Kia Unveils EV6 NGTOS With Bold Sales Target

On January 26, 2026, at the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, Kia Motors pulled the wraps off its much-anticipated new SUV, the EV6 NGTOS, setting the stage for a pivotal year in the fiercely competitive domestic SUV market. The company’s announcement was anything but modest: a domestic sales target of 55,000 units for the year, a figure that matches last year’s robust performance and underscores Kia’s ambitions for its flagship model.

According to GPKorea, the EV6 NGTOS is not just another SUV—it represents the culmination of six years of development since the first-generation model’s debut in 2019. With a cumulative production of 330,000 units to date, this second-generation version arrives with a bold, boxy design, premium features, and a focus on safety and performance. Kia’s domestic business chief, Jeong Won-jeong, confidently introduced the vehicle, highlighting its enhanced design and promising that it would win the hearts of Korean consumers.

Kia has invested approximately 20 billion KRW in the development of the EV6 NGTOS, a testament to its commitment to innovation and market leadership. The vehicle is positioned as the top model in Kia’s new type SUV lineup, aiming to blend the rugged appeal of a traditional SUV with futuristic styling cues. The company explained, “We tried to maximize the presence and feel of a higher-class SUV, raising the hood’s end and extending the roof backward for a boxy, commanding look.”

But it’s not just about looks. The EV6 NGTOS is packed with features that set it apart from the competition. It boasts LED headlamps, nine airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and steer-by-wire technology—all standard. These enhancements, Kia claims, justify the roughly 2 million KRW price increase over the previous model. “The vehicle’s specifications have increased, and we’ve included various features like LED headlamps, nine airbags, advanced ADAS, and steering wheel grip detection,” a company spokesperson explained.

One of the standout additions is the new 1.6 hybrid motor, which, according to LCNews, delivers a system maximum output of 141 horsepower and achieves a class-leading combined fuel efficiency of 19.5 km/L (with 16-inch wheels). The hybrid model is especially notable for its use of a high-voltage battery supplied by LG Energy Solution, a partnership that Kia says was forged with safety as the top priority. “We prioritized safety above all else, considering the customer’s perspective,” Kia emphasized.

The hybrid isn’t the only option. The gasoline 1.6 turbo model offers a punchy 198 horsepower and a maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m, appealing to drivers seeking more dynamic performance. However, four-wheel drive is reserved for the turbo model, while the hybrid focuses on two-wheel drive—an intentional choice, as Kia notes that most small SUV buyers prioritize fuel economy and urban driving. “Small SUVs are mainly for city driving, and customers value economy and fuel efficiency, so the four-wheel drive share is relatively small,” the company explained, adding that they may reconsider this approach depending on market trends.

On the technology front, the EV6 NGTOS is brimming with innovations aimed at both safety and convenience. The vehicle supports V2L (Vehicle to Load), allowing drivers to power external devices from the car—a feature that’s increasingly popular among tech-savvy consumers. Kia has also equipped the hybrid version with the Smart Regenerative Braking System 3.0, which automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on navigation data and forward radar signals, further optimizing efficiency.

Inside, the design philosophy dubbed “Opposites United” shines through. The panoramic curved display, which seamlessly connects a 12.3-inch cluster and navigation system, enhances visibility and gives the cabin a modern, open feel. The interior layout is horizontal, maximizing space and comfort. With the longest wheelbase and largest trunk capacity in its class, versatility is another strong suit of the EV6 NGTOS.

Safety remains at the forefront, with advanced systems like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 (FCA 2) and Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers. High-tech amenities such as the Kia Digital Key 2 Touch and Built-in Cam 2 further elevate the driving experience. As Kia puts it, these technologies “guarantee comfort and safety beyond the small SUV class.”

Pricing for the new model starts at 24.77 million KRW for the gasoline 1.6 turbo and 28.98 million KRW for the hybrid. To ease the financial burden, Kia is offering a residual value-guaranteed deferred payment plan with a 3.6% interest rate, allowing customers to defer up to 70% of the vehicle price over 36 months. With a down payment of 29%, buyers can drive away with monthly payments in the 60,000 KRW range—a move aimed squarely at young, first-time car buyers. The company is also rolling out a series of marketing events, including a pop-up exhibition at Lotte World Mall and exclusive preview events at 14 locations nationwide, where customers can get hands-on with the vehicle and receive guided tours from expert docents.

Kia’s strategy is clear: dominate the domestic small SUV market with a blend of cutting-edge technology, aggressive pricing, and innovative financing. “Seltos has always led the small SUV market since its launch,” a Kia representative told LCNews. “With a highly complete design and enhanced features, we will offer customers a differentiated experience.”

The market’s response to these bold moves is already being felt. On January 26, 2026, JoongAng Economy News reported that Kia Motors’ stock was trading at 157,500 KRW, with a price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 7.99—lower than the industry average of 9.01. The dividend yield stands at a healthy 4.13%, and foreign investors hold 40.27% of the company’s shares. While the stock saw a slight dip of -0.37% in recent sessions, expectations are high that the launch of the EV6 NGTOS will provide a much-needed boost. The trading volume reached 171,011 shares, with a market capitalization of approximately 2.69 trillion KRW. As the company’s sales announcement ripples through the market, investors and analysts alike are watching closely for signs of recovery and growth.

With the EV6 NGTOS set to hit showrooms on January 27, Kia is not just launching a new vehicle—it’s making a statement about its place in the future of mobility. By combining advanced technology, thoughtful design, and customer-centric financing, Kia is betting big on maintaining its leadership in the domestic SUV market and setting a new benchmark for its competitors.

As the first customers prepare to sign contracts and the pop-up exhibitions open their doors, all eyes are on Kia to see if the EV6 NGTOS will live up to its promise and propel the brand to new heights in 2026.