Kia EV9 Review

Kia’s new flagship battery electric EV9 is creative, inspired, and innovative, with driving ranges of 230 to 300 miles

Jump To Special Features

EV9 Fundamentals
2024 Kia EV9 Pricing
Powertrains and Performance
Safety Technologies
Cool EV9 Features
Interior Function
EV9 GT-Line Ride and Handling
Why Buy the Kia EV9 GT-Line?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Kia EV9 electric SUV looks like a digital traveler from an alt dimension. This midsize, three-row crossover makes a futuristic impression on the EV landscape of so many awkwardly designed vehicles.

The EV9’s boxy, triangular blueprint spearheads Kia’s “Opposites United” design language. Inside and out, the treatment is a thorough and thoughtful presentation for a next-generation family SUV crossover. Bristling with electronic features, the EV9 is high-voltage but not intimidating to drive and enjoy.

This SUV’s refinement and accommodation are important to Kia — the brand’s electrified future rides on its shoulders.

“The EV9 is a beacon that points to the future of an electrified lineup for Kia as a mobility leader,” Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said in a statement.

Built on Kia’s E-GMP architecture for electric vehicles, the EV9 uses fourth-generation, 800-volt battery technology.

“Lightweighting” helps compensate for battery weights of 1,021.4 and 1,248.9 pounds. High-strength aluminum was used in areas such as the hood, tailgate, front bumper rail, and extruded side sill.

Competing 3 Row Electric SUVs

The segment of electric three-row SUVs is largely uncharted territory. The main comparables are the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Rivian R1S. Both of those SUVs cost significantly more than the Kia EV9 for about the same size footprint and energy package.

The EV9 is now the brand’s flagship SUV and its largest vehicle to date. At 197.4 inches in length, it is slightly longer than the Kia Telluride SUV, but it is comparable in height (up to 70.1 inches) and width (77.9 inches).

Front headroom, legroom, and cargo capacity are comparable to the EQS and R1S. However, Kia’s EV9 cabin carves out more front shoulder and hip room, 61.6/59.4 inches. Those dimensions compare to the Rivian R1S at 60.6/54.9 and the EQS at 59.5/56.5. (See more EV9 specifications below.)

The EV9’s long wheelbase (122 inches) and flat floor benefit rear seating foot and leg room.

EV9 Fundamentals

The 2024 Kia EV9 is offered in five trim levels, rear- or all-wheel drive, with standard or long-range batteries. Entry rear-wheel-drive models are powered by a 76.1 kWh hybrid battery with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The 99.8 kWh long-range battery pack provides around 304 miles of range.

Standard features on all trim levels include:

• Onboard power generator (V2L) to use the hybrid battery for small appliances, charging systems, and multimedia devices;
• Driver assistance technologies;
• Smart power liftgate;
• Heated and ventilated power front seats;
• SynTex seat upholstery;
• LED projector headlights and LED tail lights. (Land and GT-Line trims are upgraded to Cube Projection LED headlights with digital pattern lighting grille);
• Kia Connect (formerly UVO) uses cellular and GPS navigation connections for remote features and services. These include locking and unlocking the vehicle, using the smartphone digital key, charging, Find My Car, and recovering stolen vehicles.

2024 Kia EV9 Pricing

Choose the driving range and starting price:

EPA-estimated range of 230 miles — EV9 Light RWD $56,395, with 76.1 kWh hybrid battery. Standard features include SynTex seat upholstery in black and gray, second-row bench seat, and 19-inch wheels. The Light RWD has no factory packages and paint colors are limited to four choices, two of which are $695 options.

304 miles of range — EV9 Light Long Range RWD $60,695, with 99.8 kWh battery. Features include six-passenger seating, second-row Captain’s chairs, and heated and ventilated front seats.

280 miles of range — EV9 Wind AWD (long range) $65,395, with dual motor e-AWD and 99.8 kWh battery. Standard features include dual sunroofs, a heated steering wheel, and a heat pump, which pulls less energy than radiant cabin heating.

280 miles of range — EV9 Land AWD $71,395 (long range), with heat pump. Features include second-row Captain’s chairs (heated and ventilated), 20-inch wheels, and driver’s seat relaxation mode (power leg rest).

