Kia EV9 Review: Its design, interior, exterior, charging, price, and everything you need to know to buy this EV

The Kia EV9 is making waves in the electric vehicle market, and this review covers everything you need to know about its design, interior, exterior, charging capabilities, price, and more.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the up-and-coming technology all over the world. But the force of this revolution is particularly strong in the United States. However, this turn of the tide currently largely fails to account one of the biggest demographic groups among the buyers of vehicles: families. There is a dearth of EVs designed to accommodate the exclusive needs of a family.

EVs compromise style and luxury for the most basic necessity: space. Only a few electric vehicles cater to such needs. Two names that come to mind are the Rivian R1S and Tesla’s Model X, neither of which are budget-friendly. However, set against this background, the release of the Kia EV9 is a welcome change.

Kia EV9 Review in Gist

Many reviews describe this vehicle as conscious of family needs as well as easy on the budget. This car is a fusion of elegance and utility. We can say it marks a paradigm shift in the category of three-row family EVs. In the course of this article, we will pit the EV9 against the Telluride. But let us tell you the winner of the match beforehand: Kia EV9. Without a doubt, it offers an unparalleled blend of space, technology, and affordability.

However, one place where the Kia EV9 more or less completely fails, and indeed electric vehicles in general, is “sustainability”. This term is thrown around a lot these days, and people think EVs falls under it because of the prefix “electric”. Well, that’s not the case at all. One, the production of electricity itself is not the most sustainable process, and two, EVs are chock-full of rare earth materials, the extraction of which is a hugely carbon-positive process. When it comes to being green, the best methods are not all the fancy technologies that are called “green”; it is simple reduction. The less we use, the more we save. So if your city has public transport, and you want to buy an EV for the sake of being green, then don’t. Just use the public transport.

Well, that is enough introduction for now. Let’s jump straight into the detailed review of the Kia EV9.

Kia EV9: Complete review

Design

The Kia EV9’s design is a symphony of sharp lines and geometric precision. It eschews the curves associated with style. However, its polygonal body panels look more futuristic; maybe its a deliberate defiance against the mundane aesthetics prevalent in many contemporary vehicles. Vertical headlights on the front are complemented by customizable LED patterns. The facade is thus rendered more striking.

Truth be told, Kia didn’t stray far from the original EV9 concept it revealed in 2019, a decision that speaks volumes about the company’s confidence in its design vision. Gone are the rear-hinged suicide doors for the sake of safety regulations. The vehicle’s allure does not diminish much though. And structurally, the standard door frames provide an added layer of safety, particularly in the event of an accident.

Interior

Stepping into the EV9, the interior spells luxury. Well-cushioned seats with mesh headrests are the first thing you see. The centerpiece is a sprawling 30-inch “Triple Panorama Display”. It dominates the dashboard and integrates the gauge cluster, HVAC controls, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This expansive display allows for an uncluttered view. Also, the steering wheel stalk manages the gear controls which frees up space around the cupholders.

The Kia EV9 has a combination of physical and capacitive buttons. This is an absolute must for an intuitive driving experience, something which most EVs neglect. The temperature, mode, and fan speeds can be adjusted with rocker switches on both driver and passenger sides. Rear passengers are not left out; they too enjoy convenient HVAC controls. The small display next to the infotainment screen handles heating and cooling. But sometimes, it gets somewhat awkward during driving due to its placement. It is often obscured by the steering wheel.

Kia’s infotainment system is in line with the modern displays of the EV9. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate the need for cumbersome cables. The spacious wireless charging pad will accommodate even the largest phones. But you would need to align them with the charging zone with precision. MagSafe and the latest Qi2 standard are both absent. Carry a USB-C cable to make use of the fast charging port.

The auditory experience inside the GT-Line EV9 is nothing short of extraordinary, all a courtesy of the 14-speaker Meridian system. This audio setup delivers deep bass and clear voice reproduction. Both music and spoken word sound great with it. Meridian’s DSP enhances sound quality given the amazing 5.1 surround sound experience. Also, the Intelli-Q Equalization technology adapts the audio to the in-cabin noise environment. This fine-tunes the specific frequency ranges to mask unwanted sounds like tire noise. The sound is great regardless of whether you are riding on bustling highways or quiet local streets.

In the second row, captain’s chairs provide front-seat comfort. The headrests lack the mesh flexibility though. For families, the 7-seat arrangement of the Light or Wind EV9 models is the practical choice due to the bench seat. These models allow a parent to sit beside a young child. The third row gets a little tight. While it is comfortable, it has limited legroom, a typical feature of three-row SUVs. Taller passengers may find it a tight fit. Negotiations with those in the second row for additional leg space will definitely ensue. Note that the child seats lock the second row in place, so positioning these seats for comfort beforehand is necessary.

A minor disappointment for U.S. customers is the absence of the 180-degree swiveling second-row seats. Kia touted this feature in the initial publicity blitz. It is unavailable in the US due to federal safety standards. However, this feature will be accessible in South Korea and other international markets.

