Kia’s infotainment software is fast and responsive, matching the EV9’s modern displays. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto support also make it easy to connect your phone without having to deal with cables. The EV9 has a large wireless charging pad that should fit the iPhone 15 Pro Max very well, and there’s plenty of room to squeeze in larger phones. Finding the right wireless charging pad was a little tricky, so I was led to the Kia MagSafe or the newer Qi2 standard to keep my phone in place. I would always recommend having a USB-C cable to take advantage of the EV9’s fast charging port.
I was blown away by the GT-Line EV9’s 14-speaker Meridian system, which has plenty of low end for music (thanks to the outdoor subwoofer) and crisp clarity for sounds when listening to podcasts and audiobooks. Meridian says its DSP (digital sound processing) optimizes sound for the EV9’s cabin and also boosts sound for 5.1 surround sound (or the equivalent of more speakers).
The company’s Intelli-Q equalization also transforms the sound as the EV9’s cabin noise changes – instead of just boosting or reducing the volume, it can emphasize specific frequency bands to cover something like tire noise. In my tests, the Meridian system sounded great both during noisy freeway driving and during comfortable local trips. I definitely noticed when the Intelli-Q software kicked in, but it wasn’t as overpowering as older cars that would get louder on the highway. (You can also adjust the level of automatic equalization, and noise cleaners can turn it off completely.)
The EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs are just as comfortable as the front seats, but they have cushioned headrests instead of flexible mesh. Although I like the second row, my family would be better off with a 7-seat setup from the Light or Wind EV9 models. They sit on a bench instead of two captain’s chairs, which my wife prefers when she needs to ride with my two-year-old.
The EV9’s third-row seats are also comfortable, but as with many three-row SUVs, most adults won’t have much legroom to work with. I was able to squeeze in my 5ft 8in frame, but I wouldn’t call the experience ideal. Anyone sitting in the back row of the EV9 will likely have to bargain with the person in front of them for some legroom. It should also be noted that the second row cannot be moved with child seats, because they fasten the seat belts. So make sure that the second row is in a comfortable place for the passengers in the back before fastening of child seats.
Unfortunately, the US version The EV9 will not have second-row seats that can rotate 180 degrees facing a third row because they don’t meet federal safety standards. The feature, a key part of Kia’s initial EV9 advertising, will be available in South Korea and other countries.
For cargo, the EV9 has 20.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third-row seats and a more usable 43.5 cubic feet when the third row is folded flat. If you push the second-row seats down as well, you can fit up to 81.7 cubic feet of gear. There’s also a front trunk under the hood, but it’s not as useful as other electric cars. It can hold 3.2 cubic feet in rear-wheel-drive EV9s, and a smaller 1.8 cubic feet in all-wheel-drive models. Either way, you’ve got plenty of room to store Kia’s Level 1 charging cable and a few other small items.
Driving
On the road, the EV9 feels like a paradox. Similar to Rivia’s R1S, it’s a large SUV that’s surprisingly quick and nimble for its size. I was able to navigate local traffic with ease, start quickly at traffic lights and pass cars on the freeway with ease. It wasn’t as easy to maneuver as the 2019 Volvo XC90, but I was still impressed because the EV9 is a boxier car.
After visiting my parents’ house, after driving 45 miles each way, the EV9 dropped from 80 percent charge to 52 percent. The AC was blasting hard to combat the Georgia heat and humidity, so this range felt just right. Just keep in mind that an EV’s estimated mileage can easily vary depending on AC usage, outside temperatures, and how fast you drive.
My wife, who doesn’t spend much time with EVs, remarked that the EV9 didn’t feel like she was really in control when she was behind the wheel. On well-paved roads, it drives smoothly without much noticeable road noise. It took my wife a while to adjust to the EV9’s responsive brakes – the car is easy to stop – but that’s something I’ve noticed in many EVs. You can use the EV9’s paddle shifters to adjust regenerative braking, which puts some energy into the battery and doesn’t use the car’s traditional brake pads.
In its most extreme form, the EV9’s regenerative braking system allows for one-pedal driving, which allows the car to come to a complete stop simply by lifting your foot off the gas pedal. It’s an odd feature to get used to if you’ve only driven a gas-powered car, but it’s one that EV owners quickly learn to love.
It would be nice to see Kia finally offer adaptive suspension on the EV9, as you can feel the effects of rough roads and big bumps very easily. For a car that costs close to $80,000 – like our GT-line review unit – a smarter, smoother suspension should at least be an option. Without it, the EV9 is almost unnoticeable As luxurious as the Rivian R1S as driving conditions deteriorate.
I didn’t have too much trouble parking the EV9 in most lots, but leaving spaces could be a pain at times. This was especially true in small car spots – I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s. It took six U-turns and a dangerous U-turn to get out of a spot at the local Regal Cinema. Even then, I could only go in one direction thanks to the many other large vehicles sitting around me (including a particularly ugly Cybertruck).
Thankfully, the EV9’s high-resolution cameras, proximity sensors, and 360-degree overhead camera (only on the GT Line) helped me get out of tight spots. But even with those assists, it was more annoying than the big Pacifica hybrid minivan I used to own.
Filling up
The Kia EV9 supports 210-kilowatt fast charging and is compatible with both 400- and 800-volt chargers. Using the most powerful 800V equipment (not always easy to find), the EV9 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 24 minutes. Using a local 150kW Electrify America charger, the EV9 went from 21 percent battery to 90 percent in 39 minutes.
I don’t have a Level 2 charger at home that can fully charge the EV9 in six to seven hours, but I was able to plug it into a Level 1 charger overnight using a standard 120V outlet. It typically charges an additional 10 to 15 percent after eight to 10 hours. This level of charging may not be possible for long periods of time, but it’s useful if you don’t have the ability to add a Level 2 system at home, or if you’re traveling and need to add a little more juice to reach this level. next fast charger.
Price and competition
The Kia EV9 starts at $54,900 (not including destination charges) for the rear-wheel-drive “Light” model with 215 horsepower and 230 miles of range. Rental options start at Average $487 per month, $2,000 due upon signing for a 36-month term. These numbers are also subject to change depending on what Kia offers, as well as what local dealers are willing to pay.
The Light Long Range model gets you a larger battery with 304 miles of range and a slightly weaker 201-horsepower engine for $59,200. Higher-end trims are nearly twice as fast with 379-hp all-wheel-drive engines. This includes the $63,900 Wind. The EV9 and the $69,900 Land model both have a 280-mile range.
At the top is the flagship GT-Line model we reviewed, which starts at $73,900. It has slightly less range (270 miles) than mid-range options, but it also has all the features a Kia can offer, including a 12-inch head-up display in the windshield, 21-inch alloy wheels and 14 discs. – dynamic Meridien sound system.
Even though its price has skyrocketed, the EV9 is still better than any three-row EV on the market. The Rivian R1S It starts at $75,900 and currently leases for $699 per month with a minimum $8,500 signing fee. Aging Tesla Model X Starting at $77,990. These cars are also significantly faster than the EV9 and offer better driving options such as adaptive suspension.
Collection
After years of looking forward to the perfect family EV – after my time with me Rav4 hybrid, Sienna hybrid and Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid – I’m surprised that it comes from Kia and not a more established brand like Toyota. The EV9 is spacious, more affordable than other EVs, and it (mostly) drives like a dream. It charges quickly and most models have enough range to handle the occasional road trip. Simply put, the Kia EV9 is everything I’ve been looking for in a three-row family EV.
