By Eric Brandt
Updated March 13, 2025
The Kia EV9 is a roomy and practical electric 3-row SUV, and its sporty GT model is a welcome addition for 2026.
Even though the Kia EV9 is one of the only entries in a small class of midsize 3-row electric SUVs that aren’t from a luxury brand, it’s our favorite one and the repeat winner of our KBB Best Buy Award for a 3-row EV. Its spacious and practical interior makes it an impressive family vehicle, and its 304-mile max range and rapid charging time make it a great EV. Its modern styling gives way to a high-tech interior that’s more premium than you might expect from a Kia.
A welcome new addition for the 2026 model year is a sporty GT model with 501 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. In addition to the more powerful dual-motor powertrain, the GT model has an electronically controlled suspension system, upgraded brakes, Virtual Gear Shift (VSG), which simulates the feeling of a transmission shifting, and a sporty appearance package exclusive to the GT model.
We expect the 2026 Kia EV9 to start at about $57,000 for the base Light RWD model. The cost of entry for a dual-motor model with all-wheel drive (AWD) will likely be around $66,000. The new 501-horsepower GT trim could start as high as $80,000.
EV9 Light RWD | $57,000 (estimated) |
EV9 Light Long Range RWD | $61,000 (estimated) |
EV9 Wind e-AWD | $66,000 (estimated) |
EV9 Land e-AWD | $71,000 (estimated) |
EV9 GT-Line e-AWD | $76,000 (estimated) |
EV9 GT | $80,000 (estimated) |
The 2026 Kia EV9 will go on sale in the second half of 2025.
Before buying an EV9, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Kia EV9 resale value is above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.
Curb Weight | 5093 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 158.8 cu.ft. | ||
Front Head Room | 41.2 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 41.4 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 7 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 7.0 inches | ||
Overall Length | 197.2 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 61.6 inches | ||
Towing Capacity, Maximum | 2000 lbs. | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 81.7 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 20.3 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 122.0 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6415 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 74.0 inches |
DVD Entertainment System | Port Installed | ||
---|---|---|---|
Satellite Radio | Available | ||
Bluetooth Streaming Audio | Available |
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
---|---|---|---|
Number of Doors | 4 doors | ||
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | Available | ||
Privacy Glass | Available | ||
LED Headlights | Available | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
City | 99 MPGe | ||
---|---|---|---|
Combined | 88 MPGe | ||
Highway | 77 MPGe |
Drivetrain | RWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
1 speed | Available | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 215 hp | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 258 foot pounds | ||
Engine | AC Electric Motor | ||
Estimated Electric Range | 230 miles | ||
Charge Time (240V) | 6.75 hours | ||
Battery Capacity | 76.10 kwh | ||
0 to 60 | 7.7 seconds |
Basic | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 10 years / 100000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 5 years / 100000 miles |
New Kia EV9 | New 2027 Rivian R3 | New 2027 Scout Traveler | New 2026 Rivian R2 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $56,395 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.7 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Consumer Rating | 5.0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Fuel Economy | City 99/Hwy 77/Comb 88 MPGe | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Fuel Type | Electric | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60000 miles | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Horsepower | 215 HP | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Engine | AC Electric Motor | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
Drivetrain | RWD | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The best performers in testing lost just 14% of their range in the cold – better performance than most internal combustion engines.
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