What Is It About The Kia EV9?

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2024 Kia EV9

Has our patience been rewarded?

It’s been a few years since the concept was first shown. The idea was to maintain a huge majority of the concept towards production. Last year, we were shown the production model. They delivered on a vehicle that never deviated from the basic concept of it. 

Teasing us with a product that people might want is frustrating. Yet, we are rewarded with a vehicle is delivering on its promises – realistically.

The 2024 Kia EV9 is what we expected it to be. The three-row battery-electric SUV has been earnings its lion’s share of awards. The World Car of The Year and North American Utility of the Year are chief among them. It was even a finalist for the Europe’s Car of The Year Award. 

We did not anticipate this battery electric SUV to arrive until late spring or in the summer. It simply showed up at my doorstep. Since its arrival, it tried to answer a lot of the questions we had for it. 

The first question: Where does this slot with the other two three-row SUVs in Kia’s lineup?

At 197.4 inches long, the EV9 is just a tad longer than the Telluride – #VOTY19, for those who read this website. The wheelbase of 122 inches is less than eight inches longer than its gasoline-fed counterpart. The EV9 also stands 70.1 inches tall, just a tad shorter than #VOTY19. 

Before anyone considers the EV9 as the battery-electric replacement for the successful Telluride, understand where Kia is positioning their models. While the ultimate goal is to have an electrified lineup, the EV9 augments the other big three-row model by giving consumers a choice. Currently, there are no electrified versions of the Telluride. 

Cabin-wise, the Telluride can seat up to eight people. Whereas the EV9 seats up to six. Two people can sit in both the second- and third-row with their own seats, not a shared bench. 

Cargo space actually favors the internal combustion Telluride over the battery-electric EV9. We’re talking up a six cubic feet difference at its maximum cargo volume – 87.0 for the Telluride; 81 for the EV9. Yet, some may not see this as a disadvantage when choosing between the two. 

Once you put the tape measure away, then you can start to take in what the EV9 brings to the table.

The second question: Will its unique looks draw you in?

Electric vehicles are supposed to stand out. Be distinctive, unique, and future-forward. A survey of the latest models from start-up manufacturers are evident of this ideal. You can even point to a lot of the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs as other cases in point. 

The EV9 does more than that. It has become the design bar for the brand. You can now see its vertical headlamp and LED treatment on the latest Kia models. 

This style maker is an upright vehicle that is somewhat squared off. You do get a triangular piece of glass on the C-pillar that breaks up its square-and-rectangular design motif. Otherwise, it stands out and commands your attention – even if you don’t like some of its details. 

The EV9’s size lends to some largeness in other spots. The doors are big, as is the liftgate. The body side panels equate to size extremely well. Perhaps my only criticism is the design of the 21-inch black alloy wheels. The black motif, I get. It’s adds more polarization to what could be construed as a polarizing overall design.

For one detraction comes something that adds faith to your hope for automotive love. Sometimes when the headlamp units are lot, a series of LED dots create an arrow effect on the front fascia. It’s a dazzling thing to witness. 

Once inside, you will see that the main flat screen panel will stretch two-thirds across the dashboard. That is nothing new from Kia. Everything else is. You will see new controls that are light to the touch, as well others that are tangible. The steering wheel design is new – almost a mix of square and circle with a trim hub design. 

The big functional change is attached to the steering column on the lower right. We’ve seen this on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (and, recently, the Kona) where the shifter is a knob affixed to a static stalk. This is the first application on a Kia. 

On this “stalk” is also the ignition button. That took some looking to find where it was. Innovative? Yes. Don’t I wish it was somewhere else? That’s up for debate. 

Seating is for six with two passengers per row. This GT-Line tester came with second-row power lounge seats. When you put it into Relaxation Mode, you will be the most comfortable second-row occupants in a vehicle priced below $80,000. The front seats were fine. Just a tad firm, but it will settle you in. Those front headrests are snuggly, by the way. 

One huge thing that made the EV9 worth driving: It’s 14-speaker Meridian Premium audio system. If you’re going to pour on the luxury in an electric SUV, go all the way! This system emitted the highest sound quality one could imagine in such a vehicle. 

You can talk luxury by the way it looks and feels. The badge may speak to the mainstream, but I believe you can get something upmarket without going anyplace further. It all starts with that design and how Kia kept on executing everything else from it – inside and out. 

The third question: How does it drive?

In short, very well. But, first, some more numbers…

For the GT-Line tester, there are two electric motors – one for each axle. In total, we’re talking 379 horsepower with 516 pound-feet of torque. Energy comes from a 99.8 kilowatt-hour battery with an advertised range of 270 miles. Due to our weather conditions, I was able to get 236 miles from a full battery. 

Back to the driving experience, it is a thud-solid ride overall. Yes, the EV9 is heavy – weighing in at around 5,800 pounds. Yet it holds its own when it is in traffic or just free along the highway. Handling was fine and it can throw in a short maneuver without any drama whatsoever. 

You may be surprised by its steering response. The long wheelbase may limit its turning radius, but it is all about responding and being precise. The brakes have a solid feel from the pedal to the wheels. Stopping power is quite good and it does a good job holding when utilizing a one-pedal drive method. Brake regeneration is adjustable by the paddles in the back of the steering wheel. 

The 2024 EV9 is offered in five trim levels, starting from $54,900. My GT-Line tester came with a sticker price of $78,430.

The EV9 was seen as the next step in Kia’s push to add battery-electric vehicles to its lineup. It has also become an influence for the brand’s design, as seen on the 2024 Sorento, 2025 Carnival and the K4. Not exactly a reset, but rather an advance upon the marketplace.

Another way to see the EV9 is how it distinguishes itself from the rest of the EV SUV market. Personality comes into play. Drivability and user experience are key factors, as well. 

Looking for a three-row battery-electric SUV with a distinctive style and a name you could trust? Your questions have been answered.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Kia America

All photos by Randy Stern