Kia EV6 GT-Line S RWD review: seeking the specification sweet spot

March 7, 2025 Matt Allan

After testing multiple models, we weigh up what is the best version of the Kia EV6 on sale in 2025

Kia’s march to dominate the EV market across almost every segment continues apace, with the news of the compact EV2 and the imminent arrival of the EV4 and EV5.

Those models will undoubtedly reinforce its position as one of the leaders in the field, but it’s a position established by cars like the Niro EV and the EV6, which has recently been refreshed to keep it relevant in a packed market.

I’ve already driven the more powerful all-wheel-drive version, but is the cheaper, rear-wheel-drive version the more sensible choice?

Design, interior and technology

Although this Kia EV6 RWD is the less powerful model, it’s the GT-Line S, which means it gets the sportiest looks. There’s a more aggressive front and rear bumper treatment, a full-width front light bar plus 20-inch wheels which fill out the arches nicely but do a bit of damage to the maximum range.

Like every version of the EV6, last year’s facelift brought new sharper lights front and rear that introduce Kia’s ‘star map’ signature and make the car look wider to the GT-Line S. Previously, I didn’t think the EV6’s design really needed to be updated but seeing the ‘old-look’ car on the road since driving the new one, I can appreciate the freshness the new lights bring to the design. To my eyes it’s still a handsome if bulky looking thing, but its angular looks aren’t to everyone’s tastes.

The EV6 looks as sharp as ever

The exterior changes are small but make an impact, much like those on the inside. Overall, it’s a familiar space to anyone who’s sat in an EV6, but mildly tweaked. The biggest change is the new, textured material on the dash and centre console which is more subtle and attractive than before. The twin 12.3-inch screens have also been slightly updated and run a new, improved operating system that puts most key functions within easy reach. Thankfully, the neat switchable centre panel that operates heating and media functions with a mix of physical and digital controls has been carried over.

Also unchanged is the ridiculous amount of space on offer. The long wheelbase and completely flat floor create a seriously spacious and comfortable interior. Even my freakishly tall family of five fit without complaint. And there’s 480 litres of boot space for luggage in the boot and 52 litres in the ‘frunk’.

kia-ev6-gt-line-s-interior-image — New interior materials help elevate the EV6’s cabin

The one problem with the GT-Line S is that it gets a rather sad half-length sunroof which eats into the headroom quite significantly. On the plus side, the top trim also adds vehicle-to-load functionality as standard, providing a three-pin socket beneath the rear seats and an adaptor to power devices – from laptops to power tools – via the main charging port. GT-Line S also gets a head-up display, 360-degree parking camera and highway driving assist 2.0 as standard.

Battery, motor and powertrain

As mentioned, while this car is the top-tier trim level, it has the lesser of the two powertrains.

That means a single 225bhp motor mounted at the rear of the car. That’s good enough for an official 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. On the road it feels perfectly sufficient for this large family car. It won’t set the heather alight, but it won’t leave you floundering mid-overtake either.

As a large family car, ultra-sharp handling isn’t the focus of the EV6 but it’s actually remarkably composed in most situations. There’s some body roll but it’s fairly well managed and balanced with an overall impressively smooth ride.

The advantage of the single-motor variant should be its efficiency. Official testing puts the entry-level RWD car’s consumption at 3.9m/kWh, and the GT-Line S’s at 3.7m/kWh, compared with 3.5m/kWh for the AWD car. That should, in theory, give our car a range of 347 miles, thanks to the 84kWh battery added by the recent update.

I saw a disappointing 2.9m/kWh from my test car, which is the worst I’ve ever managed in any EV6 variant. In the same week, my colleague George managed 3.3m/kWh from his lower-spec car which, based on previous experience, I think is far more representative overall.

While the battery is bigger, public charging times are the same as before thanks to improved DC rates that now top out at 258kW, meaning a 10-80% charge still only takes 18 minutes.

Price and specification

The EV6 range starts at £45,575 for the RWD Air spec, rising to £58,165 for the AWD GT-Line S with the optional heat pump. The RWD GT-Line S sits somewhere in the middle at £53,675.

The range-topping trim gets fancier touches such as 20-inch alloys in place of the standard 19s, powered door handles and a powered tailgate, as well as a head-up display, Meridian sound system, customisable ambient lighting, and heated rear seats and cooled fronts. It also gets the most comprehensive and advanced suite of driver assistance.

However, other features such as adaptive LED headlights, the electrically adjustable ‘relaxation’ seats and high-gloss body trim are fitted to the GT-Line, and even entry-level Air spec gets adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a reversing camera, plus the twin digital screens and wireless phone mirroring.

kia-ev6-gt-line-s-alloy-wheel-close-up — Bigger wheels are among the GT-Line S’s upgrades over other trims

Verdict

The EV6 remains one of my favourite EVs. Its blend of sharp design, spacious interior and impressive powertrain tick so many of the boxes.

The RWD is punchy enough for day-to-day use and gives an advantage in range, so would be my preference over the AWD version. Plus it’s £4,000 cheaper.

I’m also not sure I’d recommend the GT-Line S spec. It may be fully loaded but for £5,000 less you can have the GT-Line. That keeps the styling upgrades over the Air and still provides enough creature comforts that you’ll probably never miss the extras of the S.