Will Kia EV6 Refresh Swim Through Australia's Flood of New Chinese EVs?

If you're at the Australian Open and need to charge your phone check out the Kia stand for a look at the soon to be released second generation Kia EV6 on display.

At the stand you'll be able to use the EV6 Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality to charge your phone for free. That's something no Tesla has, not even the new Model Y 2025 refreshed version.

The 2025 Kia EV6 mid cycle model refresh represents Kia's efforts to keep its electric SUV crossover competitive in an increasingly crowded market.

Starting with the exterior changes, the vehicle grows slightly with a 15mm increase in both overall length and front overhang.

The new Star Map lighting signature, which features wing-like graphics in the headlights and DRLs, aims to create a wider and more tech-forward appearance.

MORE▶️: 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD review

The front end receives sharper angles in the bumper design, while new hood lines flow toward the air intake for added visual drama.

At the rear, the three-dimensional taillights adopt the same Star Map design language, and the bumper takes on a wing-type shape to create visual cohesion with the front.

Inside, the cabin maintains its horizontal design theme but receives several notable updates. The large 12.3-inch dual displays now run on new ccNC software with enhanced graphics.

A significant tech upgrade comes in the form of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment - features that many competitors have offered for years.

The new steering wheel design and updated center console bring a fresher look, while the addition of fingerprint recognition technology (like in the Kia EV9) in EV6 GT-Line and GT spec levels adds a premium touch.

The implementation of Kia Connect and Over The Air update capability finally brings the EV6 in line with segment leaders like Tesla, though these features are increasingly becoming standard expectations rather than differentiators.

The technical updates show more substance, with the battery capacity increasing from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, which should provide some increase to driving range (though it is a bit disappointing that range was increased with large kWh battery rather than efficiency alone).

The GT variant receives particular attention in the chassis department, with stiffer rear sway bars paired with softer front springs.

Kia Australia has taken advantage of these hardware changes to retune both the suspension and steering.

These modifications aim to improve the natural feel and grip levels across all drive modes, while also enhancing rough road capability and cornering confidence.

Overall the EV6's position in the Australian market remains challenging. Last year in 2024 Kia sold 1785 in Australia (about 150 a month) ranking 10th in EV sales overall.

The newly refreshed Tesla Model Y is expected to continue to dominate the Australian electric SUV segment with its combination of range, performance and crucially, access to the whole Tesla Supercharger network.

Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturers are launching increasingly sophisticated electric vehicles at highly competitive price points.

Brands like BYD and MG are offering feature-rich electric cars that undercut traditional manufacturers, while aspiring best seller Chinese brands new to Australia such as Xpeng and Zeekr are going to put up a strong fight in the $50,000-70,000 market segment.

Without a significant price adjustment, the refreshed EV6 - despite its improvements - may find itself in a difficult position.

While it offers premium build quality and a fantastic dynamic driving experience, the market has shifted dramatically since the original EV6 launch in 2022 when it won many car of the year awards.

Buyers now have more options than ever, many of which offer similar or superior interiors and technology packages at more accessible price points.

The success of this updated model will likely depend heavily on Kia's pricing strategy when it reaches Australian showrooms in Q2 2025.