Overview
The new Kia EV9 SUV makes choosing electricity easy for more prominent families. It’s similar in size to the current Telluride that runs on gas but shares its design with the new Hyundai Ioniq 7. You can pick one with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive; the all-wheel drive version has two motors totaling 379 horsepower.Â
The all-wheel drive with the more extended range and the rear-wheel drive models use a big 99.8-kWh battery. They can go about 304 miles before needing a charge, according to the EPA, if you choose the one with one motor.Â
The primary rear-wheel drive EV9 has a smaller 76.1-kWh battery, which can go for about 230 miles on a full charge. Even though it’s big, it can tow up to 5000 pounds, just like the gas Telluride. Plus, it has a third row of seats that’s big enough to use, which is great for families needing more space.
Pros
- It has three rows of seats that are good for passengers.
- The starting price is excellent and won’t break the bank.
- You can drive a reasonable distance before needing to charge up.
Cons
- The basic version has a smaller battery.
- The single-motor option could be zippier.
- It could be better for those who must tow things a lot.
Electric Motor, Strength, and How It Drives
Starting Models and Their Power
The first model in the Kia EV9 series is Light, which only uses the back wheels to move. This version has one electric motor at the back, giving you 215 horsepower. There’s also a version called Light Long Range, which only uses the back wheels. Even though this one has a bigger battery for more extended driving, it has a little less power, with 201 horsepower.
More Power with All-Wheel Drive
The versions of the EV9 that use all four wheels come with two motors that together give a big boost of 379 horsepower. There’s also a special Boost mode you can turn on to make the car speed up even faster for a short time. When we tested how quickly the all-wheel-drive EV9 can go, it reached 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. That’s quick, especially compared to the Kia Telluride, which uses gas and takes about two seconds longer to reach 60 mph.
Also Read more about How To Fix Causes of Electric Parking Brake Problems in Honda Civic
Exciting New GT Model Coming
In 2025, Kia plans to add a new model called the GT, which is all about going fast. This one might have up to 576 horsepower, making driving even more exciting.
Enjoyable Driving Experience
Driving the EV9 is just as nice as looking at it. Like a highway, it rides smoothly and comfortably on a big road. It also has a unique feature where you can use one pedal to go and stop the car smoothly, which is pretty cool.
How Far It Goes, Charging, and The Battery
How Far Can You Go?
The starting model of the Kia EV9, called the Light, has a battery that holds 76.1 kWh of power. It’s expected to let you drive about 230 miles before charging it again.Â
If you choose the Light Long Range model or the ones that move with all four wheels (e-AWD), you get a bigger battery that’s 99.8 kWh. The Light Long Range can go up to 304 miles on one charge. The other all-wheel-drive versions, the Wind and Land, can go around 280 miles.Â
The GT-line can travel about 270 miles on a full battery if you pick the fanciest one. When we drove the EV9 GT-Line on a highway at 75 mph, it went 240 miles before running out of power, less than the 270 miles it says it can go.
Charging Up Fast
Every EV9 has a unique electric setup that lets it use high-speed chargers. It has an 11-kW charger built in, which is standard, but it can use up to 230 kW fast chargers. This means you can drive about 100 more miles after charging for 13 minutes. When we set it, it filled up the battery quickly, averaging 139 kW from 10 to 90 percent complete. This is one of the fastest we’ve seen in any electric car.
How Much Energy the EV9 Uses
How Efficient Is the EV9?
The government’s environmental agency (EPA) calculates that the Kia EV9 can use electricity between 80 to 89 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), which changes based on the type of driving system it has. The most electricity-saving model is the EV9 Light, which gets 89 MPGe with a big 99.8-kWh battery and only uses the back wheels to move.
Comparing the Models
The model designed for speed, the GT-Line, with power going to all wheels, is expected to use more electricity, getting the least MPGe at 80. This shows that choosing speed and control over efficiency will mean the car won’t go as far on the same amount of electricity.
Inside the EV9: Space and Comfort
Choosing Your Seating
The Kia EV9 lets you pick if you want room for six or seven people inside. This choice depends on whether you get the second row with two separate seats (captain’s chairs) or a single long seat (a bench). In the fancier versions of the EV9, the back row can fold down with just a button.
