Powerful Kia EV6 GT Temporarily Disappears from the American Market
If you dreamed of the most powerful version of the electric Kia EV6, your chance to get one is now tied only to the used car market. The high-performance EV6 GT modification has effectively vanished from sale in the US, at least for now. This decision leaves other, less powerful EV6 trims to continue the brand’s electric mission, while speed enthusiasts have to search for offers among used vehicles.
Kia representatives confirmed this information, stating:
Due to changing market conditions, the release of the 2026 model year EV6 GT is postponed until further notice. This delay does not affect the availability of other EV6 trims, which are proudly assembled at our world-class plant in West Point, Georgia.
Why Specifically the GT Version?
The key reason lies in the geography of production. While regular EV6s are assembled in the USA, the powerful GT version is supplied from South Korea. This fact makes it vulnerable to the full impact of import tariffs, significantly complicating Kia’s ability to lower the already high price, which for the 2025 model exceeded $65,000.
This is especially unfortunate considering that the EV6 GT is not just a crossover with a sporty badge. With up to 641 horsepower, stunning acceleration, and an all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring, this car is considered one of the most exciting electric vehicles on the market.
A Complex Context for Kia’s Electric Models
However, 2026 is not the time for Kia to make emotion-driven decisions, especially against the backdrop of problematic sales of electric models. Demand for the EV6 in February fell by 53% compared to the same month last year, and EV9 sales shrank by 40%. This decline, along with persistent tariff issues, also explains why Kia has paused the launch of other new electric vehicles for the American market, such as the EV4 hatchback and sedan, as well as the EV3 SUV.
Opposite Situation at Hyundai
Interestingly, the sister brand Hyundai is observing the opposite trend. The regular Ioniq 6 sedan, which uses the same 800-volt E-GMP platform as the Kia EV6, is ceasing production for the 2026 model year. However, the high-performance Ioniq 6N version remains available. Sales of the regular Ioniq 6 fell by 61% in January, while its “brother” the Ioniq 5 experienced only a 6% decline.
The temporary withdrawal of the EV6 GT vividly illustrates how sensitive the automotive business is to external economic factors, such as tariff policy. This decision also reflects manufacturers’ general concern about the efficiency of the business model in conditions where demand for electric cars shows instability. For now, fans of powerful electric vehicles can hope that market or regulatory changes will allow Kia to bring back this impressive model, as the car’s technological potential has received recognition from both experts and drivers.