Kia EV9: The Ultimate Guide to the Electric Third-Row SUV

Are you looking for a spacious, stylish, and sustainable vehicle that can handle any road condition?

If so, check out the new Kia EV9, the latest electric SUV from the Korean brand. 

The Kia EV9 is the first model to embrace Kia’s design sustainability strategy concept, which aims to phase out the use of leather, apply ten must-have sustainable items to new Kia models, and continuously increase the use of bio-based materials.

The Kia EV9 also marks a pioneering milestone as the first all-electric third-row SUV, offering lounge-style comfort in second-row and third-row seats.

The Kia EV9 is based on the E-GMP platform, a dedicated electric vehicle architecture that delivers long-range, fast charging and high performance.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Kia EV9, from its exterior design to its release date and availability.

Exterior Design

The Kia EV9 exudes a sense of serene contemporary calmness befitting a sophisticated EV for a new age of sustainable mobility.

Yet, it also portrays the confident surety of a bold SUV poised to conquer all conditions. The Kia EV9 features a digital tiger face, a reinterpretation of Kia’s signature tiger nose grille for electric vehicles.

It consists of LED daytime running lights that create a dynamic pattern and a hidden headlamp system that reveals itself when turned on.

The new Kia also features flush-fitting door handles that pop out when approached, sleek lines and aerodynamic design that reduce wind resistance, and blacked-out A-pillars that create a floating roof effect.

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Interior Space

The Kia EV9 has a cabin space with seven-seat configurations in three rows of seats with swiveling second-row seats. It offers lounge-style comfort in all rows of seats, with climate control, relaxation mode, and haptic feedback features.

A long wheelbase and a flat floor allow for various seating configurations and ample cargo space.

The Kia EV9 also has a minimalist dashboard with a large curved display that integrates the infotainment system and the instrument cluster, with some physical buttons for essential functions such as volume control, hazard lights, and steering wheel controls for convenience.

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Powertrain Options

The 2024 Kia EV9 offers two powertrain options: a single-motor setup with rear-wheel drive and a dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive.

The EV9 offers a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences:

• The Long Range is the most efficient option, with a 150 kW motor (about 201 horsepower) and a smooth 9.4-second 0-62 mph time.

• The Standard is the balanced choice, with a 160 kW motor (about 215 horsepower) and a quick 8.2-second 0-62 mph time.

• The EV9 AWD is the most versatile model, with two motors that deliver a whopping 380 horsepower and a speedy 6-second 0-62 mph time.

• The EV9 GT is the ultimate thrill-seeker, with a staggering 379 horsepower and a blistering 5.2-second 0-62 mph time.

Charging Speeds

The 2024 Kia EV9 boasts impressive charging speeds that can rival other electric SUVs in its class. 

The Kia EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger.

Using the same charger, the Kia EV9 can add up to 148 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes.

The Kia EV9 supports both 400V and 800V charging systems without the need for additional adapters or converters.

It also has a bi-directional charging feature that allows it to supply power to other devices or vehicles.

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Driving Experience

The 2024 Kia EV9 offers an exhilarating driving experience with its all-wheel drive capabilities, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced features.

For example, electronically limited slip differential (e-LSD) distributes torque between the front and rear wheels according to the driving conditions.

Five driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Custom will adjust the power output, steering response, suspension stiffness, and regenerative braking level

Safety Features

The 2024 Kia EV9 has several standard safety features that can help prevent or mitigate collisions and enhance the driver’s awareness and confidence.

Some of the key safety features include:

• Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection: will apply the brakes automatically if it detects a potential collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the EV9.

• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist: it will alert the driver if the EV9 drifts out of its lane and gently steer it back to the center of the lane if needed.

• Adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode: can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead and steer, accelerate, and brake for the driver in certain highway conditions. Only available for the EV9 GT-Line model.

• Blind-spot monitoring: alerting the driver if there is a vehicle in the EV9’s blind spot or if there is a vehicle approaching from behind when changing lanes.

• Rear cross-traffic alert: warning the driver if a vehicle is crossing behind the EV9 when reversing out of a parking spot or driveway.

• Level 3 ADAS technology is a semi-autonomous driving system that can take over some driving tasks under certain conditions.

The 2024 Kia EV9 has 15 sensors, including two LIDARs, that monitor the surrounding environment and decide whether the ADAS features work correctly.

The Kia EV9 can also communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which can improve safety and efficiency on the road.

