2026 Kia EV6

The 2026 Kia EV6 isn't the South Korean automaker's first electric vehicle (that would be the Soul EV), but it's the one that firmly established Kia's credentials as a builder of excellent EVs. The EV6, which shares many mechanical similarities with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, is one of our favorite electric vehicles. Its sharp, distinctive styling pairs nicely with its impressive range and charging capabilities. Following an extensive overhaul last year — which included a spiffy new interior design, a larger battery for increased range, and the adoption of Tesla's NACS charging port — we don't expect to see major changes with the 2026 EV6.

Edmunds spotlight: Fun to look at, fun to drive

Kia took a big swing with the design of the EV6, which looks sporty and futuristic. But that wouldn't matter much if the EV6 is a bore to drive. Thankfully, it's quite a lot of fun. There are other electric vehicles with more horsepower, but the EV6 is plenty powerful and its steering is sharp. The high-voltage Kia EV6 GT is especially a treat to drive if you want to eke out every bit of performance.

Competitors to consider

It's a testament to the platform the EV6 is built on that its greatest competitor is from Kia's sister company, Hyundai. The Ioniq 5 isn't quite as sporty as the EV6, but its styling is eye-catching and it has long been one of our favorite electric vehicles. Of course, the heavily refreshed Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are worth a look — the EV6 may be styled like a sedan, but it's more like an SUV. And we're fans of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, too, though its maximum charging speed lags behind the EV6's.

The Kia EV6 started out as one of our favorite electric vehicles, and a major update last year only added to its long list of strengths.