Monster upgrade for Model Y hunter

Tim Gibson

News Journalist

3 min read

This car could hunt down the Model Y.

Kia has unveiled an updated version of its EV6 all-electric large SUV, which has received a serious boost in some key areas.

It now starts (before on-road costs) from $72,660, rising up to $99,660, equating to a $70 increase across the four-deep range.

Read More About Kia EV6

 It remains a cheaper alternative to some of its electric rivals such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is built on the same platform. 

The Ioniq 5 starts from $76,200 after its range underwent a significant restructure, cutting the cheapest variant, which started from under $70,000. 

The EV6 is more expensive than the Tesla Model Y, which was the best-selling EV in 2025.

The base Model Y starts from $58,900, with more expensive variants priced at $68,900 and $89,400, before on-roads.

2026 Kia EV6
2026 Kia EV6

But it is significantly cheaper than luxury alternatives such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, which starts at about $100,000.

The EV6 continues to be offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive specs, which all receive a bigger 84kWh battery compared to the 77.4kWh unit in the previous model. 

Driving range has received a boost of more than 50km in rear-wheel drive variants, up to 582km in the Air and 560km in the GT-Line, according to the WLTP testing cycle.

The all-wheel drive GT-Line’s range is now 522km (up from 484km), while the range-topping dual motor GT variant offers 450km of range — a 26km increase.

2026 Kia EV6
2026 Kia EV6

This means the EV6 boasts more driving range than comparative base and range-topping variants of the Ioniq 5.

The rear-wheel drive EV6's driving range is significantly more than a base Model Y, albeit at a significantly higher cost.

The all-wheel drive variants still trail comparative Teslas.

The EV6 is available with two new wheel designs, which are 19-inch and 21-inch sizing, depending on the variant.

2026 Kia EV6
2026 Kia EV6

Its exterior design has been given a sleeker, coupe-like overall look, with sharp creases in the body work.

On the inside, there is a new steering wheel and updated centre console.

The car has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard across the range. 

It will now be able to receive over-the-air software updates to implement bug fixes more quickly, bringing it into line with other EVs.

2026 Kia EV6
2026 Kia EV6

Kia has said the updated EV6 will hit showrooms imminently.

2026 Kia EV6 pricing Australia

VariantPrice (before on-road costs)
Air RWD$72,660
GT-Line RWD$79,660
GT-Line AWD$87,660
GT AWD$99,660
Tim Gibson

News Journalist

Tim could not get enough of UK Top Gear as a kid and took from his Dad, who worked at Jaguar before moving over to Australia. Tim’s journalism career began at age 15 as a local reporter for Football South Coast before he branched into live commentary with Football New South Wales. He reports on national competitions and the Socceroos with Football Australia, and also covered the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with The Football Sack. He studied a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong, featuring in the top five per cent of students, and graduating with distinction. Tim completed an internship in the ABC’s Wollongong office, then undertook regular paid shifts until he completed his degrees. Tim started his full-time journalism career at CarsGuide, working as a News Journalist covering a range of automotive topics from electric vehicles to legal issues. Education University of Wollongong | Bachelor of Journalism with distinction | 2020-2025 University of Wollongong | Bachelor of Laws | 2020-2025 Featured Publications Football South Coast | 2018-present Football New South Wales | 2019-present South Coast Flame FC | 2021-2022 Football Australia | 2023-present UOW TV | 2021-2025 The Football Sack | 2022-2023 ABC Illawarra | 2023-2025 CarsGuide | 2025-present
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