2024 Kia EV9

A new take on the brand's dogbone grille, or “tiger mask,” defines the front end. Daytime running lights step from the bumpers into the fenders like a lightning bolt. The LED headlights feature two stacks of small cubes, like an ice tray of light. An available Digital Pattern Lighting Grille on GT-Line models features pixelated “L”-shaped lights that shine through the body panel on the edges and can be changed in five arrangements. 

The stepped pattern repeats itself in back with taillights that climb up the tailgate to the integrated rear roof spoiler. Boxy wheel arches bulge out over wheels ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches. Flat body sides iron out the space between. 

The wide and low stance carries over inside, with a horizontally stretched dash and thin vents and control buttons. Beneath the curved wall of screens sits a panel of hot buttons for the infotainment system that blends into the dash trim, similar to that of the Nissan Ariya. Tasteful ambient lighting lines the upper and lower dash, as well as the door panels and console area, but the nighttime glow from the screens can overwhelm; we recommend toning it down in the settings. 

Kia skips traditional luxury elements such as wood trim and leather upholstery for what it calls more sustainably sourced materials. The EV9 boasts interior plastics composed of more than 70 upcycled plastic bottles. 

The shift stalk returns to the steering column to open up storage space in the two-tiered center console and its clever storage spaces. The console ends at the thigh area, resulting in an open space between it and the dash for a sense of openness that’s complemented by twin front and rear sunroofs. 

Steering wheel paddles offer five levels of regenerative braking, from the lowest level that coasts like a gas car to the most significant level that makes the car lurch back if you abruptly take your foot off the accelerator as you would in a gas car. It only takes a few miles to get used to gently easing off the accelerator as a form of braking. The paddles suit an array of driver preferences, so either spouse or the teen driver can use what best suits them. 

How fast is the Kia EV9?

Dual-motor models are relatively quick for a vehicle weighing about 5,800 pounds, which is slightly heavier than most truck-based, full-size SUVs such as the Chevy Tahoe. Single motor models are designed more for efficiency. 

The Light Long Range has a 150-kw rear motor that generates 201 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds. The Light and its smaller battery pack (total vehicle weight drops from 5,313 to 5,093 pounds) pair with a bigger 160-kw motor rated at 215 hp, and the 0-60 mph time drops to 7.7 seconds.

All-wheel-drive models add a second motor up front that increases total system output to 379 hp, 443 lb-ft. Kia estimates a sprint to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. That’s impressive for a boxy three-row SUV, but the GT-Line boosts output to 516 lb-ft, and a 60 mph dash in just 5.0 seconds. It’s remarkably quick for highway passing or off the line, yet it’s smooth enough not to slam the heads back of occupants who are preoccupied with their devices. 

The prodigious weight sits low and mostly between the axles in the EV9, giving it a solid, planted feel not shared by more buffalo-like three-row SUVs. It’s a treat on winding roads at speeds of less than about 50 mph, and can make a ready excuse for picking up take out to bring back to the family during vacations in Appalachia. 

But the MacPherson front struts and five-link independent rear suspension show their limits in corners and in the kind of driving uncommon for a three-row SUV. This is not a magical performance machine, and all that weight can cause it to plow when pushed hard. In general, however, there’s less body lean than similarly-sized vehicles. The steering feel leans to the light, dull side but it is direct.

2024 Kia EV9 off-road and towing 

Don’t consider it for off-road duty, but soft-road duty on access roads shouldn’t give owners too much pause. The 7.8 inches of ground clearance should be fine on flatter terrain, but with the axles pushed to the corners the chunky overhangs are less likely to scrape the ground; we can’t say the same for the breakover angle, though, so pick your paths wisely. A locking center differential splits the torque evenly between the axles for muddy, sticky parts. Drive modes such as Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow also adjust torque distribution and accelerator response. Kia says it has 19.5 inches of water fording capability but who’s getting out into the mud to test it on the way to or from the campground?

Dual-motor models can tow 5,000 pounds, similar to the Telluride (single-motor models tow up to 2,000 pounds), but mind your range.

The EV9 accomplishes the perfect 10 here for its impressive fit and finish; even though the recycled materials lack the polish of luxury bona fides, it’s well built and quiet, even with a dual sunroof. 

