2025 Kia EV6 Land AWD Review

 

Intro

The electric vehicle market in Canada has exploded in recent years. While Tesla dominated the early days, legacy automakers and fresher brands like Kia have been advancing at a remarkable pace with compelling offerings.

Nearly three years ago, Kia made a bold entrance into the EV market with the EV6, and the results speak for themselves. The EV6 earned the prestigious 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, cementing its position as a serious contender in the electric crossover segment. For 2025, Kia has refreshed the EV6 with updated styling, enhanced technology, and most importantly, a larger 84.0 kWh battery pack that delivers up to 435 km of targeted range on the Land AWD.

Thanks to Kia Canada, I had the chance to test drive the 2025 Kia EV6 Land AWD with GT-Line Package for one week. Priced at $61,495 MSRP, this is the sportier variant that sits just below the top-spec GT-Line Limited Package. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior

The 2025 EV6 continues to showcase Kia's "Opposites United" design language, a philosophy that blends contrasting elements into a cohesive and futuristic form. The refresh brings notable updates to both the front and rear, though the overall silhouette remains familiar.

At the front, the most striking change is the redesigned LED headlights. Gone are the triangular units of the previous generation; in their place are angular, claw-like LED housings that give the EV6 a more aggressive stance. The signature Star Map lighting daytime running lights add a distinctive touch that's instantly recognizable. The front bumper has been restyled with more pronounced air intakes and a cleaner overall appearance. On the GT-Line package, you get unique side sills, wheel arches, and lower fascia bumper design that enhance the sporty character.

The profile remains sleek and aerodynamic, with a low drag coefficient that maximizes efficiency. The GT-Line rides on attractive 20-inch alloy wheels that fill the wheel wells nicely. Smooth character lines flow from front to back, and the sloping roofline gives the EV6 a coupe-like appearance despite being a practical crossover.

At the rear, the full-width LED taillight bar has been tweaked for 2025, maintaining excellent visibility while adding to the vehicle's distinctive presence. The raised liftgate and aggressive lower bumper design complete the athletic look. The Blue exterior paint on my test vehicle really brought out the sculpted curves and modern aesthetic of the EV6.

The exterior design successfully positions the EV6 as a modern, tech-forward electric vehicle that stands out in parking lots. It doesn't try to hide its electric nature—it embraces it with futuristic styling that feels both current and forward-thinking.

Interior

The interior of the EV6 is where Kia's commitment to technology and user experience truly shines. Upon entering the cabin, you're immediately struck by the panoramic curved dual display that dominates the dashboard. This seamless integration combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, creating an immersive visual experience that rivals premium European offerings.

The driver-centric layout feels intuitive, with the center console angled slightly toward the driver. The unique two-spoke steering wheel adds to the futuristic aesthetic. A prominent start button sits on the center console next to the rotary gear selector dial, which frees up space and contributes to the clean, minimalist look.

Material quality is impressive throughout the cabin. The GT-Line package adds premium upholstery with tasteful stitching. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, with the front seats offering power adjustment and lumbar support. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, a welcome feature for Canadian climates. The rear seats are also heated, though lateral support isn't as robust as the front buckets.

The cabin benefits from the E-GMP platform's flat floor design, which maximizes interior space. With a wheelbase as long as the three-row Kia Telluride, passenger space is genuinely generous. Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, making this a comfortable place for adults on longer trips. Headroom is adequate in both rows, though taller passengers may notice the sloping roofline when entering or exiting the rear seats.

One of the standout interior features is the Star Map lighting. The ambient lighting system creates a premium atmosphere, especially at night. The updated center console features a sleek new finish and clever storage solutions, including a useful cargo compartment under the console.

The GT-Line package adds several premium touches: a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light, an augmented reality head-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield, and exterior welcome lights. Sound insulation has been improved for 2025 with additional sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin, creating a quiet and refined driving environment.

If there's one area where the EV6's interior falls slightly short, it's the infotainment system. While the hardware is impressive—sharp, responsive touchscreens with glare-resistant glass—the software and menu structure feel less polished than competitors like Mercedes or BMW. The navigation system is functional but not particularly intuitive. That said, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment mitigates this concern, as most users will simply default to their preferred smartphone interface. The wireless charging pad has been redesigned and works reliably.

