If you’re in the market for an electric crossover or sedan, you’ll find plenty of choices. However, if your needs lean towards a larger vehicle and you’re conscious of your budget, the options become a bit more limited. Thankfully, new electric alternatives for larger families are emerging. The Volvo EM90 is a fresh addition, joining the ranks alongside the Kia EV9, which, though more of an SUV than a minivan, offers substantial interior space.
Even though the Volvo EM90 is new, we already know quite a bit about it. If you’re wondering whether it suits your needs better than the Kia EV9, here’s a detailed comparison.
First off, let’s talk exterior design. The Volvo EM90 is designed like a minivan with a boxy shape and sliding doors on the sides. Its front features slim, stylish headlights and the recognizable Volvo EV front end. On the flip side, the Kia EV9 resembles an SUV. Although it maintains a somewhat blocky shape, it’s a bit sleeker than the EM90. The EV9 replaces the sliding doors with traditional ones at both the front and back. It also boasts sleek, angular taillights and a striking “Digital Grille” up front. When it comes to design, it’s a matter of personal taste, but the Kia EV9 stands out as the sleeker and more stylish option. So, on this front, Kia takes the win.
Moving to the interiors, there’s a noticeable difference between the two. The Volvo EM90 offers a minimalist interior with a large display for accessing infotainment and another for instrument monitoring. It seats six passengers comfortably, with two at the front, two in the second row, and two in the third row. The Kia EV9, however, leans more towards a futuristic look, featuring two front displays for infotainment and instrument monitoring. It offers flexibility with seating options for either six or seven passengers. This is due to the choice between two “captain’s chair” seats in the second row or a bench seat that can accommodate three people. Both models offer modern and sleek interiors, so your preference will ultimately guide your choice here.
When it comes to performance, the Volvo EM90 isn’t primarily built for speed. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, according to Volvo. While that’s all the performance details we have for now, there could be various models if it’s released in the U.S. In contrast, the Kia EV9 is more performance-driven. Reports from Car And Driver indicate that the all-wheel-drive EV9 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. This version features two motors delivering a combined 379 horsepower. There are also lower configurations, including the EV9 Light with a single rear motor offering 215 horsepower, and the EV9 Light Long Range with 201 horsepower. Here, the Kia EV9 clearly outperforms the Volvo EM90.
As for range and charging, we don’t yet have all the specifics for the Volvo EM90, as it’s currently only announced for China. It’s certified to offer 450 miles under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CTLC). Typically, the EPA rating is about two-thirds of the CTLC rating, suggesting an estimated range of around 300 miles. The Volvo EM90 can charge from 0 to 80% in under 30 minutes, thanks to its 200kW charging speed. On the other hand, the Kia EV9 has clearer EPA-rated ranges. The standard-range RWD models offer around 230 miles, which isn’t impressive, but the single-motor Long Range model can provide up to 304 miles. Moreover, the EV9 boasts a 350kW charging speed, allowing it to reach 80% charge in under 25 minutes. Since we lack EPA ratings for the Volvo EM90, declaring a winner here is challenging.
Concerning availability, the Kia EV9 is rolling out and will soon be widely available, including in the U.S. In contrast, the Volvo EM90 has only been announced for China. Volvo has stated that availability will “start in China,” hinting at potential future markets, but nothing is confirmed yet. Pricing-wise, the Kia EV9 starts at $54,900, a reasonable amount. The Volvo EM90, however, starts at 818,000 yuan (around $114,000), more than double the price of the EV9. This pricing might change if the EM90 eventually comes to the U.S.
To sum it up, the Kia EV9 is not only cheaper than the EM90 but also performs better and, in my opinion, has a more appealing design. While the Volvo EM90 could still be a great option for some, if you’re looking for a large vehicle with a sleek design and decent range, the Kia EV9 is likely the better choice.