270 miles of range — EV9 GT-Line $76,390 (long range), with heat pump. Features include power front seats with relaxation mode leg rest, a premium headliner, and second-row Captain’s chairs (heated and ventilated). Hardware features include self-leveling rear suspension, 5,000-pound towing capacity, and high utility roof rails. Exterior features include Cube Projection LED headlights with digital pattern, dual sunroofs, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Choose from nine paint colors, four of which are no-cost; the others are $695 or $995.

Manufacturer suggested retail pricing includes the $1,495 freight charge from Gwangmyeong, Korea.

Incentives and Offers

Find current Kia and EV9 pricing here. Look for special offers and incentives here. At the time of publication, there were several lease options,

Because the EV9 is built in Korea it does not qualify for federal EV incentives. However, there is a $7,500 “Customer Cash” offer for the purchase of a new 2024 EV9.

Kia EV9 Warranties

• 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance;
• 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain;
• 10-years/100,000-miles hybrid battery (10-years/150,000-miles in California).

EV9 GT-Line Powertrain and Performance

All EV9 models use a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a single-speed reduction gear automatic transmission. The shift-by-wire transmission has regen brake paddle shifters, and performance modes of Sport, Eco, Normal, and MY (for driver preferences).

The single-motor (RWD) Light has 215 hp and 258 foot-pounds of torque from 0-4,200 rpm. (The Light Long Range has 201 hp.) The EV9 Light has acceptably safe 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.7 seconds, per Kia. Its 76.1 kWh lithium-ion battery can be recharged to 80 percent in 63 minutes using a DC 50kW fast charge. That’s 20 minutes faster than the 99.8 kWh battery in all-wheel-drive models.

The Wind and Land AWD with 99.8-kWh battery can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and 5 seconds in the GT-Line.

Kia recommends AC charging to keep the high-voltage battery in optimal condition. For owners with a 240-volt 48-amp home charger, a full recharge would take 8 hours and 45 minutes. In my experience, it would take 2 hours or less to top off a battery after a day’s errands.

However, with a total range of 230 to 300 miles, only 80 percent of that is easily recharged at high-speed chargers. That means 80 percent of 280 miles is shortened to 224 miles, making road trips an endurance drive. The high-speed chargers slow down after reaching 80 percent, sometimes taking another hour to hit 100 percent.

EV9 GT-Line Ride and Handling

The EV9 GT-Line smoothes the four-wheel-independent suspension with rear leveling shock absorbers. The suspension has a slight feeling of heft as it manages the EV9 curb weight of 5,800 to 5,886 pounds. Yet, there is just a gentle dip of the shoulder in turns. Rough patches of gator-back are mitigated without transferring harshness to the cabin.

I especially like the extended blink-to-pass turn signals. Rather than the usual three-blink, these continue to blink until the driver has completed the lane change.

Kia assured a secure footprint for its EV9 GT-Line with 21-inch Hankook Ion Evo all-season, 285/45. (Other EV9 trim levels have tire sizes of 19 and 20 inches.) The tester’s smoked black gloss alloy wheels have a handsome design of digital and futuristic.

These Hankooks are designed for electric vehicles. Despite a firm treadwear rating of 500 (UTQG), the tires did not feel hard or noisy.

Electric SUVs are hard on tires because of their hefty curb weight, and replacement tires can be pricey. Online sources indicate pricing for the 21-inch Hankook Ion Evo all-season of $300 to $400 each, not including installation. There is no temporary spare, only a “tire-inflation” system of sealant and a pump.

Hankook Ion Evo all-season, 285/45, with Sound Absorb technology; treadwear rating of 500; spare tire sealant kit.

The tires have a firm treadwear rating of 500 (UTQG), which translates to a 50,000-mile warranty.

Those 21-inch tires also extend the turning circle. Kia lists a turning circle of 40.6 feet for 19-inch tires. However, the span with 21s is awkwardly wide for maneuverability in tight parking situations. For the more expensive EV9 models, rear-wheel steering would be worthwhile.

Electric and Somewhat Sustainable

Kia has attempted to use sustainable materials that owners see and feel. Among them:

• Non-leather SynTex polyurethane seating surfaces;
• BTX-free interior trim, in some areas. (BTX is an abbreviation for aromatic chemical products called benzene (B), toluene (T), and xylene (X).
• Partially recycled materials are used for some fabrics and carpets.

 EV9 Safety Technologies

Among nine air bags is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. The Level 2 semi-autonomous driving proved trustworthy in my interstate driving. The assistance actions are settled with accurate lane centering and are not prone to alarming alerts.

