2024 Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 is the first electric 3-row midsize SUV from a mainstream brand, and it’s primed to be a big hit.

Affordable, yes. Cheap, no. Kia has given the EV9 an upscale look, premium equipment, and lots of space. So when it goes on sale toward the end of 2023, it could easily compete against more typical luxury candidates like the Rivian R1S and the forthcoming Volvo EX90.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including this Kia EV9.

Virtually everything about the EV9 is new. Kia has beaten every other mainstream marque by being the first to bring out a midsize 3-row SUV that’s completely electric. Like the Kia Telluride and its Hyundai Palisade counterpart, a Hyundai Ioniq 7 electric 3-row SUV is set to provide another choice, most likely with similar pricing and availability.

For comparison, a 3-row version of the smaller Tesla Model Y starts in the mid-$50K range. Other midsize 3-row electric SUVs include the Rivian R1S and the upcoming Volvo EX90, both starting in the high $70K range.

Before buying a new EV9 all-electric SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. If resale values of the Kia Telluride 3-row SUV in particular and electric vehicles in general are any indications, the EV9 is going to perform well in this area.

The base version of the new EV9 electric SUV has 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque made by a single motor driving the rear wheels. Even though electric motors are celebrated for their instant power delivery, Kia has decided to leave the thrills for the more powerful EV9 model. So the sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes about eight seconds. That’s quick enough, but who needs fast acceleration times when driving the family around, anyway? Certainly not the EV9 buyer who chooses range over rush with the 201-horsepower/300-mile single-motor version with a larger battery, which needs just over nine seconds to hit 60 mph.

We’ve driven the dual-motor variant with all-wheel drive, 379 horsepower, and 443 lb-ft of torque. It can dash to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest midsize 3-row SUVs available. A GT-Line version is coming with 516 lb-ft of torque.

For a little insight, the 291-horsepower Kia Telluride does the same sprint in about seven seconds and that feels quite sprightly. The dual-motor EV9 also feels sprightly, although there is that extra weight of the bigger body and EV battery to offset some of the power advantage.

Nevertheless, it’s still an enjoyable drive. Excellent outward vision is aided by a low hood, while the cabin is exceptionally quiet. And it’s all easy. The steering is light and the brakes feel natural.

By adjusting the level of brake energy regeneration (just use the shift paddles under the steering wheel), the EV9 brings one-pedal driving, where speeding up and slowing down are determined by how much the right foot depresses the accelerator. The brake pedal only needs to be touched when a sharper stop is necessary.

Instead of the usual sparse-dash/massive-screen approach applied to so many electric vehicles, the EV9’s interior design shows restraint rather than minimalism for the sake of it. It already feels familiar and easy to operate, while sporting clean lines and an overall neatness. The fit and finish is also in line with the EV9’s premium-bracket aspirations.

With accommodation for up to seven occupants, Kia says every seat in the EV9 is executive class. That includes the third row, usually best suited to diminutive executives — but one of our reviewers (6 feet, 4 inches tall) was perfectly happy and comfortable back there on a power-reclining seat.

Compared with the spacious Kia Telluride, the EV9’s wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) is more than 7 inches longer. And that’s readily apparent when sitting inside. We would describe it as a nice, lounge-like vibe, with plenty of legroom in all three rows, as well as USB-C ports.

The new EV9 also underlines its sustainability credentials with simulated leather that doesn’t use any animal products, as well as deploying recycled materials. That longer wheelbase means not having to compromise with cargo space, either. The luggage area behind the third row measures 20.2 cubic feet, which expands to 81.9 cubic feet when rows two and three are folded. Admittedly, the Kia Telluride goes from 21 to 87 cubic feet, but the EV9’s dimensions are still more than respectable. It really comes down to a buyer’s priorities.

We’ve been excited by Kia’s creations whenever its designers explore LED technology. The optional Star Map feature is a perfect example. This is a set of daytime running lights with multiple LEDs, enhancing the EV9’s already distinctive looks. The whole exterior design works for us; it’s practical but not in the least bit humdrum or awkward. Paint choices include both gloss and matte finishes.

Size-wise, the new EV9 SUV is a little longer than the Kia Telluride and vehicles of its ilk, but similar in height and width.

3-row seating
Up until now, electric vehicles haven’t really been a feasible choice for larger families. The spacious EV9 3-row SUV changes all that with seating for up to seven.

Dual 12.3-inch displays
This setup is almost expected these days, but welcome all the same. Two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays pull duty as a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen. They add to the tech-rich feel of the EV9’s cabin and help keep buttons to a minimum.

Over-the-air updates
Although Tesla pioneered this approach several years back, the EV9 is the first Kia to benefit from such technology.

Second-row captain’s chairs
Not just making the second row more spacious and providing easier access to the third row, they can also offer powered adjustment, extending leg cushions, and heating and ventilation.

V2L
Otherwise known as vehicle-to-load, it’s a feature that allows the EV9 to provide electricity for other items, like sound and lighting at a tailgate party. The output is in the cargo area.

Remote Smart Parking Assist 2
The new EV9 offers the latest generation of Kia’s parking assistance system, allowing the driver to stay in the vehicle or control it while outside.

Kia claims a maximum range of 300 miles, achievable with the long-range/larger-battery/single-motor/rear-wheel-drive version of the new EV9 electric SUV. The base model’s range is 223 miles, and the dual-motor variant can run for a decent 270 miles.

Putting all this into context, the Tesla Model Y — much smaller but available with a third row of seats — is capable of 330 miles, while the all-new Volvo EX90 is expected to manage 300 miles. The Rivian R1S is currently EPA-rated between 289 and 321 miles of range, depending on wheel size. The plush and much pricier Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV is estimated at 305 miles, so the new EV9 is clearly competitive.

According to Kia, a DC fast charger can supply up to 149 miles of range in 15 minutes. Looked at another way, this 800-volt system enables the battery to go from 10% capacity to 80% in less than 25 minutes. This is pretty much state-of-the-battery-art right now.

One crucial measurement for batteries of electric vehicles is kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The base version of the 2024 EV9 comes with a single electric motor, driving the rear wheels and energized by a 76.1-kWh battery. Range is 223 miles.

Swap in a 99.8-kWh battery and this combination makes the greatest range — around 300 miles. While torque stays the same (arguably the most important aspect), horsepower drops to 201.

The most muscular drivetrain generates 379 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque (that’s plenty) or 516 lb-ft with a Boost upgrade. This all happens with two electric motors — one for the front wheels, one for the rears — and that bigger battery. It’s still capable of traveling for 270 miles on a single full charge.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the all-wheel-drive version. Rear-drive models can handle 2,000 pounds. Remember that towing will have an impact on range.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

Along with Hyundai, Kia has the best warranties in the industry. New-vehicle coverage is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. That goes for EV batteries as well.

Safety Ratings

The EV9 is so new that it has yet to be crash-tested by any independent agencies, but we’re fans of Kia’s effective and user-friendly driver assistance technologies. The EV9 has forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and intersection assistance as standard. Ten airbags are also fitted.