Introducing the game-changing Kia EV9: the long-awaited, electrifying SUV that’s set to revolutionize the market. With its 3 rows, eco-friendly power, and irresistible appeal, it’s the missing link we’ve been waiting for. While other brands have offered electric 3-row SUVs, Kia delivers the first one designed for everyday buyers. Prepare to be amazed, as this beauty not only performs flawlessly but also turns heads wherever it goes.
Fasten your seat belts and come along as we venture into an exciting new era of transportation with the groundbreaking Kia EV9.
Exterior
Kia has masterfully infused this stunning beauty with design elements from their top-notch models. The EV9’s overall appearance is reminiscent of the awe-inspiring Telluride, while its sleek side profile takes cues from the iconic Soul. The front and rear of the EV9 incorporate design elements inspired by other remarkable Kia EVs, creating a harmonious blend of style and innovation.
And here’s the best part: buyers will be spoiled for choice with the option of 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheels, allowing you to personalize your ride to perfection. Plus, just like other Kia models, the EV9 offers a GT-Line option that will make heads turn. With unique wheel designs, an eye-catching bumper, a stylish roof rack, and distinctive trim, the GT-Line will elevate your driving experience to new heights.
The EV9 matches the Telluride in terms of length, width, and height, with differences barely perceptible to the naked eye. However, here’s the exciting twist: the EV9’s wheelbase is a staggering 8 inches longer, hinting at an interior space that surpasses the gas-powered Telluride.
Now, let’s talk about the EV9’s front view, which Kia fittingly dubs the “Tiger Face.” This captivating feature is an aggressive fusion of futuristic technology and mesmerizing exterior lighting. A smaller, hidden LED is seamlessly integrated into the design, complemented by a prominent light bar that spans the front of the vehicle, demanding attention. And here’s the exciting part: The light bar is also customizable, allowing you to add your personal touch with animated displays that will leave onlookers in awe.
With the EV9, Kia has once again pushed the boundaries of design, creating a vehicle that is as thrilling to behold as it is to drive.
Interior and Cargo
First, let’s witness the incredible features of the EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs. These chairs are not just comfortable, but they also have an extraordinary trick up their sleeves. With a simple swivel, they can rotate a full 180 degrees to face the third row. It took some clever maneuvering from the Kia PR team to accomplish this feat, but the result is nothing short of sensational—a mobile social pod where you can connect and interact with your fellow passengers like never before.
Now, here’s where things get even more exciting. While the U.S. market may not be getting the swiveling captain’s chairs, we won’t be left disappointed. Instead, Kia has designed available second-row power-adjustable seats that offer a luxurious experience akin to first-class travel. These seats come with leg extensions for maximum comfort, along with heating and ventilation to ensure a pleasant journey. It’s a seating arrangement that prioritizes your relaxation and indulgence. And let’s not forget the enticing “relaxation mode” that the second-row seats offer—an intriguing feature that we can’t wait to experience firsthand when it’s time to get behind the wheel.
The EV9 will be offered in two configurations, accommodating either 6 or 7 passengers. With its spacious wheelbase and generous length of 197.4 inches, you can expect an interior that provides ample room for everyone on board. Even with all 3 rows in their normal positions, the cargo space measures an impressive 20.2 cubic feet. But the real magic happens when you fold down the second and third rows, revealing a cavernous 81.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. It’s a true testament to the EV9’s versatility and adaptability to suit your lifestyle needs.
In line with Kia’s commitment to sustainability, the EV9 takes a bold step by eliminating leather from its interior. Jochen Paesen, Kia’s interior design vice president, confirmed that leather will not be offered. Instead, Kia is embarking on an exciting initiative that aims to incorporate 10 “must-have” sustainable elements into all their new models. This includes increased use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils. The goal is to achieve 20% utilization of recycled plastics within the vehicle’s interior by 2030.
Technology
The EV9 offers a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving. In select markets, it boasts conditional level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, designed to make long-distance journeys less stressful. With an array of 15 advanced sensors strategically placed around the car, including state-of-the-art LiDAR sensors in the front, the EV9 can map out and understand its surroundings with precision. It can maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and even steer to keep you perfectly in your lane. What’s more, driver assistance technology can evolve and improve over time through over-the-air updates, ensuring that your driving experience remains at the forefront of innovation.
Prepare to embrace a revolutionary way of enhancing your EV9’s capabilities. Through the Kia Connect app, you can unlock additional features and upgrades, much like the model employed by BMW. Imagine having the convenience of remotely parking your car in a tight space with the smart parking assist feature. And if you’re craving an extra burst of acceleration, you can even purchase an acceleration boost. Not only that, but you have the freedom to choose different patterns for the daytime running lights, allowing you to customize the visual appeal of your EV9.
Performance
With the Kia EV9, you have the choice between the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, each offering its own unique advantages. But that’s not all; you also have a diverse selection of power outputs to select from, making every drive a thrilling adventure.
Let’s start with the Long Range rear-wheel-drive model, boasting a formidable 200 horsepower and an impressive 350 Nm of torque. This beast rockets from 0 to 60mph in just 9.4 seconds, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled journey that will leave you breathless. However, if you crave even more excitement, the standard rear-wheel-drive version takes things up a notch. Equipped with an incredible 215 horsepower and the same 350 Nm of torque, it propels you from 0 to 60mph in a jaw-dropping 8.2 seconds, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance.
But there’s an even more exhilarating option: the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version. Brace yourself for an astonishing 380 horsepower and an awe-inspiring 600 Nm of torque. This powerhouse accelerates from 0 to 60mph in a mind-blowing 6.0 seconds, offering an unparalleled rush of adrenaline. And if that’s still not enough, the Kia Connect store has you covered with a “Boost” function, elevating the torque to a staggering 700 Nm. With this upgrade, the EV9 defies expectations, sprinting from 0 to 60mph in a breathtaking 5.3 seconds, leaving competitors in the dust.
When it comes to battery capacity, the standard rear-wheel-drive Kia EV9 features a robust 76 kWh unit, while all other models are equipped with an even more impressive 99.6 kWh battery. The exact range for the standard and all-wheel-drive versions has yet to be confirmed, but be prepared for an outstanding journey as the Long Range model offers a range of up to 336 miles.
Charging the EV9 is a breeze with its advanced 800-volt electrical system. In just 15 minutes, you can replenish nearly 150 miles of range. Moreover, like its counterpart, the Kia EV6, the EV9 boasts a vehicle-to-load charging system, enabling you to power appliances such as microwaves directly from your car.
Pricing
With an estimated price range of $56,000 to $73,000, depending on the trim, this electrifying vehicle is set to give large 3-row SUVs a run for their money. From what we’ve witnessed, Kia has hit the mark with this one. Even though the display car wasn’t fully ready for production, it’s impressively close to perfection.
Kia has been quietly dominating the market with its stylish and affordable cars that surpass expectations. Models like the Carnival, Sorento, Sportage, Telluride, Stinger, and EV6 have all provided enticing alternatives to popular brands like Honda, Toyota, and Subaru. However, Kia has mainly followed trends rather than leading the pack. That’s all about to change with the EV9.
Kia plans to launch the EV9 in the U.S. by the 4th quarter of this year. And guess what? It will be manufactured right in West Point, Georgia, starting next year. With the EV9, Kia is taking the lead by introducing a mainstream, stylish, and hopefully reasonably priced 3-row EV. All that remains is for the EV9 to stick the landing and solidify Kia’s position as an industry trailblazer.