An EV game changer for £10k? Time to buy a used Kia EV6
For a posh, practical electric family car to turn heads and win hearts, look no further
Kia’s first bespoke electric car, the EV6, hits a sweet spot.
It’s big enough for a family’s needs yet small enough to calmly negotiate the UK’s tight, busy roads and it has real, unique character, courtesy of a dramatic, enigmatic silhouette that doesn’t feel like an SUV, or a saloon or a hatchback. Even better, it’s now available from less than £10,000-with warranty remaining.
Built on the E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) also used for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the EV6 is a sporty and techy alternative to staid EVs like the Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID 4 and Tesla Model Y.
It has been a hit from the get-go too, winning the 2022 Car of the Year award and selling in good numbers by virtue of its appeal with company car drivers, families and cabbies alike.
Fast forward to 2026; a couple of waves of ex-lease cars have hit the used market and prices have dropped considerably. A well-specified EV6 GT-Line would have set you back nearly £50,000 when new. Today, the same car with fewer than 50,000 miles is £20,000.
There’s a lot of car for the money here and it still feels modern next to the hordes of more recent rivals.
That’s partly because the EV6 has an 800V architecture, which in theory allows it to replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes with a rapid charger-as fast as almost any newer EV.
In reality, it achieved a weighted average of 125kW in our road test-slower than claimed but still quicker than we recorded for contemporary rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq.
The line-up starts with 226bhp rear-wheel-drive models. They offer the best range – up to a claimed 328 miles-and a 0-62mph time of 7.3sec, which is more than quick enough for most. We would avoid the smaller-battery Standard Range (SR) car since it’s only a little cheaper as a used buy.
Be aware, too, that the twin-motor AWD powertrain can incur a penalty of up to 50 miles per charge compared with a RWD car.
The flagship 577bhp EV6 GT is a supercar-slayer capable of hitting 62mph in 3.5sec and offering outrageous dynamic capability for an EV, but ultimately it lacks the fun factor enthusiasts crave and has a real-world range that’s closer to the 200-mile mark.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a curved panoramic display housing twin 12.3in screens. It’s a clean, modern environment that avoids the absolute minimalism seen in some competitors by retaining physical controls for the climate and infotainment. The interior quality feels mostly premium too. In the back, a flat floor allows for plenty of space for even six legs, although the sloping roofline means taller passengers might find head room a little tight.
Driving the EV6 is a generally pleasant affair. At under two tonnes, it’s lighter than most rivals of this size, and because it’s natively rear-driven and has excellent body control, you can enjoy a bit of exuberance in the bends if you like. No model feels short on power, but the steering does lack a bit of feel. That said, it’s mostly comfortable (if a little firm for some) and very quiet, so it’s a fine car to spend prolonged periods of time in. With that in mind, a used EV6 will be an easy companion to live with for years to come.
What we said then
12 January 2022: “A lot is riding on the EV6 and, with a few caveats, Kia has knocked it out of the park. It’s a much more dynamic car to drive than the Hyundai Ioniq 5- and most other full-sized EVs. That’s also reflected in the car’s driving environment, which doesn’t go for the lounge-on-wheels style of some EVs but instead has a more traditional executive car feel, while still reaping the packaging benefits of the EV architecture.”
An owner’s view
Vikram Singh: “I bought a 2022 EV6 GT-Line AWD last year. Coming from a petrol SUV, the styling and the acceleration still blow me away, and charging it on long trips is fast when I can find a 350kW charger. My only frustration was waking up to a dead 12V battery one morning. Kia replaced it under warranty and it’s been faultless since. I love that it actually looks like a spaceship rather than a fridge.”
Buyer beware…
ICCU failures: The integrated charging control unit (ICCU) is the EV6’s Achilles heel. If it overheats or fails, it stops charging the 12V battery and can lead to a total loss of power. Ensure any used purchase has had the relevant Kia software updates or ICCU recall work completed.
12V battery: As with many EVs, the small 12V battery can cause headaches. It can fail unexpectedly, blacking out the systems while parked or leaving you locked out. Check the service history, and if it’s still using the original factory battery after three years, replace it.
Software: Some owners complain about laggy infotainment screens that freeze or drop the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Ensure that over-the-air updates have been installing correctly.
Suspension: Owners sometimes report low-speed clunks over speed bumps. In many cases it’s just normal bushing movement made more obvious by the quietness of the EV drivetrain, but persistent noises are worth a check.
Tyres: This is a near-two-tonne car with a lot of instant torque on tap, so it’s unsurprising that some owners have reported excessive tyre wear. Check the tread depth on all four corners, especially on the 320bhp AWD and 577bhp GT.
Also worth knowing
Unlike some rivals, the EV6 line-up in the UK is refreshingly simple. Entry-level Air is well equipped, with heating for the seats and steering wheel, a reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors.
Horizon models build on Air with a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.
Upgrading to GT-Line gets you sportier styling, smarter-looking upholstery and adaptive LED headlights.
The top-spec GT-Line S brings a Meridian sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a 360deg camera and an augmented reality head-up display. Also look out for the optional heat pump. It wasn’t standard until the 2024 facelift and it makes a real difference to winter range.
The EV6 has Kia’s transferable seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, so buy a 2022 car and you’re covered until 2029.
How much to spend
£10,000-£14,999: A mix of 2021 and 2022 cars with more than 80,000 miles. You’ll find plenty of RWD Air models and early 320bhp AWD GT-Lines too.
£15,000-£19,999: A large selection of lower-mileage RWD cars, plus well-cared-for GT-Line S models with all the tech.
£20,000-£29,999: Late-2023 and 2024 models with very low mileage become available here. You’ll also find some early 577bhp GT cars.
£30,000 and above: This buys nearly new, delivery-mileage 2025/2026 EV6s with the larger, 84kWh battery (63kWh is standard), or top-flight GTs.
One we found
Kia EV6 GT, 2023, 23,000 miles, £28,495: Less than half price after three years of light use is quite the deal. The GT ups the driver appeal and this one has a full service history and four years’ warranty left.
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