It’s February 2026, and if the first-generation Kia EV6 was the car that put the world on notice, the 2026 Kia EV6 facelift is the one that proves Kia isn’t resting on its laurels. When the EV6 first landed on Aussie shores, it was a design icon and a charging powerhouse. But in the fast-moving world of electric vehicles, a “legend” can become “legacy” in a heartbeat if it doesn’t evolve.

At EV evolution, we’ve been waiting to see how Kia would respond to the influx of new metal from the likes of BYD and Zeekr. The answer? A bigger battery, a sharper suit, and a level of local suspension tuning that makes this “crossover” feel more like a grand tourer.

We’ve spent the week living with the new 84kWh battery variants, analyzed the latest Australian telemetry, and scoured the Reddit communities to see what real Aussie drivers are saying about the latest “Star Map” evolution.

The Big Power Move: 84kWh and 582km of Range

The headline for the new Kia EV6 review is undoubtedly the battery. Kia has ditched the old 77.4kWh unit in favour of a denser, more efficient 84kWh battery pack.

What does this mean for your weekend getaway? The Kia EV6 range in Australia has taken a massive leap forward.

• EV6 Air RWD: Now reaches a staggering 582km (WLTP).
• GT-Line RWD: Offers a comfortable 560km (WLTP).
• GT-Line AWD: Sits at 522km (WLTP).
• GT AWD: The performance king still manages 450km (WLTP) despite its supercar-slaying power.

In the real world, Aussie drivers on Reddit are reporting that the Air RWD is finally a “true 500km car,” even with the aircon blasting during a humid Queensland summer.

The $70 Surprise: Pricing and Value in 2026

In an era where everything seems to be getting more expensive, Kia Australia pulled a rabbit out of the hat. The 2026 Kia EV6 facelift arrived with a price increase of just $70 across the range.

• EV6 Air RWD: $72,660 (plus on-road costs).
• GT-Line RWD: $79,660 (plus on-road costs).
• GT-Line AWD: $87,660 (plus on-road costs).
• GT AWD: $99,660 (plus on-road costs).

For an extra seventy bucks, you’re getting a significantly larger battery, faster charging tech, and a completely redesigned interior. At EV evolution, we think this is one of the best value-adds in the current market.

Design & Tech: “Star Map” Lighting and Wireless Joy

Visually, the 2026 model adopts Kia’s “Star Map” signature lighting—sharp, angular LEDs that make the car look wider and more aggressive. Inside, the changes are even more functional.

The new ccNc (connected car Navigation Cockpit) software is housed within the familiar dual 12.3-inch curved screens. The big win? Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard across all grades. No more fumbling for cables in the centre console.

Real-World Ride: Retuned for the Wide Brown Land

One of the most frequent comments in earlier users reviews Kia EV6 was that the ride could feel a bit “busy” on our coarse-chip country roads. For 2026, Kia’s local engineers have gone back to the lab.

The facelift features Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD) and retuned steering. On a run through the Royal National Park, the new EV6 feels noticeably more “planted.” It’s softer over the small imperfections but stays flat and composed when you’re pushing through the twisties. It’s a “refined ride” that finally matches the car’s sporty looks.

Real-World Review: What Aussie Redditors are Saying

At EV evolution, we don’t just rely on the glossy press kits. We look at the “no-filter” feedback from the community. You can check out the full Australian EV Reddit discussion here.

“Way nicer to drive than any Tesla, 800v charging. Can actually meet its claimed maximum range. I paid more than this for mine and I do not regret it.” — wimmywam, Reddit.

“The charging is hilariously fast. Even after having mine a year I still chuckle seeing 235kw on the screen. On road trips it’s full basically in the same time it takes to run inside and get something to eat.” — purpledreams910, Reddit.

The Pros:

• The 800V Architecture: Still the gold standard. A 10% to 80% charge in 18 minutes on a 350kW charger is life-changing for road trippers.
• Improved Sound: Owners of the 2026 facelift are noting that the Meridian Sound System has been significantly retuned for better bass response.
• V2L Power: Being able to run a coffee machine or a fridge from the charging port remains a huge win for Aussie campers.

The Cons:

• Drive Mode Reset: A common gripe is that the car resets to “Normal” mode every time you start it, requiring a manual switch back to Eco or Sport.
• Low Roofline: Taller passengers (190cm+) still find the rear headroom a bit tight due to the sleek, sloping roof.
• Piano Black: While there is “less” of it in the facelift, there’s still enough gloss black plastic to keep a microfiber cloth busy.

Strategise Your EV6 Evolution

Is the 2026 facelift the right move for your driveway? At EV evolution, we want you to have the data to back up the “vibe.”

• EV Fuel Savings Calculator: Compare the running costs of the 84kWh EV6 against your current petrol SUV. You’ll likely find that the “EV6 premium” pays for itself in just a few years of high-mileage driving.
• EV Charge Cost: See exactly what it costs to fill that big new battery at home using your specific off-peak rates.
• EV Charging Time Calculator: With one of the fastest charging curves in the world, see how the EV6 minimizes your time at the plug.
• The EV Vibe Check: Planning a trip to the Snowy Mountains? Use our map to find the 350kW ultra-fast chargers that actually work.

🤖 Start the Conversation with the AI Agent

Are you torn between the 2026 Kia EV6 facelift and the new Tesla Model Y Juniper? Or perhaps you want to know if the FBT exemption makes the AWD GT-Line a better business move than the RWD Air?

Don’t leave your decision to chance—start a conversation with our EV evolution AI Agent. Our AI is updated in real-time with the latest Australian pricing, technical bulletins, and owner reviews. You can ask:

• “Compare the 2026 Kia EV6 vs. the Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift for rear legroom.”
• “What are the current wait times for a Kia EV6 GT in Sydney?”
• “Does the Kia EV6 support wireless CarPlay for both Apple and Android in the 2026 model?”

The Verdict: The Legend, Refined

The 2026 Kia EV6 facelift is a rare beast: a mid-life update that actually fixes the small niggles while boosting the core strengths. With the 84kWh battery providing class-leading range and the local suspension tuning providing a truly “refined ride,” it remains the benchmark for those who want an EV that looks, feels, and drives like a premium performance car.

Ready to see the real-world numbers? Use our EV fuel savings calculator to see the ROI, then chat with the AI Agent to plan your test drive today.

About EV Evolution

 EV evolution is Australia’s AI-powered hub for the modern driver. Through our signature EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Vibe Check and our real-time AI Agent—we provide the transparent, fact-based data you need to switch to an EV with total confidence. Our mission is to empower every Aussie to trade the petrol pump for a plug with zero guesswork. We are committed to delivering a high-fidelity knowledge base that enables young professionals and modern families to navigate their electric transition with data-driven precision.