2026 Kia EV6: Should You Novate the Refresh?
The 2026 Kia EV6 GT-Line lands with sharper looks and better handling. Here's what that means if you're considering a novated lease. Read on.
Kia has refreshed the EV6 for 2026 — sharper exterior, tightened handling dynamics, and a cabin that's had some attention. The Driven recently drove the GT-Line RWD variant and came away largely impressed, though they flagged the pricing as a genuine consideration (Source 1). That's relevant context if you're a salaried employee weighing up whether to put this car through a novated lease.
The EV6 has been on Australian roads for nearly five years now, which means it's a known quantity — there's real-world ownership data, a dealer network that understands the car, and a residual value story that's had time to settle. The 2026 update doesn't reinvent it; it refines it. That's usually a good sign for anyone thinking about a three-to-five year lease term.
What this means for novated lease customers
Here's the part the car reviews don't cover: the EV6 qualifies as a zero-emissions vehicle under current FBT exemption rules, which means eligible employees can package it through a novated lease without paying Fringe Benefits Tax on the private-use component — a meaningful difference compared to a petrol or hybrid equivalent. That exemption is legislated under the Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) Act, and the ATO has published guidance on which vehicles qualify based on their first retail sale date and driveaway price relative to the luxury car tax threshold.
The 2026 refresh does come at a higher price point, according to The Driven's review [Source 1]. Whether the driveaway price of the specific variant you're considering sits within or above the LCT threshold matters — it affects your FBT exemption eligibility. This is exactly the kind of detail worth checking before you commit to a particular trim level. Potential savings through pre-tax packaging can be substantial for PAYG employees, but the numbers depend on your income, employer arrangement, and the specific variant you choose — not on the badge alone.
Common questions
Does the 2026 Kia EV6 qualify for the FBT exemption on novated leases?
Battery electric vehicles like the EV6 can qualify for the FBT exemption, provided the vehicle's first retail sale price falls below the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles. The 2026 pricing update means it's worth confirming the specific variant and driveaway cost before assuming eligibility — your novated lease provider should verify this before structuring a deal.
Is now a good time to novate a 2026 EV6, or should I wait?
The FBT exemption for eligible EVs is in place now, but it's subject to ongoing government review. Waiting carries policy risk. The 2026 model is a known, refined platform — not a first-generation gamble — which reduces some of the residual value uncertainty that can affect lease costs.
Which EV6 variant makes the most sense through a novated lease?
The GT-Line RWD reviewed by The Driven sits at a lower price point than the GT or AWD variants, which is relevant because it's more likely to sit under the LCT threshold. That said, your income level and employer's novated lease policy also shape which variant makes financial sense — there's no single right answer.
How does novated leasing an EV compare to just buying one outright?
With a novated lease, your repayments and many running costs come from pre-tax salary, which reduces your taxable income. For a higher-rate taxpayer, this can represent a meaningful ongoing reduction in what the car effectively costs you — though the exact benefit depends on your marginal tax rate and the lease structure.
What running costs can be bundled into an EV novated lease?
Most novated lease structures allow you to bundle registration, insurance, servicing, and charging costs into the pre-tax package alongside the lease repayment. For an EV like the EV6, home and public charging costs can typically be included, which is one of the practical advantages over petrol vehicles.