New Kia Models Unveiled at LA Auto Show
Kia was a large player at this year’s annual LA Auto Show, bringing updated models and new designs to the public. Notably, Kia showed off a significant update to the all-electric EV6 crossover. Also joining the future lineup are the 2026 Sportage and the 2026 EV9 GT. Let’s run through what the updates bring to the table and when you can expect to see them here at your local Kia dealership!
2025 Kia EV6
Kia’s most popular electric vehicle is getting its first visual update for the 2025 model year. The headlight housings are the most prominent styling updates since most of the vehicle’s body is kept the same. The new iteration of the EV6 also comes packing a larger battery capacity and even more impressive performance capabilities.
The interior is updated with Kia’s latest tech interface. The size of each screen is the same as before, but the overall housing is updated to Kia’s latest rectangular design. The infotainment system includes some new features as well. There’s now Wi-Fi hotspot capability and you can add entertainment and connectivity apps through the Kia Connect Store. A fun addition comes from Kia’s sponsorship of the NBA, which lets owners reskin the infotainment system to match their favorite team’s colors and logos. The 2025 EV6 now also includes Digital Key 2.0, so that you can access the vehicle through an NFC-enabled smart card or compatible smart device. Other new features include an updated Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and an enhanced forward/side/reverse parking collision-avoidance system.
The standard battery is increased to 63 kWh and the long-range battery can get up to 84 kWh. This enables a range of up to 319 miles in long-range rear-wheel-drive models. Additionally, the larger battery allows for a 400-pound increase in towing capability, now up to 2,700 pounds. The new model will automatically detect trailer weight and adjust the distance-to-empty estimation accordingly.
The 2025 EV6 is one of the new vehicles to feature Kia’s new Virtual Gear Shift tech. This EV-focused feature simulates the feeling and sounds of shifting gears, even though a fully electric vehicle doesn’t actually shift gears in the way that traditional gas engine vehicles do. The new EV6 model also comes with the NACS charging port, meaning adapters won’t be necessary. The port is also moved to the left rear fender on the vehicle, making it easier to park and charge up at supercharger stations.
Finally, the least obvious improvements include a new belt-type steering column that improves steering response, additional sound insulation, and a reinforced frame to better meet the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s current crash test standards. The 2025 EV6 is expected to be available in the first half of 2025.
2026 Kia EV9 GT
The electric EV9 SUV is getting a power boost in the form of the 2026 EV9 GT model. This model takes the already impressive electric performance of the EV9 and boosts it to the next level of power. The new GT model packs an estimated 501 horsepower from its pair of electric motors, which make for a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds. The front motor of the vehicle produces 215hp, while the rear motor adds 362hp onto that.
The EV9 GT also comes with the new Virtual Gear Shift feature we mentioned with the EV6. Drivers can simulate a traditional automatic transmission by going through preset “gear” ratios or by letting the driver do so with paddle shifters.
The EV9 GT is Kia’s first three-row SUV to get an electronically controlled suspension. This features dampers that get firmer or softer based on the drive mode, which now includes a new GT mode summoned by a special green steering wheel button. A different steering wheel button calls up Normal, Eco, Sport or the My Drive individual mode. Steering, brake feel and acceleration characteristics are also altered with these modes.
Like the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT comes standard with an electronic limited-slip differential, which helps limit wheelspin by routing torque to tires with more traction. Special 21-inch wheels and bigger brakes with neon green calipers round out the mechanical upgrades.
The front of the EV9 GT receives a unique lighting pattern. The interior has an exclusive steering wheel and dashboard trim, plus special sport seats. While there are no cosmetic changes to the infotainment system, the GT model does feature unique graphics on the display and ambient lighting settings exclusive to the GT model. Safety features mirror those included on the already available GT-Line. Like the new EV6, the EV9 GT will also come with the NACS charging port. The EV9 GT is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2025.
2026 Kia Sportage
A brand new body design is being brought to all models of the Kia Sportage for the 2026 model year. This includes the Sportage Hybrid and the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. Additionally, the Hybrid model can now come in the X-Line trim level. The updates to the Sportage are comprehensive and quite notable for Kia’s longest-running nameplate.
The new design replaces the boomerang running lights with a 7-like shape in amber, reminiscent of the older Kia Telluride design. Joining the new X-Line Hybrid trim is a new S Hybrid trim level. This gives the base LX Hybrid a sportier look with 18-inch dark alloy wheels and gloss black trim.
The interior of the vehicle features an updated dashboard design. The infotainment screen remains at 12.3 inches, but has an updated rectangular body shape, similar to the updates on the EV6. The new Sportage includes wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. Installable connectivity apps and NBA team stylings are also available here. Upper trim levels will now get access to Kia’s 10-inch head-up display, which in hybrid models integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to some degree.
In terms of driver assistance technology, the Sportage now comes standard with hands-detection technology for the steering wheel to ensure the driver is fully in control at all times. It also offers the advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system. This upgrade can make partially automated lane changes, pull info from the navigation system to automatically slow the car when approaching turns, and use machine learning to accelerate and brake more like a driver would. The standard forward and reverse park distance warning system can now be enhanced with side detection. Every Sportage with all-wheel drive now includes a driver-selectable Terrain mode for dealing with snow, mud or sand.
The 2026 Kia Sportage is expected to arrive at your local Kia dealer in the second quarter of 2025.
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