The New York Auto Show 2024 offered a glimpse into the exciting future of electric vehicles, and among the standout models was the Kia EV9. Initially captivating with its bold, concept-car-like design, spacious three-row seating, and luxurious interior featuring captain’s chairs, the EV9 sparked immediate interest. However, a true evaluation requires more than just a showroom glance.
After a week-long test drive in the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD trim, a deeper understanding of this mid-size SUV emerged. It’s clear that the EV9 is more than just visually striking; it’s packed with technology designed to enhance safety and driving pleasure, setting it apart in the crowded SUV market. While the EV category is rapidly evolving, the Kia EV9 has quickly become a noteworthy contender. Could it be among the best electric cars available today? Let’s delve into a detailed review, exploring both the pros and cons uncovered during the test drive experience.
Kia EV9: Pros
Concept Car Aesthetics Brought to Life
(Image credit: Future)
Driving the Kia EV9 through bustling city streets immediately turns heads. While the vibrant paint certainly contributes to its appeal, the EV9’s design goes beyond mere color. It embodies the rare achievement of translating a concept car’s futuristic vision into a production model. The EV9’s sharp angles, striking LED projector headlights, and stylish wheels exude a concept-like aura that is seldom seen in vehicles available for purchase. Currently, no other all-electric SUV on the market can rival the EV9’s visual presence. Prepare to attract attention and envious stares wherever you go.
Advanced Auto Lane Change Assist
(Image credit: Future)
Modern vehicles showcase remarkable technological advancements compared to older models. Adaptive cruise control, which enables cars to autonomously manage speed and distance, was already a significant leap. However, the Kia EV9 introduces an even more impressive feature: automatic lane changing. Engaging the EV9’s adaptive cruise control for steering, acceleration, and braking on highways, the auto lane change assist function is genuinely surprising. With a simple flick of the turn signal, the EV9 seamlessly transitions into the adjacent lane without any manual steering input.
This technology simplifies driving to an almost effortless level. By utilizing its array of cameras and sensors, the EV9 confidently navigates lane changes, making highway driving remarkably relaxed and convenient.
Customizable and Animated LED Headlights
(Image credit: Future)
The Kia EV9’s headlights are not just functional; they are a key design element that enhances its futuristic appeal. Beyond the main headlights, customizable accent lights further amplify this aesthetic. These speckled patterns, subtly integrated near the headlights, become distinctly visible at night, adding a unique visual signature to the EV9.
Through the vehicle’s system settings, drivers can personalize the pattern and animation of these accent lights to match their individual style. This customization ensures the EV9 looks equally impressive during both day and night. These subtle yet impactful details contribute significantly to the EV9’s unique road presence and desirability.
Exceptionally Clear Heads-Up Display (HUD)
(Image credit: Future)
Elevating the EV9 to near-luxury status is its integrated heads-up display, projected directly onto the windshield. This feature, typically found in premium vehicles like the Lexus TX550H+ PHEV, provides crucial driving information without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road.
The HUD displays essential details such as speed, navigation prompts, and even music album art. Notably, the EV9’s HUD exhibits exceptional sharpness and detail, surpassing even that of the Lexus. This clarity enhances both convenience and safety, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road while staying informed.
Relaxing Driver’s Seat with Stretching Feature
(Image credit: Future)
Beyond a standard footrest, the Kia EV9 introduces a unique feature for enhanced driver comfort: a lower back stretching function. While not a massage system, this ERGO motion feature provides noticeable relief during long journeys. The seat subtly adjusts around the lower back, creating a gentle stretching sensation that alleviates muscle tension and promotes comfort during extended drives. It’s a feature rarely found in vehicles and greatly appreciated for long-distance driving.
Stylish Interior Ambient Lighting
(Image credit: Future)
The EV9’s interior ambient lighting further contributes to its stylish and futuristic atmosphere. The accent lights, strategically placed throughout the cabin, create a striking and almost sci-fi-like ambiance. While some might find it excessive, the ability to select dual-color tones, rather than being limited to a single color, adds a layer of customization and sophistication that enhances the overall interior experience.
Kia EV9: Cons
Digital Rearview Mirror Adjustment
(Image credit: Future)
Digital rearview mirrors offer advantages, particularly at night by mitigating headlight glare from vehicles behind. However, adapting to them can take time. While beneficial in reducing nighttime glare, the digital rearview mirror in the EV9 presents a focus adjustment challenge. The issue arises from the eye’s need to shift focus from distant objects ahead to the closer focal point of the digital mirror. This transition can take a few seconds, potentially causing momentary strain as the eyes readjust. While beneficial in certain situations, the digital rearview mirror requires a period of familiarization.
Premium Price Point
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The Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD starts at a significant $74,000, placing it firmly in the premium price range. Even the base model, priced at $55,000, represents a considerable investment for many consumers. While there are EVs on the market with even higher price tags, the EV9’s cost might be a barrier for wider adoption. A key factor to consider is range; the EV9 offers a shorter estimated range of 270 miles compared to the Tesla Model X, which boasts around 335 miles on a charge. While the EV9 justifies its price with features and design, the range-to-price ratio may be a point of consideration for potential buyers.
Kia EV9: Bottom Line
(Image credit: Future)
The Kia EV9 delivers an engaging and enjoyable EV driving experience, comparable to the excitement of test-driving the Ford F150 Lightning. These EVs demonstrate the capability to match and even surpass their gasoline-powered counterparts in utility, and the EV9 elevates this further with its striking futuristic design and advanced safety technologies. The limited availability of three-row electric SUVs enhances the EV9’s appeal for families needing extra space. Coupled with a range of convenience features, the EV9 provides a highly satisfying driving experience. However, this comprehensive package comes at a premium. If budget allows, the Kia EV9 is undoubtedly a compelling electric SUV to consider, offering a unique blend of style, technology, and practicality.