The cargo capacity in the EV9 is uncharacteristically larger than most EVs. 20.2 cubic feet of space is present behind the third row. Folding this row expands this to 43.5 cubic feet, and with the second row down, a cavernous 81.7 cubic feet becomes available. The front trunk, or frunk, can also be a storage option. It holds 3.2 cubic feet in rear-wheel-drive models and a smaller 1.8 cubic feet in all-wheel-drive versions. You can store a level 1 charging cable and a few other small items here.

Driving Experience

On the road, the Kia EV9 is a study in contrasts. It combines the bulk of an SUV with the agility of a smaller vehicle. It navigates local traffic with grace, accelerates briskly from stoplights, and overtakes highway cars with ease. However, it lacks the maneuverability of a car like the 2019 Volvo XC90.

A 90-mile journey with the Kia EV9 equals a drop of 28 percent in the battery (according to a driving experience mentioned on Engadget). But given the fact that in this case, the AC was on full blast, it is a decent number. Be mindful of an EV’s fluctuating mileage due to AC usage, external temperatures, and driving speeds.

If you have never driven an EV before, you’d be surprised about the remarkably quiet driving experience. On smooth roads, the ride remains tranquil, devoid of road noise. However, the touchy brakes could make for a bumpy ride. Not just the Kia EV9, EVs in general exhibit this trait. Using the EV9’s paddle shifters adjusts regenerative braking which reclaims some battery power and spares traditional brake pads.

At its most extreme, the EV9’s regenerative braking permits one-pedal driving, stopping the car by merely lifting off the accelerator. This feature is peculiar to gas car drivers. But with the EV9, drivers can experience this in EVs too.

The absence of adaptive suspension in the EV9 proves to be a disappointment. Rough roads and large bumps make their presence felt too keenly. For a vehicle nearing $80,000, smarter suspension should come standard. Without it, the EV9 lacks the luxury of Rivian’s R1S under adverse driving conditions.

Parking the EV9 is a little challenging in most lots. The difficult part is reversing out of the parking spot. This is so particularly in locations catering to smaller cars, like Trader Joe’s. Fortunately, the EV9’s high-resolution cameras, proximity sensors, and 360-degree overhead view (exclusive to the GT Line) assist in tight spots. However, for first-time drivers, even with all this technology available, parking will prove to be a gargantuan task.

As mentioned in the introduction, despite the Kia EV9’s many advantages, it is not without its environmental and practical drawbacks. The large batteries required for such a vehicle come with significant environmental costs. EV batteries involve substantial amounts of rare earth materials. Moreover, the vehicle’s size and instant torque power are not totally safe for pedestrians.

Charging

The Kia EV9 sports a robust 210-kilowatt fast-charging capability and is compatible with both 400- and 800-volt chargers. The innovation in charging technology in this EV is truly spectacular. With the 800V hardware, you can breathe life into the EV9’s battery from 10 percent to a roaring 80 percent in a mere 24 minutes. Of course, the 800V chargers are not readily available.

But there’s more. The battery is surprisingly adaptable. For example, a local 150kW Electrify America charger can make the battery leap from a modest 21 percent to an impressive 90 percent within 39 minutes.

Home charging is a different ball game. A Level 2 charger revitalizes the EV9 completely in six to seven hours. However, access to a Level 2 charger is limited. But even a standard 120V outlet will do the job overnight. Over eight to 10 hours, the EV9 absorbs an additional 10 to 15 percent charge each night. Admittedly, this method is not sustainable for long-term use. However, it remains a viable stopgap. It is perfect for those unable to incorporate a Level 2 system at home, or for travelers needing an extra boost to reach the next fast charger.

Pricing and Competition

The Kia EV9 base “Light” model starts at a price tag of $54,900. A rear-wheel-drive configuration provides a stout 215 horsepower, with a respectable 230-mile range. Leasing options hover around $487 monthly, demanding $2,000 upfront over a 36-month term. Variations in pricing and offers will, of course, depend on Kia’s whims and the local dealership’s bargaining table.

The “Light Long Range” model sports a bigger battery and delivers 304 miles of range for $59,200, with a slightly meeker 201hp motor. Next up, the $63,900 “Wind” model and the $69,900 “Land” variant boast 379hp all-wheel-drive motors, both providing 280 miles of range.

At the top end is the GT-Line starting at $73,900. Despite offering a tad less range at 270 miles, it compensates with an arsenal of features. A 12-inch heads-up display in the windshield, 21-inch alloy, and the 14-speaker Meridien sound system cannot be compared with the lower-end models.

Despite its escalating price, the Kia EV9 is a more astute investment than the other famous three-row electric vehicles. The Rivian R1S commences at $75,900, with a leasing price of $699 per month and a hefty $8,500 in signing fees. Tesla Model X begins at $77,990. Both rivals, while swifter and with greater sophisticated ride options like adaptive suspension, would do well not to take the EV9 lightly.

That ends the review of the Kia EV9. It redefines the three-row family EV experience, more or less. It combines spaciousness, affordability, and cutting-edge technology in a single package. For families seeking a versatile, high-performance EV, the EV9 is an exemplary choice.