Kia EV6: Driver assistance system / Basic function

Contents:

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control operates when the following conditions are satisfied:

  • The gear selector is in D (Drive).

  • Your Kia EV6 driving speed is within the applicable operating range:

    • 5–120 mph (10–180 km/h)

    • 0–120 mph (0–180 km/h)

  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is turned ON and available.

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control will not operate under the following conditions:

  • The driver’s door is open.

  • The electric vehicle is in power down mode.

  • The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) is engaged.

  • ESC or ABS is actively controlling the Kia EV6.

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist brake control is operating.

  • Remote Smart Parking Assist brake control is operating (if equipped).

NOTE

When the Kia EV6 is stopped behind another vehicle, Smart Cruise Control can be activated while the driver keeps the brake pedal depressed.

Overtaking Acceleration Assist function

Overtaking Acceleration Assist may operate when the left turn signal is activated while Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control is operating and the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Your Kia EV6 speed is above approximately 40 mph (60 km/h).

  • A vehicle is detected in front of your vehicle.

Overtaking Acceleration Assist does not operate under the following conditions:

  • The hazard warning lights are ON.

  • The Kia EV6 is reducing speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

WARNING

  • When the left turn signal is activated while a vehicle is detected ahead, the Kia EV6 may accelerate temporarily. Always pay close attention to traffic, lane conditions, and surrounding vehicles.

  • Regardless of the driving direction used in your country, Overtaking Acceleration Assist may operate when the required conditions are met. When driving in a country with a different traffic direction, check road conditions carefully at all times.

Turning on Smart Cruise Control

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control activation button and cluster display

Press the Driving Assist button to turn Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control ON. The system sets the current vehicle speed as the cruising speed on the instrument cluster.

  • If no vehicle is detected ahead, Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control maintains the selected set speed.

  • If a vehicle is detected ahead, the system may automatically adjust speed to maintain the selected following distance. When the vehicle ahead accelerates, the Kia EV6 may accelerate smoothly and then continue cruising at the set speed.

NOTE

  • If the Kia EV6 speed is below 20 mph (30 km/h) when the Driving Assist button is pressed, Smart Cruise Control speed will be set to 20 mph (30 km/h).

  • If the driver selects a lower gear range or driving condition limits acceleration, the Kia EV6 may not reach the set speed immediately.

Setting vehicle distance

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control vehicle distance button

To adjust the following distance from the vehicle ahead, press the vehicle distance button. Each press changes the distance level in sequence.

The shortest available following distance is Distance 1.

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control following distance levels

For example, when driving the Kia EV6 at 56 mph (90 km/h), the following distance is maintained approximately as follows:

  • Distance 4: approximately 172 ft (52.5 m)

  • Distance 3: approximately 130 ft (40 m)

  • Distance 2: approximately 106 ft (32.5 m)

  • Distance 1: approximately 82 ft (25 m)

NOTE

The Kia EV6 keeps the last selected following distance after the vehicle is restarted or after Smart Cruise Control is temporarily canceled.

Increasing set speed

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control increase set speed switch

Push the (+) switch upward and release it immediately. The Kia EV6 set speed increases by 1 mph (1 km/h) each time the switch is operated this way.

  • Push the (+) switch upward and hold it. The set speed increases by 6 mph (10 km/h) each time the switch is operated in this manner.

  • The set speed can be increased up to 120 mph (180 km/h).

WARNING

Check traffic and road conditions before using the (+) switch. The Kia EV6 may increase speed quickly when the (+) switch is pushed upward and held.

Decreasing set speed

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control decrease set speed switch

Push the (-) switch downward and release it immediately. The Kia EV6 set speed decreases by 1 mph (1 km/h) each time the switch is operated this way.

  • Push the (-) switch downward and hold it. The set speed decreases by 6 mph (10 km/h) each time the switch is operated in this manner.

  • The set speed can be decreased to 20 mph (30 km/h).

Temporarily canceling Smart Cruise Control

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control temporary cancel switch

Press the (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control cancel switch icon) switch or depress the brake pedal to temporarily cancel Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control.

Resuming Smart Cruise Control

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control resume switch

To resume Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control after cancellation, operate the (+), (-), or (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control resume icon) switch as follows:

If the (+) switch is pushed upward or the (-) switch is pushed downward, the current Kia EV6 speed shown on the instrument cluster becomes the new set speed.

If the (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control preset resume icon) switch is pressed, the vehicle resumes the previously stored set speed.

