The realm of electric SUVs hasn’t been particularly diverse. If you’re considering a full-size electric SUV, your choices are quite limited, typically to high-end models like the Rivian R1S, which isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Enter Kia, a company known for bringing affordable cars to market. With the much-anticipated launch of the Kia EV9, an electric SUV is now available for purchase.
The EV9 has generated a lot of excitement, and it’s clear why. The vehicle boasts a sleek, modern design, is built on the same trusted platform as the EV6, and can accommodate up to seven passengers in certain configurations. While it might not be the ultra-cheap option some were hoping for, it significantly lowers the price tier for electric SUVs, starting at $54,900, with little to no competition in that range as of now.
But a lack of competition alone isn’t enough to make a purchase decision. We’ve been testing the Kia EV9 GT-Line to see if it lives up to the hype. Spoiler: it does, and it’s ready to compete with future market entrants.
In terms of looks, the Kia EV9 resembles a mix between the popular Telluride and the EV6. It’s big and blocky, yet carries a sporty vibe, with sculpted lines on its sides and rear. The front features Kia’s new “Digital Tiger Nose,” an evolved version of the classic Tiger Grille. Higher-end models get angular pixel-designed headlights, but even the base model offers attractive angular headlights.
The rear of the car mirrors modern Volvo designs, featuring angular taillights. Additionally, there’s a small spoiler that adds to its sporty look.
Inside, the EV9 feels premium, especially in the top-tier GT-Line model. It can be configured to seat either six or seven people. The six-seater version comes with motorized captain’s chairs in the middle, while the seven-seater has a bench seat—only available in the Light and Wind models. Our test model had the captain’s chairs, which were extremely comfortable. The car also includes USB-C ports throughout the cabin for charging devices and offers separate climate control zones for different seating areas. There’s a large storage bin for second-row passengers, making longer trips more convenient.
Sitting in the driver’s seat mostly, I did spend some time in the passenger seats too. There’s good news: there’s plenty of space in any seat, although the third row is naturally more cramped, as expected in three-row SUVs, and best suited for kids. Even the third-row seating managed to offer a decent level of comfort.
Storage is more than adequate depending on the seating arrangement. With the third row up, you get 20.2 cubic feet of space, and with it down, this expands to 43.5 cubic feet. There’s also a smaller frunk, more diminutive if you opt for all-wheel-drive. Our GT-Line all-wheel-drive model had enough frunk space for a few grocery bags.
On the tech front, Kia has made strides. The infotainment system is user-friendly, thanks partly to wireless CarPlay, unlike the wired connection in the EV6. This makes it easy to get started without dealing with cables. The dedicated climate display and physical controls are handy, although the climate display is somewhat hidden by the steering wheel and not easily accessible for the passenger. Still, it’s better than burying these controls deep within the infotainment system.
Driver-assist features are well-integrated, with standard options like blind-spot monitoring and emergency braking. The higher-end GT-Line includes advanced cruise control with lane-centering, which doesn’t require hands-on-wheel monitoring, making it great for highway use. However, premium features like a camera-based blind-spot monitor and Surround View Monitor are reserved for higher trims, so double-check the features when deciding on a model.
Driving the Kia EV9 is genuinely enjoyable. Despite its size, it benefits from the quick, responsive feel typical of electric vehicles. While heavier and thus not as fast as the EV6, it holds its own among SUVs without breaking the bank.
The EV9 comes in single or dual-motor setups, supporting rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, respectively. The base EV9 Light RWD offers a 215-horsepower motor, while the dual-motor version pushes this to 379 horsepower. Future GT models are expected to boost this to 576 horsepower.
The driving experience is smooth and responsive, handling bumps and potholes well. While the drive leans more towards luxurious than sporty, it fits an SUV’s family-friendly nature perfectly.
The EV9 includes Kia’s iPedal system for one-pedal driving. Unfortunately, iPedal isn’t the default setting and must be selected each time you start the car. There are also three levels of regenerative braking, with the car remembering your preference between drives.
Range varies by model, from 230 miles on the Light RWD to 304 miles on the Light Long Range RWD, with the Wind and Land AWD models offering 280 miles. While not groundbreaking, the range is respectable, though 280 miles is clearly more practical than 230. The GT-Line’s range dips slightly to 270 miles.
Recharging is quick, with the EV9 supporting 350kW charging. If you find a compatible station, you can go from 0% to 80% in just over 20 minutes. However, the scarcity of these super-fast charging stations and the lack of an NACS port are drawbacks.
Overall, the Kia EV9 is a great investment, especially with limited competition in the electric three-row SUV space. For those on a budget, the base EV9 Light is a good choice. If you can spend a bit more, the Wind AWD offers better performance and more luxury. The GT-Line is ideal for tech enthusiasts wanting features like hands-free driving and the Surround View Monitor, but most buyers will find the Wind AWD a satisfying middle ground.