Kia EV6 Review | Electric SUV | Range | Price in Australia

Australia’s shift towards electric mobility has been slower compared to Europe and China, but the momentum is finally building. At the heart of this change is the Kia EV6, a futuristic electric SUV that combines striking looks, powerful performance, long range, and advanced charging technology. Positioned as Kia’s flagship EV, it competes against rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volvo C40 Recharge.

The EV6 is not just a step forward for Kia—it’s a statement that electric mobility can be stylish, practical, and thrilling. With growing charging networks across Australia, government incentives, and a shift in buyer interest, the EV6 is becoming one of the most desirable EVs on the road.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, performance, trims, range, pricing, technology, safety, and whether it fits into the lifestyle of Australian drivers.

Exterior Design: A Bold New Era for Kia

Kia has reinvented its design language, and the EV6 showcases this transformation at its finest. The SUV adopts what Kia calls “Opposites United” design philosophy.

• Sleek silhouette: Unlike traditional SUVs, the EV6 has a coupe-like roofline and wide stance, which gives it a sporty yet futuristic appeal.
• Signature lighting: The ‘Digital Tiger Face’ front design features sharp LED headlights and a unique daytime running light pattern.
• Aerodynamics: Smooth lines, flush door handles, and a sloping rear enhance efficiency. Its drag coefficient of 0.28 rivals premium EVs like the Audi e-tron GT.
• Wheels & trims: The base trims offer 19-inch alloy wheels, while GT-Line and GT models step up to larger, sportier designs up to 21-inches.

It stands out on Australian roads where most SUVs look conventional. Whether parked in a Sydney CBD garage or rolling through Gold Coast highways, the EV6 attracts attention.

Interior & Cabin Features: Comfort Meets Technology

Step inside, and the Kia EV6 feels more like a high-tech lounge than a traditional car cabin. Kia has aimed for minimalism, sustainability, and comfort.

• Dashboard & screens: Dual 12.3-inch curved displays dominate the dash, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. Together, they create a seamless panoramic cockpit.
• Materials: Sustainable materials like vegan leather, recycled plastics, and soft-touch trims give the cabin a premium, eco-friendly feel.
• Seating: Spacious for five adults, with heated and ventilated front seats in higher trims. Rear passengers enjoy excellent legroom thanks to the flat EV platform.
• Storage: A front trunk (frunk) complements the 490L rear boot, expanding to 1,300L with seats folded—plenty for family trips.
• Technology: Augmented reality head-up display, wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, and Meridian premium audio (in GT-Line and GT).

The EV6 feels futuristic, yet practical enough for Australian families who expect comfort on long road trips.

Performance: From Smooth Cruiser to EV Rocket

The Kia EV6 isn’t just about looking futuristic—it delivers serious performance across its variants.

• Base RWD models: Powered by a 168kW motor with 350Nm torque. Smooth, quiet, and perfect for daily commutes.
• AWD dual-motor models: Produce 239kW and 605Nm, offering 0–100km/h in around 5.2 seconds.
• EV6 GT (flagship): A performance beast with 430kW (577hp) and 740Nm torque, sprinting 0–100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. This rivals Porsche Taycan 4S at nearly half the price.

The drive quality is refined, with low centre of gravity, precise steering, and adaptive suspension (in GT) that balances comfort and agility.

Range & Charging: Practical for Aussie Roads

One of the EV6’s strongest advantages is its range and ultra-fast charging capability.

• Battery options: 77.4kWh long-range pack is standard in Australia.
• Range (WLTP):
  • RWD: Up to 528km
  • AWD: Around 500km
  • GT: Approx. 424km due to performance tuning

For Australians who travel long distances between cities, this range makes the EV6 highly practical.

• Charging speeds:
  • 800V architecture allows ultra-fast DC charging from 10–80% in just 18 minutes (when using 350kW chargers).
  • AC home charging at 11kW wallbox: 7–8 hours for a full charge.
• Vehicle-to-load (V2L): A standout feature allowing the EV6 to power external devices (e.g., camping gear, appliances, even another EV).

This makes it one of the most versatile EVs in Australia, suitable for city dwellers and adventurers alike.

Price in Australia: Value Against Rivals

The EV6 is priced competitively in the premium EV SUV space. As of 2025, here’s the approximate Australian pricing:

• EV6 Air (RWD): from $72,000
• EV6 GT-Line RWD: from $80,000
• EV6 GT-Line AWD: from $87,000
• EV6 GT (Performance): from $111,000

While it’s pricier than some rivals like Hyundai Kona Electric or BYD Atto 3, it competes strongly against Tesla Model Y Performance and Audi Q4 e-tron, offering more luxury and technology for the money.

Trims & Variants in Australia

Kia Australia offers four key trims:

• EV6 Air: Entry-level, still well-equipped with dual screens, 19-inch alloys, and long range.
• EV6 GT-Line RWD: Sportier styling, premium interior, advanced tech features.
• EV6 GT-Line AWD: Extra power, AWD traction, luxury features like premium audio.
• EV6 GT: Flagship performance model with track-level acceleration, 21-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, and exclusive sporty details.

Safety & ANCAP Rating

The EV6 holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest EVs in its class.

Key safety features:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian & cyclist detection
• Blind-spot view monitor
• Lane-keep assist & lane centring
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-go
• Surround-view camera
• Safe exit assist for kids

For Australian families, this level of safety is critical and positions the EV6 as a dependable choice.

Technology & Infotainment

Kia has packed the EV6 with state-of-the-art tech:

• Dual 12.3-inch displays with navigation & EV-specific data
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates for software improvements
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (currently wired, wireless expected soon)
• AR Head-up display projecting directions onto the windscreen
• Kia Connect app for remote monitoring, pre-conditioning, and charging controls

For tech-savvy Australians, the EV6 feels closer to a luxury European EV than a mainstream SUV.

Practicality & Ownership in Australia

Australian buyers want more than just speed—they need everyday usability.

• Space: Rear passengers enjoy flat floor legroom; boot capacity suits family use.
• Towing capacity: Up to 1,600kg braked, making it suitable for small caravans and trailers.
• Warranty: 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 7-year capped price servicing, and 8-year battery warranty.
• Running costs: Much lower than petrol SUVs—charging at home costs significantly less than refuelling.

The EV6 balances futuristic design with Aussie practicality.

Rivals in Australia

The EV6 competes against several popular electric SUVs:

• Tesla Model Y: Stronger brand recognition, slightly better charging network, but less premium cabin feel.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: Shares platform, similar performance, but EV6 has sportier styling.
• Volvo C40 Recharge: Scandinavian luxury, but shorter range.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E (upcoming in AU): Performance rival, but availability is limited.

The EV6 holds its ground by offering a mix of style, performance, and value.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Futuristic design
• Long range and ultra-fast charging
• High-quality cabin with sustainable materials
• Strong performance, especially GT variant
• 5-star safety and long warranty

Cons:

• Pricier than some rivals (BYD, MG4)
• Limited availability due to global demand
• No wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (yet)

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Kia EV6 in Australia?

The Kia EV6 proves that Kia is now a serious competitor in the premium EV space. It blends head-turning design, cutting-edge technology, strong range, and practicality for everyday Australian life. Whether you’re an early adopter looking for futuristic tech, a family needing a safe and spacious SUV, or a performance enthusiast eyeing the GT model, the EV6 offers a well-rounded package.

It’s not the cheapest EV on the market, but it delivers premium value that rivals often struggle to match. With expanding charging networks across Australia, the EV6 is one of the best electric SUVs to buy in 2025.