Kia EV6 Depreciation for 2025 Update

The Real Cost of Ownership Unpacking the Kia EV6’s Depreciation Curve

The Kia EV6 stormed onto the electric vehicle scene in early 2022, turning heads with its futuristic design, impressive range, and blistering performance. It quickly garnered accolades, including the prestigious 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ award, solidifying its position as a genuine contender in the burgeoning EV market. However, for savvy consumers and prospective owners, the thrill of acceleration and cutting-edge features is only one part of the ownership equation. The other, often more impactful factor, is depreciation—the silent erosion of a vehicle’s value over time.

This comprehensive article delves into the depreciation trends of the Kia EV6 in the United States since its launch. We will analyze its value retention year by year, compare it against key rivals, and explore the market forces that are shaping the financial journey of this popular electric crossover.

Analyzing the Depreciation The Kia EV6 Wind RWD

To provide the most accurate and relevant analysis, we are focusing on the Kia EV6 Wind Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). This trim has been selected as it represents the “sweet spot” in the lineup for many US buyers, offering a compelling blend of range, features, and price, making it one of the most common configurations on American roads. All data presented is based on the US market.

Year-on-Year MSRP and Used Price Trends

The Kia EV6 launched in the US with the 2022 model year. Since then, its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) has seen minor adjustments. However, the story in the used car market has been far more dramatic.

Here is a look at the original MSRP for the Wind RWD trim for each model year, alongside its approximate current used selling price in mid-2025.

Note: Used prices are averaged from major automotive data sources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and CARFAX and can vary based on vehicle condition, mileage, and location.

The data clearly illustrates a significant drop from the initial purchase price, a trend that is prevalent across the entire EV segment. The following bar chart provides a stark visual comparison of the initial cost versus the current market value.

Chart 1: Kia EV6 MSRP vs. Current Used Price (Mid-2025)

General Depreciation Schedule

To understand how the value of a Kia EV6 erodes over time, we have constructed a General Depreciation Schedule. This table tracks the value of each model year from its launch to the present, providing a clearer picture of the year-on-year financial impact.

Note: Historical used values are estimated based on market data from previous years. The 2023 model shows higher two-year depreciation due to evolving market conditions and pricing pressures in the last year.

Visualizing Value Retention

Perhaps a more intuitive way to understand depreciation is by looking at its inverse: value retention. The following line graph plots the percentage of the original MSRP that the Kia EV6 retains as it ages.

Chart 2: Kia EV6 Value Retention vs. Age

Commentary on the Retention Curve

The retention curve for the Kia EV6 is characteristic of many modern electric vehicles. It shows a steep initial drop within the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. For a 2022 model, the vehicle lost nearly 41% of its value in just two years. By the three-year mark, it is projected to be worth approximately half of its original sticker price.

This rapid initial depreciation is a double-edged sword. For the new car buyer, it represents a significant financial loss. However, for a used car shopper, it presents a compelling opportunity to acquire a technologically advanced and stylish EV for a fraction of its original cost. The curve begins to flatten after the second year, suggesting that the most severe period of value loss occurs early in the vehicle’s life.

The Competitive Landscape How Does the EV6 Stack Up?

No vehicle exists in a vacuum. The depreciation of the Kia EV6 is heavily influenced by its competition and broader market trends. Its primary rivals in the US market are the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

According to extensive data from automotive research firm iSeeCars, the average 5-year depreciation for electric vehicles is a staggering 49.1%, significantly higher than the industry average of 38.8%.

• Tesla Model Y: Historically, Tesla models have held their value exceptionally well. However, a series of aggressive price cuts by the manufacturer have significantly impacted the used market, leading to higher depreciation rates than in previous years. Despite this, the Model Y generally retains its value slightly better than the EV6 over a three-year period.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Mach-E’s depreciation story is very similar to the EV6’s. It also experiences a sharp initial drop in value. Data from sources like CarEdge shows the Mach-E losing around 40% of its value in the first three years, placing it in the same ballpark as the Kia EV6.

The Kia EV6’s depreciation rate, while high, is not an outlier. It is reflective of a volatile and rapidly maturing EV market where competition is fierce and technological advancements are relentless.

What’s Driving the Depreciation? Key Factors at Play

Several powerful forces are contributing to the high depreciation rates seen in the Kia EV6 and the broader EV market.

1. Rapid Technological Advancement: The pace of innovation in the EV sector is incredibly fast. Each new model year brings improvements in battery technology, charging speeds, range, and software features. This makes older models seem dated more quickly than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, thus accelerating their depreciation.
2. The Impact of Tax Credits and Incentives: The US Federal EV tax credit, along with various state-level incentives, effectively lowers the acquisition cost of a new eligible EV. When these credits are available, they create downward pressure on the prices of used EVs, as a brand-new vehicle’s price is artificially lowered by thousands of dollars. The Kia EV6’s eligibility for these credits has changed over time due to new sourcing and assembly requirements, adding another layer of complexity to its pricing structure.
3. Battery Health and Longevity Concerns: While largely mitigated by long manufacturer warranties (Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on its battery), some consumer apprehension about battery degradation remains. This uncertainty can make potential buyers on the used market more cautious, which can soften demand and lower prices.
4. Increasing Market Competition: When the EV6 launched, the field of competitors was smaller. Today, nearly every major manufacturer has a compelling EV crossover on the market. This increased supply gives consumers more choices and forces brands to compete more aggressively on price, both in the new and used markets.

Conclusion Is a Used Kia EV6 a Smart Purchase?

The data is unequivocal: the Kia EV6 experiences significant depreciation, particularly in the first two to three years of its life. For anyone who purchased a new EV6, this reality can be a bitter pill to swallow. The loss in value is substantial and outpaces that of most traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

However, for the savvy used car buyer, this steep depreciation curve transforms the Kia EV6 into one of the most compelling bargains in the electric vehicle space. A two- or three-year-old EV6 offers the same head-turning design, engaging driving dynamics, and advanced 800-volt architecture for fast charging as a new model, but at a price that is potentially 40-50% lower.

The key is to enter the market at the right time. By purchasing a vehicle that is past the steepest part of its depreciation curve, a buyer can enjoy a modern, feature-rich EV while letting the original owner absorb the largest portion of the value loss. The Kia EV6, with its strong fundamental design and technology, represents a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make the switch to electric without paying the premium for a brand-new vehicle. Its financial story is a classic tale of two perspectives: a challenge for the new buyer, but a remarkable opportunity for the second.