Included tech for driver assistance:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2;
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Highway driving assist
• Park distance warning: forward, reverse, side
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse
• Navigation-based smart cruise control-curve.

Cool EV9 Features

• Onboard power generator (V2L), for recreational or emergency use of appliances, chargers, or media devices.
• Hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features.
• Star Map LED animated Digital Pattern Lighting Grille.
• Over-the-air software updates;
• Ultra-wideband-based digital key. Use this handy smartphone “key” to hand off vehicle use to family or a friend;
• Flush door handles automatically extend when the key-holder approaches.
• Dual-level, floating center console stretches from the first to the second row.
• Second-row sliding storage console.
• Steering wheel LED lighting illuminates the Kia logo.

Interior Function

The Kia EV9 is a comfortable cruiser with open sightlines at the side mirrors and over the shoulder. Headroom with dual sunroofs is tall at 39.6 inches.

The GT-Line has eight-way adjustable front seats — and they are hours-long supportive. The power leg rests are more relaxing than I thought possible. Kia likes sporty front seats, but I could do with a cutdown driver seat cushion bolster. The stiff bolsters created an up-and-over sequence with a parting wedgie.

Wiper coverage is thorough from pillar to pillar. And sliding visors are another convenient asset.

Owners can use fingerprint authentication for multiple-driver presets and preferences. Touching the lens-like console sensor will load such preferences as seat and side mirror positions and infotainment choices. Owners without multiple users might not see the value.

Among the other GT-line distinctions is its creative décor of smoked chrome trim with matte chrome details.

And amid the generous door-to-door elbow room are thoughtful touches throughout the cabin. Among the budget-bending niceties are:

• Headliner vents above the second and third rows;
• “Chauffeur” seat controls to move forward the unoccupied front passenger seat;
• USB ports in front seatbacks for second-row passengers;
• Grab handles above each door, with coat hooks in the rear handles;
• Jacket “hangers” molded into front seatbacks;
• Reclining third-row seatbacks.

Back Seats and Cargo Space

Second-row passengers are treated to a maximum of 42.8 inches of legroom and the footloose freedom of a flat floor. The GT-Line’s Captain’s chairs are enviable with fold-down armrests and three-stage ventilated and heated. However, I was not comfortable using the “Relaxation” recline and foot rest, $2,000. The reclined seat position felt perched and narrow.

I do like the clever (and lighted) slide-out table on the back side of the extended front console. Below the tabletop, there is a storage bin and dual cup holders.

Also thoughtful are entry grab bars at the B pillars for the hoist-aboard, though the step-in height is moderate. The comfortable step-in makes the optional side step bars, $690, unnecessary, except for loading the roof rails. However, with the GT-Line’s high utility roof rails, accessory cross bars are a necessary $360 accessory.

The third row has tall headroom of 39.5 inches, but legroom is just 29.9 inches with the second-row relaxation captain’s chairs. However, with the non-relaxation captain’s chairs, legroom is a more comfortable 32 inches.

Versatile Cargo Space

The EV9 offers versatile cargo functionality. The rear cargo space is 4 feet wide, 29 inches tall at the entry, and has a 32-inch lift to the floor. Fold the third row for 45 inches to the second-row seatbacks.

Cargo space extras include a 125-volt, 15-amp household power outlet and a 12-volt port. Some trim levels have a power-folding third row.

A front trunk, “frunk,” has 1.8 cubic feet of storage space. It is large enough to hold the cable for the onboard charger. How would you use it?

Walk briskly behind the “smart” power tailgate because it takes just a second to open. I was too lazy to go into the vehicle settings to cancel the automatic opening function.

Why Buy the Buy the Kia EV9 GT-Line?

The Kia EV9 will be a charmer on the test drive for those considering a three-row EV SUV. It conveys a sense of “Buckle up, and let’s go for a long ride.”

My EV9 GT-Line cost $78,430 with three options:

• Ocean Blue gloss paint $695,
• Second-row relaxation seats $2,000,
• Carpeted floor mats $225, and carpet cargo mat $115.

While I liked some GT-Line extras, I could do without the 21-inch tires, increased tow capacity, and front passenger relaxation seat.

I would pick the EV9 Wind AWD (long range, 280 miles), $65,395, with 19-inch tires and second-row bench seat. The bench seat provides a larger flat cargo space. At the time of publication, there was a 24-month lease of $389 a month with $4,999 down. That does not include the $7,500 customer cash incentive.

