Vehicle Type: A four-door, midsize electric SUV
Price Range: From $56,395 to $81,450, including destination charge
Powertrain: The Kia EV9 is a three-row EV SUV featuring 800-volt electric architecture.
The entry-level Light model comes with a 76.1-kWh battery, which the EPA has estimated gets 230 miles of range and puts out 215 horsepower.
The 210-horsepower Light Long Range model as well as the dual-motor, 379-horsepower e-AWD variants have a bigger 99.8-kWh battery.
These models get an estimated range of 304 and 280 miles, respectively.
If you opt for the highest GT-line trim with all-wheel-drive, this range drops to 240 miles but you get 379 horsepower.
Video Review:
What’s New for 2024?
The EV9 is a brand-new vehicle for Kia in 2024. Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform, it’s a similar design to the popular Kia Telluride but with a longer wheelbase and an all-electric powertrain.
What’s Good?
The EV9 is the first three-row, all-electric crossover SUV from a major automaker.
Overall performance is top-notch, especially if you opt for the higher-end GT-line trim level, which delivers 379 horsepower
With an 11-kWh on-board charger and the ability to get 100 miles of driving range in 13 minutes with DC fast charging, you have many options for keeping the EV9 charged
Comfortable materials and crisp design are apparent throughout the EV9’s interior, making it a premium vehicle for families who want the efficiency and performance of an electric car but want more space than what is available in a Tesla Model X or Tesla Model Y
What’s Bad?
The price of the EV9 is on the high end if you opt for the higher-powered trim levels such as the GT-line
The extra weight provided by the battery pack adds some sway to the handling and some bumpiness in off-road situations
The third row is fairly small and may not have enough legroom for anyone except for children when you are on long drives
Would we buy one? Yes! The EV9 is a fantastic electric vehicle that is handsomely styled and comfortable enough in the first and second rows for commuters and families alike.
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Overview:
Kia’s all-new three-row electric SUV, the EV9, shares a platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and is designed to carry around families as well as deliver the acceleration and power that many new EVs have become known for. With unique exterior styling, long-range capability, three rows of seats, and a relatively low starting price, it is a great option for those who want to bring their family vehicle into the 21st century.
The Kia EV9 has several trim levels available with the single-motor base version coming with a rear-wheel drive rear-mounted electric motor delivering 215 horsepower with a 76.1-kWh battery and 230 miles of range. The RWD long-range version of this base trim has a bigger 99.8-kWh battery but only delivers 201 horsepower. The higher trim levels have a dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive with the Wind e-AWD model, Land e-AWD model, and GT-line delivering 379 horsepower.
The most efficient version of the EV9, the Light Long-Range, gets an EPA-estimated 89 MPGe. The other dual-motor AWD versions get 80 MPGe. However, with the EV9’s 800-volt architecture, you can charge it with 100 miles of range in just 13 minutes, which is faster than almost any other EV currently on the market.
Inside, the 2024 EV9 can either have a six- or seven-passenger capacity, depending on whether or not you opt for the second-row captain’s chairs. If you choose this option, both the front seats and the second-row seats will feature heating, ventilation, and a massage function. The third row is power-folding in the upper trim levels, which helps you take advantage of up to 82 cubic feet of cargo space with both rows folded down flat.
The EV9 features two 12.3-inch touchscreens with one dedicated solely to the gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system. There are no physical knobs for things like the heater and air conditioner and everything is controllable through the touchscreens. The infotainment system is fully loaded with connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa capability and the Kia Connect Store, which allows you to add things like different lighting patterns and the acceleration-enhancing Boost feature.
This new car from Kia also comes with a range of safety and driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. There is also a hands-free driving mode that comes with the adaptive cruise control but this is only available in the EV9 GT-line trim level. The EV9 has not yet been rated for safety by the NHTSA or the IIHS but Kia has a long history of excellent scores from the agencies with many of their vehicles, such as the Stinger and the K5, getting Top Safety Pick+ ratings.
This new three-row SUV from the Korean automaker is designed specifically to be in direct competition with some higher-end, higher-dollar electric vehicles that are currently on the market, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS, the Rivian R1S, and the BMW iX. The big difference, though, is the price tag. While the EV9 can certainly get pricey, especially in the upper trim levels, it has an affordable starting price and delivers performance and charging capabilities that even some of these high-end vehicles can’t. This makes it a great option if you are looking to get into the world of premium EVs but you don’t want to spend six figures on something that will be comfortable as well as practical.
