Driven my 2025 Kia EV6 for 1,600 miles across national parks, only to falter due to a concealed boulder damaging the coolant system, resulting in a breakdown in scorching 98-degree heat.
2025 Kia EV6: A Grand Touring Crossover for Long Road Trips
The 2025 Kia EV6 has made a significant impact on the electric vehicle (EV) market, as demonstrated by a recent 1,600-mile road trip through Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, shared his experience in this journey, highlighting the EV6's capabilities and the improvements in the charging landscape for electric vehicles.
Washington, who has been in the automotive industry for 15 years and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites, traded in his Sorento hybrid earlier than planned due to uncertainty about tariffs and tax credits. He opted for the 2025 Kia EV6 Wind RWD, a choice that proved to be a wise decision.
The EV6 surprised Washington, earning its stripes across the 1,600-mile journey. Despite an accident during the return journey from Yosemite National Park, driving into a large boulder concealed by the driver's side A-pillar, damaging the car's fascia and coolant lines, the user reported that the EV6 performed well. The accident caused the car to lose coolant and enter "turtle mode," forcing the user to rent a Mazda 3 for the remainder of the trip. However, the user's post about the accident received support from fellow Kia EV6 owners on Reddit's r/KiaEV6 community.
The 2025 Kia EV6 is available in trims including Light, Light Long Range, Wind, GT-Line, and the high-performance GT. Each offering different all-wheel-drive (AWD)/rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configurations, battery packs, and power outputs. The AWD versions have slightly lower ranges compared to the RWD models, while the high-performance EV6 GT has a range of approximately 231 miles due to its focus on acceleration over distance.
The EV6 can recharge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes on compatible DC fast-chargers due to its 800 V electrical architecture. A full charge on a 240V level 2 charger is estimated to take about 8.9 hours.
The EV6 offers up to 319 miles of EPA-estimated range on the Long-Range RWD model, with the standard RWD battery version rated at 270 miles. The vehicle provides ample legroom for both driver and passenger, with front legroom of 42.4 inches and rear legroom of 39.0 inches. Shoulder room is also generous, offering 57.8 inches up front and 55.6 inches in the rear, ensuring lateral comfort.
The EV6 did not exhibit loud noises or attempt to sell nostalgia or brute force, but rather, it offered a quiet and confident grand touring experience in crossover form. Kia's North American Charging Standard (NACS) port grants EV6 owners access to over 18,000 Tesla Superchargers nationwide, making long road trips easier compared to two years ago.
Kia's Highway Driving Assist (HDA2) was invaluable in traffic, easing the grind of a two-hour jam on I-5. The EV6 had cargo capacity of 28 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 54 cubic feet with the 60/40 split seats folded flat.
In conclusion, the 2025 Kia EV6 is a reliable and capable electric vehicle for long road trips. Its impressive range, quick charging capabilities, and comfortable interior make it an attractive option for those seeking a grand touring experience in a crossover form.
References: 1. Kia EV6 Long-Range RWD Review 2. Kia EV6: 2025 Electric Crossover SUV Review 3. Kia EV6: A 1,600-Mile Road Trip Through Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks 4. 2025 Kia EV6: Specs, Features, and Trim Levels
