Kia EV6 & EV6 GT get a facelift in North America

Kia’s LA Auto Show lineup this year includes a new version of the EV6 SUV for the United States. The scope of updates is largely the same as the Korean version announced this spring.

Like its Korean relative, the American Kia EV6 now features revised bumpers and headlights, wheels sized up to 21 inches in diameter and a revamped interior. Those paying extra for a trim called GT Line will get a different steering wheel with three massive spokes and seats with enhanced lateral support, among other things.

Unlike the domestic version of the EV6, the U.S. spec still ships with two battery sizes to choose from – 84 kWh and 63 kWh. The latter has been bumped up from 58 kWh, so it should yield more range, but Kia hasn’t revealed any specifics yet. The longest-range spec combines a 225-PS (222-hp / 165-kW) motor with the aforementioned 84-kWh battery for 513 km (319 miles) of EPA range. That’s roughly 15 km, or 9 miles, more than the old version had.

As for the GT spec, it is now almost as powerful as Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N with a nominal output of 609 PS (601 hp / 448 kW) and 739 Nm (545 lb-ft). Drivers can hit a button to briefly boost the output to 650 PS (641 hp / 478 kW) and 770 Nm (568 lb-ft). Kia has neglected to supply any acceleration-related statistics, but mentioned that imitated gear shifts and torque control are included as standard features.