The 2024 Kia EV9 has arrived, and it’s making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Following in the footsteps of Kia’s successful EV6 crossover and borrowing inspiration from the popular Telluride SUV, the EV9 is poised to capture the attention of American car buyers who are increasingly interested in both electric power and the practicality of a three-row SUV. As EV adoption continues its upward trend, the EV9 enters the scene at a perfect moment. We took a closer look at the fully-loaded 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line to see if it lives up to the hype and whether it deserves the kind of accolades you might expect from publications like Car and Driver.
Image showing the 2024 Kia EV9 in blue driving on a paved road, showcasing its modern SUV design.
Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 shares its technological foundation with the EV6. This means familiar territory in terms of dashboard technology, safety features, and powertrain components. However, the EV9 is more than just a larger EV6. Kia has introduced updates to its infotainment system, incorporated SUV-centric functionalities, and adopted a “software-driven” approach to vehicle features, offering owners greater personalization and control over their EV experience. This shift towards software customization, while promising, also raises questions about the future of car ownership and feature access.
Performance and Range: Balancing Power and Efficiency in the Kia EV9
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers a range of powertrain options to cater to different needs and preferences. The base Light RWD model features a 160kW rear motor producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 76.1 kWh battery. For those seeking extended range, the Long Range battery option (99.8 kWh) becomes available, standard on Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims.
Stepping up to the top trims unlocks dual-motor all-wheel drive, boosting the combined output to 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, Kia introduces a “Feature on Demand” software upgrade that further increases torque to 516 lb-ft. While a trial period is included, retaining this performance enhancement requires a one-time $900 payment through the Kia Connect app. This approach raises eyebrows as it potentially creates a disconnect between the test drive experience and the long-term ownership experience, and it sets a precedent for locking hardware capabilities behind software paywalls. However, it’s worth noting that the GT-Line trim comes standard with this performance boost, eliminating the additional cost.
During testing, the GT-Line model demonstrated a brisk 0-60 mph sprint in around 5 seconds in Sport mode. However, focusing on efficiency, the EPA estimates up to 2.38 miles per kilowatt-hour (mpkWh), equivalent to approximately 80 MPGe for this configuration. Real-world testing revealed even better results, averaging 3.0 mpkWh in Eco mode and urban driving conditions. The most efficient EV9 Light RWD trim achieves an EPA-estimated 2.63 mpkWh or 89 MPGe.
Range figures vary depending on the configuration. The single-motor EV9 Light offers an EPA-estimated 230 miles with the standard range battery and 304 miles with the long-range pack. Dual-motor models achieve 280 miles, while the GT-Line, with its added features, is rated at 270 miles. The impact of the Feature on Demand performance upgrade on range remains unclear, but it’s reasonable to assume minimal impact unless driven aggressively.
Both battery packs incorporate Kia’s advanced thermal management system, utilizing fourth-generation battery chemistry and a heat pump for optimal performance and charging efficiency across diverse climates. This system helps maintain range in extreme temperatures and contributes to battery longevity. Preconditioning capabilities ensure the battery is ready for rapid 230kW DC fast charging at compatible 800-volt stations, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 25 minutes.
For those needing towing capability, dual-motor EV9 models equipped with the towing package can handle up to 5,000 pounds. However, as with any EV, towing will significantly reduce the electric range.
Image showcasing the Kia EV9’s charging port and sleek design details during testing in Korea.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Functionality: Powering Your Life Beyond the Road
Like other E-GMP vehicles, the Kia EV9 features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) bidirectional power capability. Using an adapter, owners can tap into the EV9’s battery to power appliances and electronics via a standard 120-volt outlet. This feature is particularly advantageous with the larger 99.8 kWh battery, providing substantial backup power during outages or for outdoor activities. The EV9’s system can deliver up to 1.8 kW of power, sufficient for running refrigerators, tools, or camping equipment.
Software controls within the EV9’s infotainment system allow users to manage V2L activation and set battery reserve limits in 10% increments. This ensures sufficient charge remains for driving after using V2L. Adding to the convenience, a second 1,800-watt V2L outlet is located in the rear cargo area, alongside a lower-power AC inverter in the center console and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin for device charging.
While Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability is planned for future implementation in select markets via the Kia Connect app, the current V2L system, though not powerful enough to fully power a home, offers significant practical utility.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for the Whole Family and More
The Kia EV9 impresses with its surprisingly low step-in height, especially for a large SUV. Sitting only slightly higher than the EV6, ingress and egress are remarkably easy, simplifying passenger entry and cargo loading, including car seat installation.