Kia Connect Store

The Kia’s new feature allows you to access various services and offers from Kia and its partners using the infotainment system of the Kia EV9.

It lets you browse and purchase services such as Wi-Fi hotspots, navigation updates, roadside assistance, vehicle health reports, and more.

You can also find exclusive deals and discounts on products and services from Kia’s partners, such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and more.

The Kia Store is a convenient way to enhance your ownership experience and save money on things you love.

Similar Models

The 2024 Kia EV9 is not the only electric SUV on the market but is one of the few offering third-row seats.

If you are looking for other three-row top options, you might want to consider these similar models:

Kia Telluride

The gas-powered Telluride is Kia’s flagship SUV that shares some similarities with the EV9, such as exterior dimensions, interior space, and design elements.

However, the Telluride has a V6 engine that delivers 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and a fuel economy of 23 mpg combined.

The Telluride also has a lower starting price of around $33,000, but it lacks some of the advanced features and technology of the EV9.

Tesla Model X

The Model X is an electric SUV from Tesla with a futuristic design and three rows of seats.

It has two battery options: a Long Range version with up to 348 miles of range and a Performance model with up to 333 miles.

The Performance model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.

The Model X has unique features such as falcon-wing doors, a panoramic windshield, and full self-driving capability.

The Model X is much more expensive than the EV9, with a starting price of around $94,990.

Mercedes EQS SUV

The EQS SUV is Mercedes-Benz’s electric SUV based on the EQS sedan. 

With a similar design and features as the EQS sedan, such as a large curved display, a luxurious interior, and a high-performance powertrain. 

Also a long range of over 400 miles and a fast charging capability.

However, the EQS SUV is not likely to be available until late 2023 or early 2024, and it will probably have a high price tag that reflects its premium status.

Pricing

The 2024 Kia EV9 has not yet revealed its official pricing, but we expect it to start at around $56,000 for the base model with the standard battery and RWD.

The long-range battery and all-wheel drive options will likely add a few thousand dollars to the price.

The top-of-the-line EV9 GT-Line model, which will have a more powerful dual-motor setup and a hands-free driving mode, will cost around $73,000.

The Kia EV9 will be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and state and local incentives, depending on where you live.

The Kia EV9 will be one of the most affordable electric three-row SUVs on the market, undercutting rivals such as the Tesla Model X and the EQS SUV by a significant margin.

Release Date and Availability

The Kia EV9 debuted in early 2023, with the US version presented at the New York International Auto Show. The Kia EV9 will be available in the US in the second half of 2023 and other global markets.

The Kia EV9 will first be produced in South Korea, but it could also be made in Georgia, USA, from 2024, when Kia already manufactures some of its models, such as the Telluride.

The Kia EV9 will be one of the 11 new electric vehicles that Kia plans to launch by 2026 as part of its ambitious electrification strategy.

The 2024 Kia EV9 will also be joined by a high-performance GT model in 2025, which could offer as much as 576 horsepower.

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The Future of Electric Vehicles

The Kia EV9 is part of a larger trend of electric vehicles transforming the automotive industry and how we travel.

Electric vehicles are expected to grow in market share and diversity, with new dual-motor models and features entering the scene.

By 2025, electric and hybrid vehicles will account for an estimated 30% of all vehicle sales.

By 2035, the largest automotive market will be fully electric. Electric vehicles are the superior choice of transportation in almost every way. There are many all-wheel drive models.

They are more efficient, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and fun to drive than conventional vehicles.

They also offer new possibilities for innovation, such as flying taxis, bi-directional charging, and self-driving capabilities. The future of electric vehicles is bright and exciting, and the Kia EV9 is ready to lead the way.

Conclusion

The 2024 Kia EV9 is a fantastic electric SUV that offers a new age of sustainable mobility with three rows of comfort and style.

The Kia EV9 has a striking design, excellent charging speeds, spacious interior space, and advanced features that make it stand out.

The Kia EV9 is also affordable, reliable, and eligible for various incentives, making it an attractive option for buyers.

The Kia EV9 is expected to hit the roads in late 2023 and will be a game-changer in the electric vehicle market.

If you want a spacious, stylish, and sustainable vehicle that can handle any road condition, check out the 2024 Kia EV9.

It is an excellent electric three-row SUV with a spacious, stylish, and sustainable vehicle that can handle any road condition.

Take advantage of this opportunity to own one of the market’s most advanced, affordable electric, three-row SUVs.

Pre-order your Kia EV9 today and prepare to hit the road in late 2023. You won’t regret it.