A two-year lease will provide a good learning experience. Besides, there can be issues with a zillion electronic sensors zooming messages throughout. Be prepared. Some owners have had exemplary new-vehicle experiences. Others have had several problems that the dealership has struggled to solve. Some of that struggle is due to too few technicians certified to work on Kia EVs.

Join the Kia EV throng for support, tips, and updates: KiaEVForums. There is also an active Kia EV9 Facebook page.

2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line Specifications

Body style: midsize 6-passenger, 3-row SUV crossover EV with all-wheel drive

Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear automatic, with shift-by-wire, regen brake paddle shifters, Drive Mode select of Sport, Eco, Normal, and MY modes

Motor: Permanent magnet synchronous

Power, AWD:

Front motor: 189.5 hp from 4,000-7,800 rpm, 258 lb.-ft. torque from 0-3,800 rpm;

Rear motor: 189.5 hp from 4,000-7,800 rpm, 258.2 lb.-ft. from 0-3,800 rpm

Total horsepower/torque: 379 hp/516 lb.-ft.

Battery: 99.8 kWh lithium-ion; 552 volts; 180.9 Ah;; 318 kW;

Battery weight: 1,248.9 pounds

CHARGING

Onboard charger: 10.9 kW

Low-voltage DC to DC converter: 2.4 kW max power

BATTERY CHARGING

240-volt/48 amp: 8 hours, 45 minutes

50kW DC Fast Charge: 83 minutes

350kW DC Fast Charge: 24 minutes

GT-Line AWD ACCELERATION

0-60 mph: 5 seconds

37-62 mph: 2.8 seconds

50-75 mph: 3.7 seconds

Braking performance, 60 to 0 mph: 128 feet

EPA-estimated driving range: 270 miles

Fuel economy equivalent: 80 MPGe

BY THE NUMBERS

Cargo space: 20.2 to 43.5 cubic feet

Front trunk: 1.8 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.6*/41.4 inches *w/dual sunroof

2nd-row head/leg room: 38.8/42.8 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 39.5/32* inches w/2nd row captain’s chairs

Length/wheelbase: 197.4/122 inches

Width/height: 77.9/70.1* inches w/roof rails

Curb weight: 5,800 to 5,886 pounds, AWD

Turning circle: 42 feet

Towing capacity, braked trailer: 3,500 to 5,000 pounds, with tow package

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: keyless entry with pushbutton ignition, smartphone digital key, dual 12.3-inch-screen panoramic display with navigation, surround-view monitor, blind-spot-view monitor, Kia Connect (with free 3-year trial), heated and ventilated front seats, heated and ventilated second-row reclining Captain’s chairs, memory presets for driver seat-steering wheel-mirrors, heated telescopic steering wheel, dual sunroofs, smart power liftgate, digital pattern lighting grille, 20-inch wheels

EV9 GT-Line features include: 21-inch alloy wheels, head-up display, GT-Line exterior and interior styling, 5,000-pound towing capacity, self-leveling rear suspension, front passenger seat comfort tilt with leg support, parking collision-avoidance assist (forward and side), remote smart parking assist-2

Safety features include: 9 air bags, safe exit warning, safe exit assist, traction and stability controls

ADVANCED DRIVER-ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2;
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Highway driving assist
• Park distance warning: forward, reverse, side
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse
• Navigation-based smart cruise control-Curve

CHASSIS COMPONENTS

Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated discs, 14.2 inches front, 13.6 inches rear; electric parking brake

Steering: Rack-mounted motor-driven; 40.6 foot turning circle

Tires-wheels: 21-inch smoked black gloss alloy wheels; Hankook Ion Evo all-season, 285/45, with Sound Absorb technology; treadwear rating of 500; spare tire sealant kit.

SUSPENSION

Front: MacPherson struts with dual lower arm; shock absorber, smart frequency damper valve with hydraulic rebound stop

Rear: 5-link multi-link with self-leveling shock absorbers

PRICING

EV9 GT-Line base price: $75,395, including $1,495 freight charge; price as tested $78,430

Options on test vehicle: Gloss Ocean Blue paint $695; GT-Line Relaxation Package for reclining second-row seats with leg rest $2,000; carpeted floor mats $225; carpet cargo mat with seatback protection $115

Where assembled: Gwangmyeong, Korea

Warranties: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance, 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain; 10-years/100,000-iles hybrid battery (10-years/150,000-miles in California)