- All-new 3-row electric midsize SUV
- Up to 304 miles of range
- Rear- or all-wheel drive
- Pricing starts at $54,900 | Price it your way
- Arrives at the end of 2023 | See Kia EV9 models on sale near you
The 2024 Kia EV9 is an all-new electric midsize SUV with three rows of seating and a maximum driving range of 304 miles. Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the EV9 is approximately the same size and general shape as Kia’s largest gas-powered SUV, the midsize Telluride.
Yet, unlike the more affordable Telluride, the EV9 is more of a premium product in terms of its feature content, trim materials, and its price tag. Starting at $54,900, excluding destination charges, the EV9 is available in five main trims: Light, Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Line. The range-topping GT-Line has an asking price of roughly $74,000.
Range varies from a low of only 230 miles to 304 miles provided by the Long Range RWD model. Output varies from a relatively stingy 201 horsepower (in the Light Long Range model) to 379 horsepower in models equipped with the dual electric motor powertrain.
The list of competing 3-row electric SUVs remains relatively scarce, with only the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S offering similar levels of space and seating capacity. A third-row is available in the compact Tesla Model Y, but it’s very small and suitable only for kids.
Let’s take a look inside the 2024 Kia EV9.
Passenger Room and Comfort
At 197.2 inches in overall length, the Kia EV9 is less than an inch longer than the popular midsize Telluride. Yet because the EV9 rides on a wheelbase that’s 7 inches longer than the Telluride’s, the result is a far roomier and airier interior.
There is seating for seven onboard when the second-row bench seat is specified. Or, 6-passenger seating can be had via dual second-row captain’s chairs, which are comfortable and provide easy access to the third-row seats.
Space is abundant, even in the far back. Many 3-row SUVs have a back seat that’s suitable only for kids. Not the EV9.
Faux leather seating and cabin trim made from recycled materials give the EV9 even more feel-good eco credentials. Little to no road noise seeps into the cabin, and outward vision is commendable thanks to the EV9’s upright shape and generous greenhouse.
Even the entry-level 2024 Kia EV9 is fitted with tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Upper trims offer a heated steering wheel, integrated second-row window shades, and reclining front and second-row seats with built-in footrests.
Features and Tech
Spanning the dashboard are two 12.3-inch digital screens, one serving as the instrument cluster and the other as an infotainment touchscreen. Between them is a smaller panel dedicated to cabin temperature and fan speed settings. It’s an interesting compromise addressing the concern that touchscreen menus for frequently used commands – such as climate settings and stereo volume – are actually more distracting than using a traditional button or dial. Also notable: The EV9’s infotainment system is capable of receiving over-the-air updates.
Given the EV9’s upmarket approach, it’s a surprise that Kia’s electric 3-row SUV does not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, even as an option. But the EV9 is far from sparse in this area, coming standard with wired smartphone connectivity, wireless device charging, six USB ports, proximity keyless entry, satellite radio, and Wi-Fi hot spot. There is also an intercom system to aid conversations (or scoldings) among all three rows.
Higher trims add features like a head-up instrument display, blind-spot camera system, surround-view parking camera, ambient interior lighting, and a 14-speaker audio system.
For safety, every EV9 is equipped with automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian/cyclist detection), blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, rear-seat reminder, and safe-exit warning. Notable extras include a digital rearview mirror and reverse collision warning.
Materials and Design
Kia has worked hard to ensure the cabin of the EV9 is even more premium than that of its gas-fed cousin, the Telluride. Leatherette seating surfaces are standard and, with a few exceptions here and there, the quality of the cabin trim is top notch. While some SUV shoppers may wish for leather upholstery (at least on the option sheet), Kia appears to be sticking to its kinder and gentler eco theme with the EV9.
Overall, the Kia EV9 has a fresh and spacious cabin that doesn’t go overboard with extraneous details or trendy trim designs.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Having three rows of adult-friendly seating doesn’t mean having to leave your luggage at home. Behind the third row is 20.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. This expands to more than 43 cubic feet when the third row is folded. With both the second and third rows down, cargo volume is a generous 81.7 cubic feet. Available power-folding third rows seats and a standard hands-free tailgate add to the EV9’s cargo-toting convenience.
Build and price your version of the 2024 Kia EV9 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price. Browse Kia EV9 models for sale near you.
