In this Kia EV6 GT Review, I take a close look at why this refreshed 2025 EV6 GT feels like a true electric performance car. With 641 bhp in GT mode, an 84.0‑kWh battery, and an 800‑volt charging system that can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes, it’s easy to see why the EV6 GT is turning heads. I’ll walk you through performance, charging, comfort, and who should consider buying one.
Performance: Straight-Line Fury and Sharpened Handling
When I mash the accelerator, the EV6 GT launches hard. Kia rates the peak output at 641 hp and roughly 568 lb‑ft of torque in GT mode. That translates to 0–60 mph times in the low 3‑second range — Car and Driver recorded around 3.2 seconds in tests. The car feels planted and composed at speed.
Beyond raw numbers, Kia added firmer chassis tuning, adaptive dampers, larger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential (e‑LSD). Those upgrades make the GT feel more like a sports car than a lifted EV hatchback. However, I noticed that the surge of torque and the strong torque vectoring can feel abrupt mid-corner if you aren’t gentle with the throttle. In short: it’s fast, and it demands respect.
Charging and Real-World Range: 18 Minutes to 80%—With Conditions
The headline for many of us is the charging: the refreshed EV6 uses an 800‑volt architecture. Kia claims, and independent tests confirm, that the GT can go from 10% to 80% in roughly 18 minutes at high‑power DC stations. That’s a real game changer for road trips if you can find the right charger.
In the real world, sustained peak charging for the GT tends to sit around 225–240 kW rather than the advertised 350 kW peak. That is still very fast, but reaching the 10–80% in ~18 minutes requires a high‑power charger, cool batteries before charging, and favorable ambient temperatures.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak Power | 641 hp (GT mode) |
| Torque | ~568 lb‑ft |
| Battery | 84.0‑kWh pack (GT) |
| EPA Range (GT) | ~231 miles |
| 0–60 mph | ~3.2 seconds |
| 10–80% DC Fast Charge | ~18 minutes (real-world peak ~225–240 kW) |
| Top Speed | ~161–166 mph (limited) |
| US MSRP (approx.) | Mid‑$60k (depending on options) |
Remember: the GT gives up some range for power. The EPA rating for the GT is around 231 miles, which is lower than the long‑range RWD EV6 variants that can stretch toward 300+ miles. If you prioritize range or MPGe, a non‑GT trim might be a better fit.
Driving Tech and Feel: Virtual Gears and Synthetic Sound
Kia has added a few features to make the EV6 GT feel familiar to drivers used to gasoline performance cars. There’s a new “Virtual Gear Shift” mode that simulates shift points, and an active sound system that adds engine-like cues. I know some purists will roll their eyes, but for many drivers these touches make the experience more engaging and intuitive.
The steering is direct and the brakes are strong. On a back road, the GT’s chassis changes keep the body controlled and the car communicative. At the same time, the extra power and weight mean the GT is thirstier and heavier than the lighter, more efficient EV6 trims. That’s a trade-off I expected and accepted when I wanted the performance experience.
Comfort, Interior, and Daily Usability
Inside, the EV6 keeps its modern layout and tech. The cabin is stylish and roomy enough for four adults on shorter trips. Seats are bolstered in the GT to hold you in place during hard cornering. The infotainment is quick and supports updated software and charging navigation. I found it easy to plan stops that line up with high‑power chargers so I could make the most of the EV6 GT’s fast‑charge capability.
Practical details matter: cargo space is reasonable, and the charging architecture means less time standing at a charger on long hauls. But be aware that the GT is heavier and the EPA efficiency is lower — your energy bills and charging habits will reflect that.
Who Should Buy the EV6 GT?
If you want raw EV performance and you’re willing to accept reduced range and higher energy use, the EV6 GT is an excellent choice. I recommend it for drivers who:
- Value fast, honest acceleration and a sporty chassis.
- Have access to high‑power DC fast chargers on their normal routes.
- Want tech and novelty features like Virtual Gear Shift and active sound design.
If you’re primarily a range-focused buyer who often drives long stretches without reliable high‑power chargers, consider non‑GT EV6 trims — they offer better MPGe and higher EPA range for the money.
Also Read: Maruti Victorious SUV Revealed: Longer Than Vitara with 5-Star Safety and Level-2 ADAS
Final Thoughts
In this Kia EV6 GT Review, I found the EV6 GT to be a compelling electric performance car. With 641 bhp, low‑3s 0–60 times, and an 800‑volt charging system that can hit roughly 10–80% in 18 minutes at the right chargers, it delivers on both thrill and practicality. The trade-offs are clear: lower EPA range, more weight, and higher energy use than the more efficient EV6 trims.
If you want an electric vehicle that feels like a proper sports car and you can live with the range compromise, the EV6 GT is a true electric beast—and one I’d happily take for a spirited weekend drive. If you need maximum range or the lowest operating cost, look at the other EV6 options first.
Want a one‑page comparison (GT vs EV6 GT‑Line vs Ioniq 5 N) or the exact review that used the quoted headline? Tell me which and I’ll make it for you.