Overall Score: 4/5 stars
Driving Experience: 4/5 stars
The 2024 EV9 has a smooth, desirable ride quality that feels as comfortable as any other SUV in its class.
The steering wheel feels responsive and comfortable with good weighting and controlled body motions that are essential in larger, three-row SUVs.
The single-pedal setup brakes smoothly and utilizes the EV9’s large brake rotors to bring it to a complete stop without any jerking or bumps.
On rough roads, the weight of the EV9’s battery packs adds a little bit of sway, which may be less than comfortable for long periods.
Safety Features: 5/5 stars
The Kia EV9 comes with a wide range of safety and driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
Across all three rows on the EV9’s interior, there are ten airbags placed throughout to keep you and your family safe in the event of a collision.
It features a Safe Exit Assist feature that will tell you if there are any hazards outside the vehicle before you exit.
The EV9’s stiff body structure provides maximum protection in a collision and while it hasn’t been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA yet, Kia has a strong history of high scores with the agencies.
Value: 3/5 stars
With a starting price of $56,395, the EV9 is not necessarily a budget vehicle but it is packed with features and can end up saving you a lot of money in fuel costs.
If you are looking for something more wallet-friendly, the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover or the Hyundai Ioniq 5 could be safer bets but they don’t have the same spark and style that the EV9 has.
It is unclear whether or not the EV9 will be eligible for the full federal $7,500 tax credit since Kia is still working on building its battery production facility in the United States.
Once you start getting into the higher trim levels like the GT-line and you start adding options, it is easy to get the EV9’s sticker price above $80,000.
Tech Features: 5/5 stars
The 2024 EV9 is packed with tech features and many of them are designed to make driving and parking as convenient as possible.
The Kia Connect App allows you to control your EV9 through your smartphone with features like remote starting, charging status, and route planning.
With the Kia Connect App, you can also remotely control the climate control system, which allows you to adjust the temperature before you get in, making it perfect for hot and cold regions.
Amazon Alexa connectivity also allows you to use voice commands for things like remote starting and climate control.
Practicality: 4/5 stars
With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the EV9 is just as practical and capable as the gas-powered Telluride.
The comfortable seating arrangements and third row make it a great vehicle for families, especially those who like to take long trips or have long commutes.
With a low starting price and its money-saving powertrains, it could be an affordable vehicle for people who are just starting in the EV category.
While the range figures are fairly average if you opt for some of the higher-powered motor configurations, you can expect to stop for charges more often than you would with some other EVs on the market.
Styling & Design: 4/5 stars
The exterior design of the EV9 is incredibly unique with a boxy, modern look that is unlike other SUVs currently available.
The long wheelbase and low profile allow the EV9 to cut an interesting figure on the road with a dramatic, sporty stance.
The interior materials such as the faux-leather upholstery, feel a little bit cheap even if they are also very comfortable and great for long drives.
The dual-screen setup of the dashboard looks modern and futuristic with the sleek design you would expect from an EV in 2024.
Fuel Efficiency: 5/5 stars
The EV9 is available in either RWD or AWD and the configuration you choose will have an impact on the MPGe that it is capable of.
The EPA estimates that the RWD EV9 is capable of getting 89 MPGe while the AWD version gets 80 MPGe.
The battery pack and motor configuration you choose will also have a big effect on the range the EV9 is capable of with the base version getting 230 miles, the Light Long Range model getting 304 miles, the e-AWD versions getting 280 and the GT-line getting 270.
The charging capabilities of the EV9 are where it shines with the ability to get 100 miles of driving range in 13 minutes with DC fast charging.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The Kia EV9 starts at $56,395 for the Light RWD model. This price includes the $1,495 destination fee that Kia charges to ship the vehicle to your local dealership.
The Light Long Range model starts at $60,695 and has the longest range available for the EV9 with 304 miles on a 99.8-kWh battery pack. This model comes with captain’s chairs and 201 horsepower from a single electric motor.
The next step up is the Wind AWD model, which starts at $65,395. This version has an all-wheel drive configuration as well as a significant bump in power with 379 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It also includes a heat pump system, which helps preserve the EV9’s range of 280 miles.
The Land AWD model starts at $71,395 and includes captain’s chairs as well as 20-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. It also comes with dual sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats in the second row, and cube projection LED headlights with a digital pattern lighting grille.
The top-spec GT-line trim starts at $75,395. This version comes with a self-leveling rear suspension system, 21-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded premium headliner, GT-line badging, and captain’s chairs.
There are also several options and accessories you can add. These include a rear-seat entertainment system for $1,500, black side step bars for $690, and carpeted floor mats for the six-passenger models for $225.