The Meridian premium audio system delivers rich, detailed sound that makes even daily commutes more enjoyable.

Overall, the interior strikes an excellent balance between technology, comfort, and practicality. It may not have the same wow factor as some German rivals, but it's high-quality, functional, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in.

Infotainment

The 2025 EV6 features Kia's next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system, which brings several improvements over the previous generation. The system runs through the 12.3-inch touchscreen that's seamlessly integrated with the digital gauge cluster.

One of the most significant additions is standard over-the-air (OTA) update capability. This means the EV6 can receive software updates for the powertrain, navigation, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems without requiring a visit to the dealership. This future-proofs the vehicle to some extent and ensures you always have access to the latest features and improvements.

The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a huge convenience. No more fumbling with cables—simply get in the car, and your phone connects automatically. Voice commands work reliably for basic functions like navigation, music, and phone calls.

Digital Key 2.0 is available, allowing you to use an NFC-enabled smart card or compatible smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. You can share digital key access with other people, making it easy for family members to access the vehicle without needing a physical key.

However, as mentioned earlier, the infotainment system is not without its flaws. The menu structure can feel clunky and less intuitive than competitors. The navigation system lacks the sophistication of premium German systems. The processing speed is decent but not class-leading. For a vehicle at this price point, I expected slightly more polish in the software department.

The good news is that with wireless smartphone connectivity, most users will bypass the native system entirely and use their phone's interface instead. And with OTA updates, there's potential for Kia to address some of these concerns over time.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2025 EV6 earned high safety scores from the IIHS, giving you peace of mind on Canadian roads. Kia has equipped the EV6 with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features that rivals or exceeds many luxury competitors.

Standard safety and driver assistance features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection
• Blind Spot Collision Warning with Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Attention Warning
• Safe Exit Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert
• Automatic High Beams
• Adaptive cruise control

The GT-Line package adds Highway Driving Assist, which helps maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and keeps you centered in the lane. This semi-autonomous driving feature works impressively well on highways, though it requires periodic steering input to confirm you're still paying attention.

Optional advanced systems include a 360-degree camera system, surround-view monitor, and parking sensors that are extremely helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces.

Driving

This is where the EV6 truly excels. The Land AWD with GT-Line Package is powered by dual electric motors (one front, one rear) fed by the new 84.0 kWh battery pack on Kia's powerful 800V architecture. Combined output is 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with power delivered instantaneously in the way only electric motors can provide.

Acceleration is exhilarating. From a standstill, the EV6 AWD launches with authority, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. There's virtually no lag—just immediate, linear thrust that pins you back in your seat. The dual-motor AWD system distributes power intelligently to maximize grip and minimize wheel slip, making the EV6 surprisingly capable in adverse weather conditions—a crucial consideration for Canadian winters.

The EV6 offers multiple drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow. Each mode adjusts throttle response, steering effort, and regenerative braking characteristics. In Eco mode, the vehicle prioritizes efficiency, moderating acceleration and maximizing regenerative braking. Normal mode strikes a nice balance for everyday driving. Sport mode sharpens everything—throttle response becomes more aggressive, steering weights up, and the vehicle feels more eager to change direction.

Speaking of regenerative braking, the EV6 offers excellent control through steering wheel-mounted paddles that allow you to adjust regeneration levels on the fly. You can dial in anything from minimal regen (coasting) to aggressive one-pedal driving where lifting off the throttle brings the vehicle to a complete stop. This system works intuitively and adds to the engaging driving experience.

The chassis feels well-sorted and balanced. The steering provides precise feedback without being overly heavy. Body control is impressive for a crossover, with minimal body roll in corners despite the relatively high center of gravity from the battery pack.

The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and sportiness. It soaks up rough Canadian roads and potholes with composure while maintaining enough firmness to inspire confidence when driven enthusiastically. Wind noise and road noise are well-controlled, thanks to the additional sound-absorbing materials Kia added for 2025.

The improved towing capacity of 2,700 lbs (when properly equipped with the 84 kWh battery) means you can tow a small trailer or bike rack without issue.