From the wide rear, pull straps fold down the headrests and third row seats into a flat load floor and 43.5 cubic feet of space. A hidden floor stows stinky stuff or other items to be kept out of view, and up front under the hood a small frunk the size of a briefcase can carry a charge cord or a case of chocolate oranges. Power seats buttons in the cargo area make folding down the second-row captain’s chairs a breeze, and maxing out cargo space to 81.9 cubes. 

Opting for the second-row bench seat means you can’t get the second row console as with the captain’s chairs, but you don’t sacrifice much. The front center console opens with a drawer accessible to second-row riders. USB ports and a control panel on the inside of the passenger seat allows the driver or rear passengers to slide the seat forward for more legroom. 

Such thoughtful spatial touches dominate the Kia EV9. Every row has USB-C ports, the captain’s chairs can be heated or cooled, and available leg rests in the captain’s chairs make for comforting—if not compromising—road tripping. Power tilt and fold features make getting in and out easier but slower than latches or straps.

We haven’t tested either feature, but the standard adaptive cruise control provides a couple minutes of hands-free driving as long as the driver’s eyes maintain the road, otherwise the system will alert the driver to take the wheel or shut down. It works well maintaining the lane even on curves and above highway speeds, which is promising for the forthcoming lidar system. 

The large dual sunroofs give way to a boxy greenhouse and low dash with great outward vision out the front and decent outward vision on the sides, but if the headrests are up in the third-row seats, opt for the rearview mirror camera that Kia calls Full Display Mirror. Overall outward vision isn’t good enough to earn a point here, but it’s good relative to other three-row SUVs.

Which Kia EV9 should I buy?

If 74 extra miles of range is worth it between the base Light ($56,395) and the Light Long Range ($60,695), then spend the extra $4,300 for the larger 99.8-kwh battery pack. 

If dual-motor all-wheel-drive performance is a must-have, then spend the extra $4,700 beyond that for the $65,395 Wind. It’s the entry point for AWD and includes a heat pump and a heated steering wheel, as well as the standard content on Light models. That includes 19-inch alloy wheels, the twin 12.3-inch screens, synthetic leather seating, 8-way power front seats that are heated and cooled, a smart key, two USB ports in each row, a wireless smartphone charger, and a whole lot more. 

It’s a total package, even at the entry level, earning a point for its standard features, a point for the luxurious options, a point for its touchscreen interface that’s so deeply layered owners should spend some time with it before leaving the driveway, and another point for Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile electric powertrain warranty. That adds up to a 9. 

The Light and Wind have a second-row bench seat to fit seven passengers total, whereas the Light Long Range, Land, and GT-Line have second-row captain’s chairs for seating up to six people.

How much is a fully loaded Kia EV9?

The $71,395 Land rolls on terra firma with 20-inch wheels and it adds a Meridian 14-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, a second-row console with a drawer and heated and cooled second-row seats, as well as more power adjustments for the driver’s seat. 

If you want the full EV9 experience, look to the $75,395 GT-Line and all its special badging and gunmetal flourishes on the exterior, as well as its comfier front seats. Keep in mind the 21-inch wheels lower the range from 280 to 270 miles.

The Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims only come with dual-motor all-wheel drive and the large pack, with a range of 280 miles or 270 miles in the case of the loaded GT-Line and its larger 21-inch wheels. 

How long does it take to charge the Kia EV9?

The Kia EV9 takes advantage of its 800-volt architecture by having the quickest DC fast-charge times of other electric three-row SUVs. It can accept a peak charge rate of 215 kw (versions with the smaller battery pack can accept up to 236 kw of peak power), and Kia estimates that it would take less than 25 minutes to charge it from 10-80% at that rate, but that depends on external factors such as temperature and the condition of the charging station. The smaller pack fast-charges in 20 minutes. 

At home with 240 volts supplied at 48 amps, the EV9’s 10.9-kw onboard charger would top off the big battery in less than nine hours. 

Kia adds a couple bonuses for EV9 owners, such as 1,000 kwh of complimentary DC fast-charging at Electrify America bays. An optional feature not offered by most other EV makers is bidirectional charging to power other appliances or as a backup home generator, or to supply power back to the grid.