WARNING

Check driving conditions carefully before pressing the (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control resume warning icon) switch. The Kia EV6 may accelerate or decelerate suddenly when the (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control speed control icon) switch is used.

Turning OFF Smart Cruise Control

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control off button

Press the Driving Assist button to turn Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control OFF.

NOTE

If your Kia EV6 is equipped with Manual Speed Limit Assist, pressing and holding the Driving Assist button turns Smart Cruise Control OFF. However, this action turns Manual Speed Limit Assist ON.

WARNING

Use caution when operating multiple switches or buttons at the same time. Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control may not operate as expected if controls are used incorrectly.

Display Smart Cruise Control operating status

To view the Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control operating status, set the instrument cluster to Driving Assist mode.

The current Smart Cruise Control status can be checked in the Driving Assist view on the Kia EV6 cluster. Refer to the LCD display section for additional display information.

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control operating status shown in Driving Assist cluster view

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control is displayed on the instrument cluster as shown in the image, depending on the current function status:

  • Operating status

    1. Shows whether a vehicle is detected ahead and displays the selected following distance level.

    2. Displays the Kia EV6 set speed.

    3. Shows whether there is a vehicle ahead and displays the target vehicle distance.

  • Temporarily canceled status

    1. Shows your Kia EV6 in gray.

    2. Displays the previous set speed in gray.

    3. Shows whether a vehicle is detected ahead in gray: (if equipped)

NOTE

  • The distance of the front vehicle displayed on the Kia EV6 cluster reflects the actual distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

  • The target distance may vary depending on vehicle speed and the selected distance level. At low speeds, even when the distance level is changed, the visible change in target distance may appear small.

  • The images, colors, icons, and graphics displayed on the Kia EV6 cluster may vary depending on cluster specifications, software version, or selected display theme.

Accelerating temporarily

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control temporary acceleration display

If you want to accelerate temporarily without changing the Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control set speed, depress the accelerator pedal while Smart Cruise Control is operating.

While the accelerator pedal is depressed, the set speed, distance level, and target distance will blink on the instrument cluster.

However, if the accelerator pedal is not pressed sufficiently, the Kia EV6 may decelerate according to Smart Cruise Control logic and surrounding traffic conditions.

WARNING

Use caution when accelerating temporarily. While the accelerator pedal is pressed, Kia EV6 speed and following distance are not automatically controlled in the same way, even if a vehicle is detected ahead.

Based on Driving Style operating: (if equipped)

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control Based on Driving Style status display

When Based on Driving Style is enabled, the Kia EV6 cluster shows the selected vehicle distance level and target vehicle distance in white.

The system may also display distance level and target distance information based on the driver’s learned driving behavior, including following distance, acceleration pattern, and response speed.

This allows Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control to provide a more natural driving feel when the function is available and properly configured.

Temporarily canceling Smart Cruise Control

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control deactivated warning message on cluster
  1. Smart Cruise Control deactivated

If Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control is temporarily canceled automatically, a warning message will appear on the instrument cluster and an audible warning will sound to alert the driver.

Smart Cruise Control may be temporarily canceled automatically when:

  • Your Kia EV6 speed is above 120 mph (190 km/h).

  • The vehicle remains stopped for a certain period of time.

  • The accelerator pedal is continuously depressed for a certain period of time.

  • The operating conditions for Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control are no longer satisfied.

NOTE

If Smart Cruise Control is temporarily canceled while the Kia EV6 is stopped with the function active, the EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) may be applied automatically.

WARNING

When Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control is temporarily canceled, the system will no longer maintain distance from the vehicle ahead. Always keep your eyes on the road and, if necessary, press the brake pedal to reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance.

Smart Cruise Control conditions not satisfied

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control conditions not met warning display
  1. Smart Cruise Control conditions not met

If the Driving Assist button, (+) switch, (-) switch, or (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control resume switch icon) switch is operated when Smart Cruise Control operating conditions are not satisfied, a warning message will appear on the Kia EV6 cluster and an audible warning will sound.

This reminder helps the driver understand that Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control cannot be activated until all required operating conditions are met.

In traffic

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control operation in traffic display
  1. Use the control switch or gently press the accelerator pedal to resume acceleration

When driving in traffic, the Kia EV6 can bring the vehicle to a stop if the vehicle ahead comes to a stop. Once the vehicle in front begins moving again, your Kia EV6 may also resume movement, provided the operating conditions for Smart Cruise Control are satisfied.