Range is reasonable with the EV6 thanks to the larger 84.0 kWh battery pack. Kia targets up to 435 km of range on the Land AWD with GT-Line configuration. In real-world mixed driving conditions during my week-long test—including highway, city, and some spirited driving—I achieved approximately 380-400 km, which is quite respectable. In cold weather, expect this to drop by 20-30%, though the available heat pump helps preserve range in winter conditions.

Charging is where the EV6 really shines. The 800V architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging speeds. Using a 350 kW fast charger, Kia claims you can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 18 minutes—a claim I am not able to prove due to the lack of 350kW fast chargers in Vancouver area. This makes quick stops on road trips feasible. The charging port has been relocated to the left rear fender for 2025, improving accessibility at charging stations.

One significant update for 2025 is the adoption of Tesla's NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port on non-GT models. This gives owners access to over 18,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America, dramatically improving charging infrastructure accessibility. For a Canadian vehicle, this is a game-changer, as it nearly eliminates range anxiety by providing access to the most extensive fast-charging network in the country.

For home charging, the onboard charger can refill the battery overnight when plugged into a Level 2 (240V) outlet—perfect for most daily driving needs.

The EV6 drives like a well-engineered, thoughtful electric vehicle that doesn't make compromises. It's engaging when you want it to be, comfortable when you need it to be, and practical enough for daily Canadian life.

Cargo Space & Storage

The EV6's cargo area is functional, if not class-leading. Behind the rear seats, you get approximately 24-28 cubic feet of cargo space depending on configuration. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat, this expands to approximately 50 cubic feet. These figures are adequate for daily use, grocery runs, and weekend getaways, but some competitors offer more space.

The cargo floor is relatively flat when the seats are folded, making it easy to slide longer items in. A retractable cargo cover provides privacy for items in the back, and there are cargo tie-downs for securing items. An underfloor storage compartment offers additional space for smaller items.

The frunk (front trunk) is disappointingly small, barely large enough to store charging cables and a few small items. This is a missed opportunity, as many EV competitors offer more generous frunk space for additional storage.

Inside the cabin, small item storage is adequate. The center console storage bin is decently sized. The floating center console includes a useful cargo compartment underneath. Door pockets are reasonably sized and can accommodate water bottles. The wireless charging pad is well-positioned in the center console and works reliably.

Overall, cargo space is sufficient for most users, but if maximum cargo capacity is a priority, some competitors offer more room.

Verdict

The 2025 Kia EV6 is an impressive electric crossover that successfully balances performance, technology, range, and value. The refresh brings meaningful improvements—larger battery, more range, enhanced charging infrastructure compatibility with NACS, improved interior refinement, and updated styling—that keep the EV6 competitive in a rapidly evolving segment.

For the $61,495 MSRP, the EV6 GT-Line offers tremendous value. The exterior styling is distinctive and modern. The interior is comfortable, tech-forward, and well-appointed. The driving experience is engaging and confidence-inspiring. The 800V fast-charging capability is a genuine competitive advantage that makes road trips feasible. The comprehensive safety suite rivals luxury competitors.

The vehicle isn't without its flaws. The infotainment system's menu structure and navigation could be more polished. Cargo space is merely adequate, not exceptional. The frunk is disappointingly small. And while the interior materials are good, they don't quite reach the luxury levels of German rivals at similar price points.

But these are minor quibbles in the context of what the EV6 delivers overall. As an electric vehicle for Canadian conditions, it ticks nearly all the boxes: good range even in cold weather (especially with the available heat pump), AWD for winter capability, fast charging for road trips, heated everything, and a solid warranty. The addition of the NACS charging port providing access to Tesla's Supercharger network removes one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership in Canada.

The EV6 has firmly established itself as one of the best electric crossovers available in Canada. It's more engaging to drive than a Tesla Model Y, more affordable than German alternatives, and more refined than many American offerings. 

For Canadians looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on performance, technology, or practicality, the 2025 Kia EV6 deserves serious consideration. It's a vehicle that delivers on Kia's promise of "Movement that inspires" while proving that the Korean automaker is fully capable of competing with the best in the electric vehicle segment.

Test Vehicle

2025 Kia EV6 Land AWD w/ GT-Line Package

MSRP: $61,495 CAD

Color: Blue

As-Tested Price: $67,495 CAD (including options, freight, color charge, and A/C tax)