The electric vehicle market is getting more crowded and competitive every year, but there’s still a gap regarding family-friendly SUVs with three rows of seating. Most of the options available are either too expensive, too small, or too niche for mainstream buyers. That’s why the 2024 Kia EV9 is such a game-changer. It’s the first non-luxury electric SUV that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers, starting at a reasonable $54,900.
The EV9 is the second model in Kia’s ambitious plan to launch 11 new electric vehicles by 2026. It shares its platform and technology with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 but has a distinctive design and personality of its own. The EV9 looks bold and futuristic, with a boxy shape, a large grille-like front panel, and LED headlights that wrap around the fenders. The rear features a full-width light bar and a spoiler that integrates with the roof rails. The EV9 also has a spacious and practical interior, with a minimalist dashboard, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a rotary gear selector. The materials are high-quality and eco-friendly, with recycled fabrics and vegan leather available.
Power and Performance
The 2024 Kia EV9 offers two battery options and two drivetrain configurations. The base model, the Kia EV9 Light, comes with a 76.1-kWh battery pack and a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This version has an estimated range of 223 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The base price for the EV9 Light is $54,900, which makes it eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.
The next step up is the EV9 Long Range, which has a larger 99.8-kWh battery pack and the same rear motor as the Light version. However, the power output drops slightly to 201 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The trade-off is a longer range of 300 miles, which is impressive for a three-row electric SUV. The Long Range model also has a faster charging capability, with an 800-volt system that can replenish up to 80% of the battery in just 18 minutes using a 350-kW fast charger. The Long Range model starts at $59,900.
For those who want more performance and all-wheel drive, the EV9 offers two models with a dual-motor setup that delivers 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The EV9 AWD has the same 99.8-kWh battery as the Long Range model but with a reduced range of 270 miles. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest three-row SUVs on the market. The EV9 AWD starts at $64,900.
The top-of-the-line model is the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD, which adds some sporty touches to the exterior and interior, such as black accents, red brake calipers, paddle shifters, and metal pedals. It also has some exclusive features, such as an adaptive air suspension, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The GT-Line AWD has the same powertrain and range as the AWD model but with a higher price tag of $69,900.
Kia also plans to introduce a high-performance EV9 GT model in 2025, which will have a whopping 576 horsepower and a projected 0-60 mph time of under four seconds. However, no details on pricing or range have been announced yet.
Practicality and Versatility
One of the main selling points of the 2024 Kia EV9 is its spacious and versatile cabin, which can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. The second row can be configured as either a bench seat or a captain’s chair, depending on the trim level. The third row is surprisingly roomy for adults, with decent headroom and legroom. The cargo space is also generous, with up to 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet behind the second, and 97 cubic feet behind the first. That’s more than most rivals in this segment.
The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV also has some clever features that make it more convenient and comfortable for families. For example, it has a bi-directional charging system that allows the EV9 to power other devices or vehicles using its battery. This can be useful for camping trips, tailgating parties, or emergency situations. The EV9 also has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) port in the cargo area that can supply up to 3.6 kW of power to various appliances. The EV9 has a Smart Power Liftgate that can be opened by waving your foot under the bumper, a wireless phone charger, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin.
Safety and Technology
The EV9 is equipped with a host of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, which are part of Kia’s Drive Wise system. Some of the standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera. Some of the available features include a surround-view camera, a blind spot camera, a highway driving assist, a parking assist, and a remote smart parking assist. The EV9 also has a digital key feature that allows you to unlock and start the vehicle using your smartphone.
The EV9’s infotainment system is based on a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also has a natural voice recognition feature that can respond to various commands and queries. The EV9 also offers an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can display various information and graphics. Other available tech features include a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a navigation system, and an ambient lighting system.
Conclusion
The 2024 Kia EV9 is a groundbreaking electric SUV that offers a compelling combination of space, performance, range, and value. It’s the first non-luxury electric SUV with three rows of seating and a competitive starting price of $54,900. It also has two battery options and two drivetrain configurations, giving buyers plenty of choices to suit their needs and preferences. The EV9 also has a stylish and futuristic design, a spacious and versatile cabin, and a host of advanced safety and tech features. The Kia EV9 is expected to go on sale in late 2023 or early 2024 and will likely be one of the most popular electric vehicles on the market. If you’re looking for a family-friendly electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on anything, the EV9 might be the perfect choice for you.
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