How It Feels to Sit Inside
When we tried out a model of the EV9, we noticed the front seats were firm, and some of the materials inside felt a bit on the cheaper side. We’re hoping the versions sold in the U.S. will feel more sociable. The separate seats in the second row are just as comfy as the front seats and come with warming, cooling, and a massage function. The back row has enough room for grown-ups to sit comfortably. However, people in the middle might need to slide their seats forward a bit to give everyone enough space to stretch their legs.
Storing Your Stuff
The trunk of the EV9 has space for 20 cubic feet of your things, which is almost as much as you’d get in a Kia Telluride. If you fold down the second and third rows of seats, you can increase this space to 82 cubic feet, making it handy for carrying lots of stuff.
Entertainment and Staying Connected in the EV9
Screens and Controls
The Kia EV9 comes equipped with two 12.3-inch screens. One acts as the dashboard for the driver, and the other serves as the center for all things entertainment and navigation. Between these screens, there’s a unique display for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) settings.Â
Unlike other Kia cars, the EV9 doesn’t have many physical buttons or knobs. It keeps things simple with just a few essential HVAC buttons, a volume control, and some touch-sensitive spots on the dashboard that let you switch between screens or settings. The EV9 introduces a brand-new system for its entertainment and navigation, but we’re still waiting to learn all the details.
Keeping Safe and Assisted on the Road
Safety Technologies
The EV9 is built with many safety features to help you drive more securely. These include tools to help you spot vehicles in your blind spot, stop the car automatically in emergencies, and keep you in your lane. The top model, the EV9 GT-Line, even offers a mode where the vehicle can drive under certain conditions and a more advanced cruise control that adjusts the car’s speed to match traffic. You can check the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for detailed safety ratings. Some of the vital safety features are:
- Automatic emergency stopping if it detects a person in the way
- Alerts if you start to drift out of your lane, plus help to stay in it
- Cruise control that adapts to the speed of cars around you, with an option for hands-free driving
What Kia Promises to Take Care of
Warranty and Service
Kia’s warranty is one of the best, giving you much protection over the years. However, Kia doesn’t offer free regular maintenance checks and services like other brands. Here’s what’s included:
- The basic warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The warranty for the engine and other significant parts goes for ten years or 100,000 miles.
- No plan covers regular maintenance for free.
FAQs about the 2024 Kia EV9
Q1: What are the key features of the 2024 Kia EV9?
A1: The 2024 Kia EV9 boasts a spacious interior with six- or seven-passenger seating, cutting-edge infotainment with dual 12.3-inch screens, multiple battery options for varied driving ranges, and advanced safety features, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Q2: What is the starting price of the 2024 Kia EV9?
A2: The starting price of the 2024 Kia EV9 is $56,395, with higher trims and options going up to $75,395.
Q3: How far can the 2024 Kia EV9 go on a single charge?
A3: Depending on the battery and drivetrain, the EV9’s range varies from 230 miles on the base model with a 76.1-kWh battery to 304 miles with the 99.8-kWh battery in the Light Long Range model.
Q4: How fast is the 2024 Kia EV9?
A4: The all-wheel-drive version of the EV9, equipped with a dual-motor setup producing 379 horsepower, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
Q5: Does the 2024 Kia EV9 come with a warranty?
A5: Yes, the EV9 comes with Kia’s industry-leading warranty, offering five years or 60,000 miles for the limited warranty and ten years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain warranty. However, it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia EV9 is a compelling addition to the electric SUV market, balancing innovative technology, comfort, and performance. Its configurations match diverse needs and preferences, from daily commuting to family adventures.Â
The EV9’s pricing strategy positions it as a competitive option within its segment, offering luxury and practicality. With its advanced safety features, substantial warranty, and promising driving dynamics, the Kia EV9 is set to be a noteworthy contender, appealing to both EV enthusiasts and newcomers alike. While it excels in technology and interior comfort, prospective buyers should consider their range and charging infrastructure needs to embrace electric mobility fully.Â
As the EV market continues to evolve, the Kia EV9 represents a significant step forward, combining traditional SUVs’ convenience with the benefits of electric power.
