Overview
Going all-electric isn’t just for sedans, pickups, and small SUVs anymore. The three-row EV9 SUV, which is about the same size as the current gas-only Telluride, shares its platform with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7. The EV9 is with rear- and all-wheel drive, with the latter featuring a 379-hp dual-motor powertrain. Both the AWD and rear-drive Long Range models will have a 99.8-kWh battery that Kia says will deliver 300 miles of range with the single-motor setup. The standard RWD EV9 will have a 76.1-kWh battery that Kia estimates is good for up to 223 miles. Its big size comes with a big towing capacity of 5000 pounds—the same max capacity as the gas-powered Telluride. The EV9’s promise of a usable third row of seats will likely attract many families. Not only is it among the few three-row EVs on the market, with an expected sub-$60k starting price, especially for an EV of this size.
What’s New for 2024?
The EV9 is a new nameplate for the Kia brand and the next in the company’s plan to have 11 new electric vehicles for sale by 2026. The EV9 goes on sale later in 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The mid-range Wind trim appears to offer the most value, by unlocking the more powerful all-wheel drive powertrain for 379 horsepower. It also comes with desirable standard features such as second-row captain’s chairs, a heat pump for the climate control system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a host of driver-assistance features.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The EV9 lineup starts with the rear-wheel-drive Light trim, which features a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 215 horsepower. The Light Long Range version is rear-drive too. However, despite adding a bigger battery, its peak power drops to 201 horses. Kia claims the former will hit 62 mph in a leisurely 8.2 seconds and the latter will need a slothful 9.4 seconds. All-wheel-drive models have a dual-motor arrangement with a combined 379 ponies, and an available Boost mode will increase the peak torque output and provide quicker acceleration. Kia claims the AWD EV9 will hit 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds, making it the one to get for folks who want the punchy take-offs that EVs are typically known for. A performance-oriented GT model will join the lineup for the 2025 model year and could offer as much as 576 horsepower. We’ve only piloted a prototype, but it was still a pleasure to drive. On the highway, the EV9 has a pleasantly soft ride and the defeatable one-pedal smoothly rolls the SUV to a complete stop.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The entry-level Light model comes with a 76.1-kWh battery pack which offers an EPA-estimated 230 miles of driving range. The Light Long Range model and the e-AWD versions have a larger 99.8-kWh pack. The Light Long Range model is rated by the EPA for up to 304 miles of driving per charge, while the Wind e-AWD and Land e-AWD models are rated or 280 miles. Going with the top-spec GT-line trim drops the estimated range to 270 miles per charge. Every EV9 uses Kia’s 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing DC fast-chargers to replenish its battery quickly. The EV9’s 11-kW on-board charger is about average among competitors, but its 230-kilowatt maximum DC-fast-charging speed is said to add 149 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA hasn’t yet released fuel-economy estimates for the EV9, but given its blocky shape and significantly larger size, we expect to see a lower number than the Kia EV6’s 117 MPGe combined. We estimate that the EV9, depending on the drivetrain, could get anywhere from 79 to 83 MPGe. For more information about the EV9’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The EV9 can be ordered in either six- or seven-passenger versions, depending on whether the second row has captain’s chairs or a bench. On the EV9’s upper trim levels, the third row is power folding. The front seats were firmly cushioned in the prototype we drove, and much of the synthetic upholstery felt a bit cheap. Hopefully, that isn’t the case for U.S.-spec models. The EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs feel much like the fronts and offer heating, ventilation, and massaging. In the very back, the third row easily accommodates adults, but will require some concessions given by those in the second-row, in order to comfortably offer legroom. The EV9’s rear cargo space holds 20 cubic feet, nearly as much as the Telluride, or up to 82 cubic feet with both second- and third-row folded flat.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Inside the EV9 are a pair of 12.3-inch screens—one for the gauge cluster and a second for infotainment—with a dedicated HVAC readout between them. The EV9 lacks physical knobs, and its buttons are reduced compared to other Kias on sale today with just a few key HVAC controls and a volume knob remaining, along with touch-sensitive controls embedded in the dash to jump to different menus. The EV9 uses an entirely new generation of infotainment, whose details are also under wraps until the new three-row is revealed.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The EV9 comes with several standard driver-assistance features, including systems such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking. Kia also offers a hands-free driving mode that’s bundled with a more advanced version of adaptive cruise control. However, it’s only for the EV9 GT-Line. For more information about the EV9’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia provides one of the best warranty plans in the industry. Unfortunately, unlike Hyundai, it doesn’t come with any complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Kia EV9
Vehicle Type: rear- or front-and-rear motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE (C/D EST)
Base RWD, $56,000; Long-Range RWD, $63,000; Base AWD, $68,000; GT-Line, $73,000
POWERTRAINS
Rear Motor: permanent-magnet AC, 215 hp, 258 lb-ft Optional
Front Motor: permanent-magnet AC, 215 hp, 258 lb-ft
Combined Power (w/optional front motor): 379 hp
Combined Torque (w/optional front motor): 442-516 lb-ft
Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 76.1 or 99.8 kWh
Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW
Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 230 kW
Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.0 in
Length: 197.4 in
Width: 77.9 in
Height: 69.1-70.1 in
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 82/TBA/20 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5000-5800 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.0-9.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8-16.5 sec
Top Speed: 115 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 79-87/85-93/70-80
MPGe Range: 223-300 mi
