The Kia EV6 is, by most automotive journalists’ reviews, very nearly perfect. That’s an incredible level of praise. One of the few complaints I’ve seen from owners and writers alike is the awkward button positioning for locking/unlocking the doors.
This is found in the handle and must be pressed in a specific spot. If you have a GT-Line (or GT-Line AWD), your EV6 should have an unlock-on-approach feature. This doesn’t seem to exist (not yet, at least) on the Wind trim levels.
On this page, I’ll run through the EV6’s auto lock, what it does, and how to turn it on. Please use this information as a guide alongside your owner’s manual.
Table of Contents
What is the Kia EV6 auto lock?
The Kia EV6 is, like many cars, set to lock and unlock at certain points in your drive. The most obvious example that springs to mind is unlocking the doors when you shift to Park. To use the auto-unlock-on-approach feature, you need the Kia EV6 GTL (at the time of writing).
The hardware is still there in the Wind model, but the software isn’t yet installed. Here’s a bit more information about the auto lock/unlock.
Where is the menu to adjust the auto lock settings?
Adjust the auto lock features (explained in more detail in the next section) by going to the following menu.
- On the touchscreen, go to Vehicle Settings. Source: YouTube (EV-olution)
- Scroll down to Door/Trunk.
- Choose your desired settings for the available features.
What Kia EV6 auto lock/unlock features are available?
Auto lock on the EV6 can be used in several different formats. You’ll find a brief summary below.
- Auto lock when driving – the doors automatically lock when you exceed 9 mph (15 km/h).
- Auto lock/unlock when shifting into/out of Park – the doors will automatically lock when you change out of Park. They’ll unlock when you shift back into Park at the end of your journey.
- Auto unlock when vehicle turns off – turning your EV6 off means all the doors will unlock.
You might also notice the following:
- Doors automatically unlock on impact – the doors will automatically unlock in an accident severe enough to cause the airbags to go off. This extra safety precaution allows you to get out (or the paramedics to get in).
- Some models come with deadlocks. These prevent the doors from being opened from either the outside or the inside and are controlled with the smart key. Again, they’re an additional security measure.
- On GT-Line EV6s, the driver’s door will automatically unlock as you approach to enter.
Of course, all these are dependent on the car having sufficient charge.
Will the Kia EV6 auto lock?
At the moment, the only situation I can find in which the EV6 auto locks after use is as follows:
- When you unlock the door but don’t open any doors.
Around 20 or 30 seconds later, the doors should re-lock. At the time of writing, there aren’t any obvious ways to have the car automatically lock itself when you leave with the key.
Perhaps this will be updated in a later software release. However, it might be a security feature, and thus here to stay.
Things to consider
Modern cars come with all sorts of luxurious extra features. This is great, but I’m big on ensuring they don’t replace a driver’s basic common sense. Using a key fob is relatively effortless. The LOCK and UNLOCK buttons are easy to press, and there are some quick fixes to make the door handle button much easier to use.
While the auto-lock-on-approach might not (yet) exist on the EV6 Wind trim levels, you’ll still be able to use this brilliant car as normal. Before operating any features in your electric vehicle, be sure to read the owner’s manual. This contains everything you need to know about the Kia EV6 auto lock.
Below is a PDF version of the Kia EV6 owner’s manual.
FAQs
How do I activate the auto unlock-on-approach feature on my Kia EV6?
This question is likely to be asked by GTL trim owners interested in enabling this feature.
What should I do if my Kia EV6 doesn’t have the auto unlock-on-approach feature?
This question may be asked by Wind trim owners who wonder about the absence of this feature in their vehicles.
Can I customize the auto lock settings on my Kia EV6?
Owners might want to know how to adjust the auto lock/unlock settings to suit their preferences.
What’s the purpose of the auto lock feature while driving?
Some users might inquire about the necessity and benefits of the auto lock when driving function.
How do I manually lock and unlock my Kia EV6 doors with the key fob?
Owners who prefer manual control may ask for guidance on using the key fob.
What are deadlocks, and how do they enhance security in my Kia EV6?
Users might seek information about the additional security features, such as deadlocks.
Can the auto lock feature be updated through software releases in the future?
Owners could be interested in whether Kia plans to introduce new auto lock features via software updates.