Kia fired its warning shot at automakers attempting to push pricey EVs. That warning shot is the new 2024 Kia EV9, with three rows of electric driving goodness.
You won’t find the signature features of the GMC Hummer EV, the incredible power and driving range of the Lucid Air, or the off-road prowess of the Rivian R1S when buying the EV9, but you won’t pay nearly as much either. When the goal is to drive a three-row, comfortable, electric SUV that can carry the entire family, the EV9 is one of the most practical and affordable options heading to the market.
Finally, an electric three-row SUV
Kia already had the right formula for a midsize three-row electric SUV with the gas-powered Telluride. The EV9 shared a platform with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7, but the Kia hit the market first. This new electric SUV has room for up to seven passengers to enjoy the drive and can be a good choice for road trips with its 300-mile driving range. This new electric SUV starts at a relatively affordable price (under $60,000) and packs in the desired features to make it an excellent option when you want to take the whole family out for a drive.
Kia EV9 pros and cons
The new EV9 is one of the first real family-friendly EV options to enter the market. Sure, the Tesla Model X has been around and has had three rows of seats, but most consumers can’t afford the high price of the Model X. Some of the pros and cons of the new EV9, according to Car and Driver are:
Pros
- Three usable rows of seating
- Attractive entry price
- Decent driving range
Cons
- Base model comes with a smaller battery
- Single-motor performance is lacking
- Still not a great choice when you need to tow a trailer
Which trim makes the most sense?
When searching for value, quality, and the most bang for your buck, the mid-range Wind trim could be the right EV9 for you. This model has the powerful dual-motor AWD powertrain with 379 horsepower, second-row captain’s chairs, a heat pump for the climate control system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and upgraded driver-assist features.
How much power should the EV9 offer?
The new Ka EV9 starts at the base Light trim with a single-motor RWD system. This model delivers 215 horsepower to the rear wheels. The Long Range Light trim has a larger battery but less power, offering 201 ponies to the drive. The AWD models utilize a dual-motor layout that combines for 379 horsepower and peak torque to deliver impressive acceleration when using the Boost mode.
Eventually, a GT model will join the rest of the EV9 lineup. Much like the EV6, this GT model should deliver 576 horsepower and be the most formidable version of this three-row electric SUV. The GT model won’t be available until 2025.
How far can this Kia EV drive?
The Light trim has a 76.1-kWh battery pack that enables this version to return up to 230 miles of driving range. The Light Long Range model uses a 99.8-kWh battery pack and has the best driving range, with 304 miles of driving on a full charge. The AWD versions also use the larger battery pack. The Wind and Land models are rated to return 280 miles of driving range. At the top of the current range, the GT-line model can drive up to 270 miles on a single charge.
All Kia EV9 models have an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables them to enjoy fast charging at Level 3 DC fast-chargers. The maximum charging speed at these locations is 230-kW, which translates to adding 149 miles of driving range in 15 minutes. The EV9 also has an 11-kW on-board charger, which can be used to charge devices or other EVs.
This Kia has room for the whole family
The EV9 can be had with either six or seven seats, depending on the middle row configuration. On upper trims, the third row has a power-folding function to make putting these seats down much easier. The ride is comfortable, and the cabin feels spacious, making this Kia EV a great choice for the entire family.
In terms of cargo room, you’ll find 20 cubic feet of space behind the rearmost seats with a maximum cargo area of 82 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.
Is the new 2024 Kia EV9 the right electric SUV for your family? If you need a vehicle that can handle six or seven passengers easily, this new Kia EV could be the right choice.
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