In addition, if the Kia EV6 remains stopped for a certain period of time, a warning message will be displayed on the instrument cluster. To begin moving again, press the accelerator pedal or operate the (+) switch, the (-) switch, or the (Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control resume switch icon) switch. Resume driving only after confirming that the road ahead is clear and that it is safe to proceed.

Warning road conditions ahead

Kia EV6 cluster warning to watch surrounding vehicles while using Smart Cruise Control
  1. Watch surrounding vehicles carefully and be prepared to respond

In the situation shown above, a warning message appears on the Kia EV6 cluster, and an audible alert sounds to draw the driver’s attention to potentially changing or hazardous road conditions ahead.

WARNING

Always remain alert for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, objects, or other hazards that may suddenly enter the path of your Kia EV6. If needed, press the brake pedal promptly to reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance according to the traffic, road surface, visibility, and weather conditions.

Forward Collision Warning

If Smart Cruise Control is operating and the system detects a high risk of collision, an audible warning and steering wheel vibration may alert the driver. Immediately check the road, traffic, and surrounding conditions. If necessary, press the brake pedal yourself to reduce the Kia EV6 speed and regain direct control of the situation.

For more complete operating details, safety warnings, cautions, limitations, and notices, refer to Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) (Sensor Fusion). These related instructions help explain how the Kia EV6 uses its camera and radar-based driver assistance functions in different driving environments.

WARNING

  • Smart Cruise Control is a driver assistance feature only and is not a replacement for attentive, responsible, and safe driving. The driver of the Kia EV6 must always monitor vehicle speed, traffic flow, and the distance to the vehicle ahead.

  • Smart Cruise Control may not correctly recognize every sudden, unexpected, or complex traffic situation. Always observe the road ahead, check the surrounding lanes, and control your vehicle speed whenever conditions require it.

  • Keep Smart Cruise Control turned OFF when you are not actively using it to help prevent an unintended speed setting or unexpected system operation.

  • Do not open any door or leave the Kia EV6 while Smart Cruise Control is operating, even when the vehicle is temporarily stopped in traffic.

  • Always be aware of the selected set speed and the selected headway distance, because both affect how the Kia EV6 responds to traffic ahead.

  • Maintain a safe distance that suits the road conditions, vehicle speed, visibility, and traffic density. If the headway distance is too short during higher-speed driving, a serious collision may occur.

  • When Smart Cruise Control is maintaining distance from a vehicle ahead and that vehicle suddenly leaves the lane or is no longer detected, the Kia EV6 may accelerate toward the set speed. Always anticipate unexpected changes in traffic.

  • The vehicle speed may decrease while driving uphill and may increase while driving downhill. Be ready to apply the brake or adjust the set speed when driving on slopes.

  • Always pay close attention when another vehicle cuts in suddenly, merges aggressively, or changes lanes near the front of your Kia EV6.

  • Turn OFF Smart Cruise Control when your vehicle is being towed or transported, as the feature is not intended for that condition.

  • Smart Cruise Control may not operate properly if it is affected by strong electromagnetic interference or abnormal signal conditions.

  • Smart Cruise Control may fail to detect an obstacle or vehicle in front, which can increase the risk of collision. Always look ahead carefully and be prepared to brake or steer to avoid unexpected danger.

  • Vehicles ahead that frequently change lanes may delay Smart Cruise Control response, or the system may react to a vehicle traveling in an adjacent lane. Drive cautiously and do not rely only on the system to judge complex traffic movement.

  • Always remain aware of your surroundings and drive safely, even if no warning message appears on the cluster and no audible warning sounds.

  • The Smart Cruise Control audible warning may not sound if another warning sound has priority, such as a seat belt warning or another urgent vehicle alert.

  • The warning sound may be difficult to hear because of interior noise, audio system volume, passengers, weather, or outside traffic noise. Continue watching the road and surrounding vehicles at all times.

  • The vehicle manufacturer is not responsible for traffic violations, unsafe driving decisions, or accidents caused by the driver.

  • Always set the vehicle speed below or within the legal speed limit that applies in your country, region, and current road section.

  • If the driver’s driving style changes, the Smart Cruise Control distance, acceleration behavior, and reaction timing may also change. The Kia EV6 system response can vary depending on accumulated driving patterns and current conditions.

CAUTION

  • The vehicle must be driven for a sufficient period so the system can reflect the driver’s actual driving style, including following distance, acceleration tendency, and reaction speed.

