Kia EV9 – Electric Car Review

Overview – Kia EV9

[Update: 7/3/2023 pricing information has bee updated below] The Kia EV9 is the first mass-appeal electric, three-row SUV. It is based on the 2021 EV9 Concept, which received much praise for its overwhelming presence, triangle-shaped wheels and rear-hinged coach doors. Despite not having the coach doors, the EV9 will feature a tiger mask-style front fascia and 20-inch triangle-shaped wheels. It is slightly larger than the Kia Telluride and is designed to project a sense of softness.

Kia is expected to release their new electric vehicle, the EV9, later in 2023. This is the first non-luxury all-electric three-row SUV. The EV9 is similar in size to the popular Telluride SUV and has the latest technology, featuring quick charging, a long range, and plenty of interior space.

Kia EV9 – Energy And Carbon Efficiency

The Kia EV9 has a carbon emission figure of 114 gCO2/mi, which puts it in the middle of pack compared to other electric vehicles. While this figure is not the highest, it is still higher than the industry average and is higher than some of the more efficient electric vehicles. This means that although the Kia EV9 is an electric vehicle, it still has a significant environmental impact due to its carbon emissions.

In comparing to other SUV EVs, Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC has a carbon emission figure of 94 gCO2/mi, and the Jaguar I-Pace EV400 has a figure of 111 gCO2/mi. Finally, the Volvo EX30 will be only 92 gCO2/mi which is much better than the Kia EV9. All of these electric SUVs have lower carbon emission figures than the Kia EV9, showing that there are more efficient electric vehicles available on the market.

EV Engine, Power and Performance

The EV9 will feature two battery options: a 76.1-kWh battery for rear-drive configurations and a 99.8-kWh battery for all-wheel-drive models. It will have a single electric motor that delivers 215 hp and dual-motor models (AWD) that make 379 hp and 516 lb ft of torque. It can reach 62 mph in 6.0 seconds and 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. It will also have a boost button on the steering wheel for 10 seconds of 516 lb-5ft of torque. The EV9 also has an 800-volt architecture which allows for faster DC charging and a range of around 300 miles.

Interior Comfort and Cargo Dimensions

The EV9 will offer two seating configurations: one for six passengers and one for seven. It will have second-row power-adjustable seats with leg extensions, heating, and ventilation as well as a “Relaxation mode.” Cargo room is 20.2 cubic feet with all three rows in their normal position and 81.9 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded.

The EV9 has a minimalist interior design with simulated leather upholstery. The interior will be made with 10 “must-have” sustainable items and will increase the use of bio-based materials such as corn, sugar cane, and natural oils.

It has a flat interior floor, creating a roomier interior than a gas-powered SUV. The third row is two seats and the long center is a console with storage for front and rear passengers.

Infotainment, Tech and Connectivity

The dashboard will feature HVAC vents, a glove box, a digital grille lighting pattern, climate control switches, and a volume scroll. It will also have a color head-up display, a full-display mirror, a single panel for the driver information cluster and main infotainment touchscreen, and 15 sensors (including two lidar units). The EV9 will also be able to power its own devices while camping.

The EV9 has a wide panel of touchscreens, with both physical buttons and built-in navigation to plan routes for charging stations. It also has customizable animation with the light bar across the front of the vehicle. There is a Kia Connect Store where drivers can purchase software updates and other features such as custom lighting patterns and enhanced remote parking assistance.

Safety Features

The EV9 has 15 sensors, and includes advanced driver assistance systems such as blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning. It also has Advanced Highway Driving Assist (AHDA) which allows for some vehicle automation during highway driving. The car will also have Lane Following Assist 2, and Remote Smart Parking Assist II. It will be rated Level 3 autonomy.

Warranty Information

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty that covers the battery and a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty with the EV9.

Competition And Kia EV9 Price

[Update: July 2023] Previously, Kelley Blue Book had suggested that the Kia EV9 might start at about $55,000. However, recent data from June 2023, drawn from Kia’s Belgian website, provides a potentially different starting point. The base model “Earth launch edition” spec of the EV9 starts at €74,990. Using a current exchange rate of 1 euro = 1.09 USD, this equates to around ~$81,700.

When viewed against other vehicles in its market segment, the EV9’s price sits higher than Kia’s gas-powered SUV, the Telluride, which starts at $35K. However, its price aligns closely with other three-row electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y and Mercedes EQB, which both start at around $53K.

Notably, while the EV9 doesn’t qualify for the US EV tax credit due to its assembly in Korea, US buyers may be able to avail themselves of a $7,500 lease deal that Kia currently offers on its other EV models. It is still to be confirmed if this deal will apply to the EV9.

From a pricing perspective alone, the EV9 finds itself in the mid-range of the all-electric SUV market segment, poised to compete with both the lower-priced and higher-end SUVs.

Final Thoughts

The Kia EV9 is set to launch in the U.S. by the fourth quarter of 2023 and will be built in West Point, Georgia, starting next year. It is expected to cost between $56,000 and $73,000, depending on trim. It is the first mainstream three-row EV that is both stylish and (hopefully) priced within reason.

The EV9 is an exciting addition to the market as it is the first non-luxury all-electric three-row SUV. It has the latest technology and plenty of interior space, making it a great option for families looking for an electric vehicle. With three powertrain options and a range of around 300 miles, it is sure to be a popular choice. and quick charging feature also make it a great option for those looking for an electric vehicle.