Tag: Review

  • Kia EV6 (2025) Review UK

    Kia EV6 (2025) Review UK

    Quick take: The refreshed Kia EV6 still ranks among the best all-round electric cars. Sharper looks, smarter tech, and ultra-fast charging. I test drove the GT-Line S. A full feature-length video review will be live soon on the Rivervale YouTube channel.

    Watch my Reviews on the Rivervale YouTube

    Headline numbers

    • Price: From around £45,000
    • Trims: Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S
    • Battery options: 63 kWh (RWD) / 84 kWh (RWD & AWD)
    • Range: Up to 360 miles WLTP
    • Power: 167 bhp (RWD 63 kWh) | 225 bhp (RWD 84 kWh) | 320 bhp (AWD 84 kWh)
    • Charging: 10–80% in around 18 minutes on a 350 kW charger
    • Boot space: 490 litres (seats up)
    • Availability: On sale now in the UK

    First look

    I helped launch the original EV6 back in 2021 and it felt like a turning point for Kia. This 2025 update does not reinvent the car. It refines it. You get tidier styling, updated tech, and a calmer ride. It still looks fresh and still turns heads.

    Design & cabin

    The EV6 keeps its sleek, coupe-style profile and wide stance. The front is cleaner with slimmer headlights. The rear light bar remains a standout. Rear visibility is not great and there is no rear wiper, which you do notice in UK weather.

    Inside, quality feels a step up. Two 12.3-inch screens flow across the dash. The interface is quick and easy to use. Materials feel solid where it matters. In GT-Line S you get heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic roof, and a strong Meridian sound system. The fingerprint reader loads your profile and the Remote Smart Parking function helps in tight spaces.

    Space & practicality

    The front is roomy with useful storage and a floating centre console that frees up space. Adults fit fine in the rear, though taller passengers may brush the roofline.

    The 490-litre boot is a good shape. Rear seats fold flat via levers in the boot. There is a small front compartment for cables. Vehicle-to-Load turns the car into a power source for laptops, camping gear, or light tools.

    On the road

    The EV6 still drives with confidence. Steering is light yet precise. Body control is tidy. RWD models feel agile. AWD brings extra shove and grip in poor weather. Sport mode sharpens responses without making it harsh.

    Regen is adjustable on the paddles and you get one-pedal driving via i-Pedal. It can feel a little jerky at first, especially in stop-start traffic, but you adapt with a bit of practice. It is not quite as smooth as the one-pedal system in a Tesla Model 3 or Y, yet it becomes easy to live with once you find your rhythm.

    Noise levels are low on the motorway and the ride is settled even on the larger wheels. Long trips are relaxed.

    Range & charging

    The 84 kWh battery is the sweet spot. Expect roughly 260 to 360 miles depending on weather and driving style. The 800-volt system remains a major plus. Find a high-power charger and you can go from 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes. A typical 7 kW home wall box will take about seven and a half hours for a full charge.

    Trims & pricing

    Air

    • 19-inch alloys
    • Heated front seats and steering wheel
    • Dual 12.3-inch screens
    • LED lights
    • RWD only

    GT-Line

    • Sportier styling
    • Privacy glass
    • Adaptive headlights
    • Artificial leather seats
    • Electric driver’s seat

    GT-Line S

    • 20-inch wheels
    • Panoramic roof
    • Heated rear seats and ventilated front seats
    • Meridian audio system
    • Vehicle-to-Load

    GT-Line S gives you the lot. GT-Line is the sweet spot if you want style and kit without the top-end price.

    Rivals

    • Hyundai Ioniq 5
    • Tesla Model Y
    • Volkswagen ID.4
    • Ford Mustang Mach-E

    The EV6 still blends design, range, and charging speed better than most.

    Safety & ownership

    Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty is a major draw. Driver-assist tech is comprehensive on GT-Line S. Servicing is simple and running costs are low if you charge at home.

    Who should buy or lease

    Pick the EV6 if you want a premium EV that balances style, comfort, and real-world range. It suits families and commuters. It also works well for business leasing or salary sacrifice.

    Compare leasing options at Rivervale

    Verdict

    2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line S

    Ben Freakley

    Performance: How quick it feels day to day. Power, throttle response and smoothness.
    Handling: How it corners and how stable it feels on different roads.
    Comfort: Ride quality, seating, refinement and road noise.
    Tech and Infotainment: Screens, CarPlay, clarity, speed, app controls, driver aids.
    Ease of Use: How simple the cockpit is. Buttons vs touch. Clear menus. Good ergonomics.
    Space and Practicality: Boot size, rear room, storage, access, visibility.
    Running Costs: Real world range, charging speed, fuel use, tax, servicing.
    Build Quality: Materials, fit and finish, how solid it feels inside.
    Value for Money: How much car you get for the price.

    Summary

    The 2025 Kia EV6 is a careful refresh of a very good car. It still looks sharp, drives well, and charges very fast. Minor niggles like rear visibility and no rear wiper do not spoil the package. If you want an EV that feels special every day, this should be on your list.

    4.3

    FAQs

    How quick is it?

    0–62 mph in around 7.7 seconds for RWD, or about 5.3 seconds for AWD.

    How fast can it charge?

    Up to 350 kW DC. Expect 10 to 80 percent in around 18 minutes in ideal conditions.

    Is it good for family life?

    Yes. Comfortable ride, strong tech, decent boot, and easy daily use.

    What makes it stand out?

    800-volt charging tech, clean design, and a long warranty.