  • Based on Driving Style may not fully represent every driver behavior, such as sudden acceleration, abrupt braking, or unusual driving conditions that can affect safety.

  • When driving the Kia EV6 in special conditions such as snow, heavy rain, fog, poor visibility, icy roads, sharp curves, or steep slopes, the vehicle may not behave exactly according to the driver’s usual driving style.

NOTE

  • Smart Cruise Control may not operate for several seconds after the Kia EV6 is restarted or after the front view camera or front radar has been initialized.

  • You may hear an operating sound when Smart Cruise Control applies the brakes. This can be part of normal system operation.

  • Based on Driving Style does not reflect every possible aspect of driving behavior; it mainly relates to the distance between vehicles, acceleration intensity, and reaction speed.

  • For best results, keep the front camera area and radar sensor area clean, and do not cover them with accessories, stickers, dirt, snow, or other materials that may reduce Smart Cruise Control performance in the Kia EV6.

Smart Cruise Control malfunction and limitations

Smart Cruise Control malfunction

Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control warning message displayed on instrument cluster
  1. Check Driver Assistance system

If a malfunction occurs in the Smart Cruise Control system of the Kia EV6, a warning message will appear on the instrument cluster for a certain period of time, and the Master warning light (Kia EV6 master warning indicator icon) will illuminate to notify the driver that the driver assistance system requires attention.

To ensure proper operation and safety, have the Smart Cruise Control system of your Kia EV6 inspected as soon as possible by an authorized Kia dealer or qualified service center with experience in Kia EV6 driver assistance technologies.

Smart Cruise Control disabled

Kia EV6 radar blocked warning message for Smart Cruise Control
  1. Driver Assistance system limited. Radar blocked.

When foreign substances such as snow, ice, dirt, heavy rain, mud, or road debris cover the front radar cover or the sensor area, the detection performance of the Kia EV6 Smart Cruise Control system may be reduced. In some situations, the system may become temporarily limited or completely disabled until visibility is restored.

At this time, warning messages and the Master warning light (Kia EV6 dashboard master warning light symbol) may appear on the instrument cluster and then disappear after a certain period. This situation does not necessarily indicate a permanent malfunction of the Smart Cruise Control system.

Smart Cruise Control in the Kia EV6 will usually resume normal operation after foreign materials such as snow, rain, ice, or dirt are removed from the radar sensor area. For optimal driver assistance performance, always keep the radar cover and camera areas clean and unobstructed.

WARNING

Even if no warning message appears on the cluster display, Smart Cruise Control in the Kia EV6 may still fail to operate correctly under certain environmental or driving conditions. Drivers must always remain attentive and prepared to manually control vehicle speed and braking.

CAUTION

Smart Cruise Control may not operate properly in open areas where there are few detectable objects or where the radar and camera sensors remain blocked by foreign material immediately after starting the vehicle. Always inspect the sensor areas before driving your Kia EV6 in severe weather conditions.

NOTE

You can check the operating condition and current status of Smart Cruise Control through the service message displayed in the utility information section of the Kia EV6 instrument cluster.

Limitations of Smart Cruise Control ➤

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Operation of this device in the Kia EV6 is permitted only under the following two FCC conditions:

  1. This device may not generate or cause harmful interference, and

  2. this device must accept any interference it receives, including interference that may result in undesired or irregular operation.

TIP

Any changes or modifications that are not expressly approved by the party responsible for regulatory compliance may cancel the user’s legal authority to operate this equipment.

Other information:

Kia EV6 2022-2026 Owner's Manual: If the distance to empty is insufficient

If the Kia EV6 battery warning light turns ON, recharge the vehicle as soon as possible at the nearest available charging station. Drive efficiently according to the recommended operating tips for improving Kia EV6 driving range and energy efficiency. If the remaining battery level reaches 0%, avoid driving unnecessarily and move the Kia EV6 to a safe location before requesting assistance.

Kia EV6 2022-2026 Owner's Manual: Child restraint system (CRS)

Infants and younger children must always be secured in an appropriate rear-facing or forward-facing CRS that has first been properly installed in the rear seat of the Kia EV6. Carefully read and follow all installation instructions and usage guidelines supplied by the manufacturer of the child restraint system to ensure proper protection. WARNING Child Restraint System (CRS) Installation An improperly installed child restraint system may greatly increase the risk of severe injury or death during a collision.

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