Kia EV6: Driving your vehicle / Following distance

Contents:

• Maintenance when towing a trailer
• If you decide to pull a trailer

When towing a trailer with the Kia EV6, always maintain at least twice the normal following distance compared to driving without a trailer attached.

The added trailer weight increases stopping distance and reduces braking responsiveness, especially during wet weather, downhill driving, or emergency braking situations.

Maintaining additional space between the Kia EV6 and the vehicle ahead helps reduce the likelihood of sudden braking, abrupt steering corrections, or emergency maneuvers that could destabilize the trailer.

Extra following distance also improves visibility and provides more reaction time when traffic conditions change unexpectedly.

Passing

When towing a trailer with the Kia EV6, additional passing distance is required because the combined vehicle and trailer length is significantly greater than the vehicle alone.

Acceleration performance may also be reduced while towing, particularly when driving uphill or carrying heavy trailer loads.

Before overtaking another vehicle, ensure there is enough open road ahead to complete the maneuver safely.

After passing, allow the Kia EV6 and trailer combination to move well beyond the overtaken vehicle before returning to the original lane.

Always avoid sudden lane changes or aggressive steering inputs while passing with a trailer attached.

Backing up

When reversing the Kia EV6 with a trailer attached, place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel for better directional control.

To move the trailer toward the left, move your hand to the left. To move the trailer toward the right, move your hand to the right.

Always back up slowly and make small steering corrections to avoid oversteering the trailer.

If possible, have another person stand outside the Kia EV6 to guide you while reversing, especially in tight spaces or areas with limited visibility.

Using mirrors carefully and reversing gradually can help improve trailer control and reduce the risk of collisions.

Making turns

When turning with a trailer attached, the Kia EV6 requires wider turning angles than during normal driving.

Wide turns help prevent the trailer from striking curbs, road signs, soft shoulders, parked vehicles, trees, or other roadside obstacles.

Avoid sudden steering corrections, jerky movements, or aggressive cornering while towing.

Always activate the turn signals well in advance before turning or changing lanes so that surrounding drivers have adequate warning.

Take corners slowly and maintain stable throttle control to help reduce trailer sway and improve towing stability.

Turn signals when towing a trailer

When towing with the Kia EV6, the vehicle requires a dedicated trailer turn signal flasher system and additional trailer wiring connections.

The green turn signal arrows on the Kia EV6 instrument cluster will flash whenever a turn signal or lane change signal is activated.

If the trailer wiring is connected properly, the trailer lighting system will also flash to alert surrounding drivers when you intend to turn, change lanes, or stop.

While towing, the green turn signal arrows inside the Kia EV6 instrument cluster may continue flashing even if the trailer signal bulbs have failed.

Because of this, do not rely solely on the instrument panel indicators. Periodically inspect the trailer lights manually to ensure all bulbs continue operating correctly.

Always check trailer lighting operation each time the trailer electrical connector is disconnected and reconnected.

Do not connect the trailer lighting system directly into the Kia EV6 vehicle lighting circuits.

Always use an approved Kia EV6 trailer wiring harness specifically designed for trailer towing applications.

Visit an authorized Kia dealer for proper trailer wiring harness installation and towing electrical setup.

Visit an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING

Detection of trailer light connection

The Kia EV6 can automatically detect a connected trailer lighting system only when genuine Kia towing accessories, including an approved tow bar and trailer wiring harness, are installed correctly.

The trailer connection detection system recognizes trailer power consumption and communicates this information to various Kia EV6 vehicle systems.

After connecting the trailer electrical socket, either press the brake pedal or activate the turn signals so the electronic control unit can recognize the trailer lighting load.

Once detected, the Kia EV6 may automatically adjust certain driver assistance or safety system functions for trailer towing operation.

When disconnecting the trailer, press the brake pedal or activate the turn signals again so the control unit can recognize that the trailer electrical load has been removed.

Driver assistance systems that were temporarily disabled during towing operation may then reactivate automatically.

It remains the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all trailer electrical connections, brake lights, turn signals, marker lamps, and trailer lighting systems are functioning properly both before and during towing.

Always perform manual inspections before driving the Kia EV6 with a trailer attached.

CAUTION

Driving on grades

Before descending a long or steep downhill grade while towing with the Kia EV6, reduce vehicle speed and select a lower driving gear or appropriate regenerative braking setting.

If you fail to downshift or reduce speed before descending, excessive brake usage may cause the braking system to overheat and reduce braking effectiveness.

