offers a range of between 231 miles (372 km) and 319 miles (513 km).

Speaking of powertrain updates, the 2025 EV6 now uses the North American Charging Standard. This means owners can utilize Tesla Superchargers without an adaptor.

The entry-level EV6 Light features a rear-mounted motor developing 167 hp (125 kW / 169 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. The Light Long Range, Wind, and GT-Line offer a rear-wheel drive variant with 225 hp (168 kW / 228 PS) as well as an all-wheel drive model with 320 hp (239 kW / 324 PS).

Customers seeking more performance can upgrade to the range-topping GT, which has 601 hp (448 kW / 609 PS) and 545 lb-ft (738 Nm) of torque. Those numbers climb to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 568 lb-ft (769 Nm) with Launch Mode. The latter enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 161 mph (259 km/h).

One of the benefits of owning an electric vehicles is reduced maintenance compared to ICE-powered cars. That’s the theory, at least. In practice, one owner has found his Kia EV6 to be less of a technological marvel and more of a recurring electrical problem. His 2024 model has chewed through multiple 12-volt batteries in just a year, prompting him to file a lemon law claim.

While the EV6 has been broadly praised as being an excellent EV, it’s not without fault. Over the years, there are have been several reports of battery failures. We’re not talking about the expensive high-voltage battery pack that powers the motors, but rather the 12-volt battery. According to one Facebook group user, he has gone through three of four of these batteries and says he’s initiated a lemon law claim.

Read: First Look At 2025 Kia EV6 GT With Ioniq 5 N Power And Simulated Gearbox

Most Kia EV6s delivered in the United States come standard with traditional lead-acid 12-volt batteries, rather than AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which are generally considered to be far more superior. AGM batteries use a fiberglass mat to hold the electrolyte, offering better cycling performance and longer lifespan.

The most recent battery installed in this particular EV6 appears to have been one of the lower-grade OEM lead-acid units, and it clearly failed well ahead of schedule.

A photo he shared on the EV6 owner’s Facebook page shows acid leaking from the failed battery and corroding the tray beneath it. According to the owner, his EV6 Wind RWD has only about 4,500 miles on the odometer after one year of ownership and yet it’s already gone through multiple 12-volt batteries.

More: Rivian Owner’s DIY Taillight Repair Saves Thousands And Teaches Us A Lesson

The general consensus among other EV6 owners appears to be that the original 12-volt batteries from Kia aren’t up to par, and it’s better to just install an AGM and move on. What’s puzzling is that the dealership handling this particular case hasn’t done so, especially since, according to users on the Kia EV Forums, the Korean carmaker began equipping EV6s with AGM batteries from the factory as of late 2024.