While the innovative 180-degree swiveling second-row seats are not yet available in the US due to safety regulations, the EV9 offers luxurious second-row captain’s chairs with power adjustments, leg extensions, and massage functions. These create a comfortable six-seater configuration, reminiscent of the Kia Carnival minivan. Legroom is generous in both the second and even the third row, accommodating adults comfortably. The standard seven-passenger configuration includes a folding second-row bench.
Cargo space is ample, offering 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to a cavernous 81.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. However, frunk space under the hood is limited to a small bin suitable for storing the charging cable.
Image highlighting the luxurious two-tone interior of the Kia EV9 GT-Line, showcasing the spacious cabin.
Updated Dashboard Technology: Intuitive and Personalized
The GT-Line trim features heated and ventilated front seats with extensive adjustability, including a relaxing recliner mode for charging stops. The massage function, while not intensely focused, provides subtle relief during longer drives.
The EV9’s dashboard is dominated by a panoramic triple-display setup, building upon Kia’s dual-screen design with a new 5-inch segment display for climate information. The infotainment software has been refined with a customizable home screen featuring widgets and shortcuts for quick access to frequently used functions. Over-the-air updates, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Digital Key compatibility are standard.
Haptic touch shortcuts for key functions are integrated into the dashboard surface, creating a clean aesthetic but potentially requiring more driver attention to operate accurately. These are functionally separate from physical temperature and fan speed controls, improving usability. Overall, the dashboard layout represents an improvement over the already well-regarded EV6 system.
A column-mounted stalk shifter, similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, manages drive modes, freeing up center console space. However, the placement of drive and terrain mode buttons on the steering wheel, tucked beneath the center hub, may be less ergonomically convenient for drivers who frequently switch modes.
Like the Telluride, the EV9 offers a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility, especially when the rear window is obstructed.
Image showcasing the Kia EV9’s advanced dashboard display with customizable widgets and climate control information.
Advanced Driver Assistance and Parking Technology: Safety and Convenience Features
Kia has standardized a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies across the EV9 lineup. Standard features include lane keeping assist, lane following assist, advanced adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation with junction crossing detection. These systems utilize machine learning for more natural and refined operation.
Blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a rearview camera are also standard. Upgrading to the Wind trim adds a surround-view camera system, Blind Spot View Monitor (displaying a camera feed of adjacent lanes in the instrument cluster when signaling), and enhanced parking safety features.
The top-tier GT-Line includes Remote Smart Parking Assist, enabling remote vehicle maneuvering in and out of parking spaces via the key fob. While convenient for tight spaces, its practical daily use may be limited.
Pricing and Market Positioning: Value in the Electric SUV Segment?
The 2024 Kia EV9 starts at $56,395 for the Light RWD base model. However, the Light Long Range RWD, priced at $60,695, offers a compelling upgrade with its extended range. For all-wheel drive and additional features, the EV9 Wind AWD at $65,395 represents a sweet spot in the lineup. These prices include the $1,495 destination charge.
The fully-equipped GT-Line tester, with optional paint, reached a sticker price of $76,245. While more expensive than a comparable combustion-engine Telluride, the EV9 remains competitively priced compared to other electric three-row SUVs like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S.
Currently, federal EV tax credits are primarily accessible through leasing. However, Kia’s move to assemble the EV9 at its Georgia plant may qualify it for purchase tax credits in 2025, potentially reducing the ownership cost.
Image highlighting the Kia EV9’s rear design and taillights, emphasizing its electric and modern SUV identity.
Final Verdict: Should You Consider the 2024 Kia EV9?
Avoid the 2024 EV9 if…
You prioritize rugged off-road capability. In that case, the Rivian R1S, despite its higher price, offers superior off-road performance and adventure-focused features. Alternatively, if three rows are not essential, the Kia EV6 hatchback remains a compelling EV option with excellent range, performance, and value.
Consider the 2024 EV9 if…
You are seeking a spacious, comfortable, and well-equipped electric SUV for family use. The EV9 excels in urban and highway driving, offering a smooth ride and user-friendly technology. Its ample range, fast charging capabilities, and competitive pricing make it a strong contender in the electric SUV market. The 2024 Kia EV9 demonstrates Kia’s understanding of modern SUV buyer needs, delivering a balanced package of practicality, technology, and electric efficiency. It’s a vehicle that deserves serious consideration for anyone looking to transition to a three-row electric SUV, potentially earning the high praise from publications like Car and Driver and beyond.
Vehicle Scoring Matrix: 2024 Kia EV9
| Performance (35%) | 9 |
|---|---|
| Media (25%) | 9 |
| Features (20%) | 8.5 |
| Design (20%) | 9 |
| Overall | 8.9 |