Using lower drive settings and regenerative braking helps the Kia EV6 maintain safer downhill speed control while reducing unnecessary brake wear.

When driving uphill for extended periods with a trailer attached, reduce vehicle speed to approximately 45 mph (70 km/h) or lower in order to minimize the possibility of high-voltage battery overheating, drivetrain stress, or gear system overheating.

Steep inclines, heavy trailer loads, high outside temperatures, and prolonged uphill towing can place additional strain on the Kia EV6 electric powertrain system.

CAUTION

Parking on hills

If a trailer is attached to the Kia EV6, avoid parking on steep hills whenever possible.

If the vehicle or trailer unexpectedly rolls downhill, serious injury, fatal accidents, or major vehicle damage may occur.

WARNING

If parking the Kia EV6 and trailer combination on a hill is unavoidable, follow these procedures carefully:

1. Carefully pull the Kia EV6 into the parking area and turn the steering wheel toward the curb.

   • Turn the wheels to the right if facing downhill.

   • Turn the wheels to the left if facing uphill.

2. Apply the parking brake firmly and completely switch off the Kia EV6.

3. Place wheel chocks securely behind the trailer wheels on the downhill side.

4. Restart the Kia EV6, firmly hold the brake pedal, shift the vehicle into neutral, release the parking brake, and slowly release the brake pedal until the trailer load is fully supported by the wheel chocks.

5. Press the brake pedal again and firmly reapply the parking brake.

6. Switch the Kia EV6 off and release the brake pedal while leaving the parking brake fully engaged.

WARNING

When preparing to leave after parking on a hill with a trailer attached:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal firmly while performing the following steps:

   • Start the Kia EV6;

   • Shift into the appropriate driving gear; and

   • Release the parking brake.

2. Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal while confirming that the Kia EV6 and trailer remain stable.

3. Drive forward slowly until the trailer wheels are completely clear of the wheel chocks.

4. Stop the Kia EV6 in a safe location and have someone remove and store the wheel chocks properly before continuing the trip.

Maintenance when towing a trailer

The Kia EV6 requires more frequent inspection and maintenance whenever the vehicle is regularly used for trailer towing.

Additional towing load places increased stress on drivetrain components, cooling systems, suspension parts, brakes, tires, and lubricants.

Important maintenance items that require closer attention while towing with the Kia EV6 include reducer fluid condition, axle lubricant, cooling system fluid levels, and overall brake system performance.

The condition of the braking system is especially important because trailer towing increases braking demand and operating temperatures.

Each maintenance item is covered in detail throughout the Kia EV6 owner’s manual, and the Index section can help locate specific maintenance procedures quickly.

If you regularly tow a trailer, reviewing these maintenance sections before beginning a trip is highly recommended.

Do not forget to properly maintain the trailer and trailer hitch assembly as well.

Always follow the maintenance schedule supplied by the trailer manufacturer and inspect the trailer periodically.

At the beginning of every driving day, verify that all trailer hitch bolts, mounting hardware, and hitch nuts remain securely tightened.

Also inspect trailer tires, electrical wiring, safety chains, trailer lights, and brake operation before towing with the Kia EV6.

CAUTION

If you decide to pull a trailer

Before towing with the Kia EV6, carefully review the following important towing recommendations and safety considerations:

• Consider using a trailer sway control system to improve towing stability and reduce trailer movement during crosswinds, lane changes, or uneven road conditions. An authorized trailer hitch dealer can provide additional information regarding sway control systems compatible with the Kia EV6.

• Do not tow a trailer with the Kia EV6 during the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle operation. This initial break-in period helps drivetrain and power electric system components seat properly.

  Ignoring this recommendation may result in serious electric motor, drivetrain, or high-voltage system damage.

• Before towing, consult an authorized Kia dealer regarding any additional towing requirements, approved towing kits, or recommended trailer equipment for your specific Kia EV6 configuration.

• Always operate the Kia EV6 at moderate speeds while towing a trailer, ideally below 60 mph (100 km/h).

• When driving uphill with a trailer attached, do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower.

• The following weight charts contain important towing weight information and vehicle loading considerations for the Kia EV6.

• The driving range of the Kia EV6 electric vehicle may be significantly affected by trailer weight, trailer aerodynamics, weather conditions, terrain, and driving speed.

  Depending on trailer size and load, the electric driving range may decrease by as much as 50%.