Kia EV9: A Finalist for the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV that aims to redefine the Kia brand and challenge the established players in the market. It is one of the nine finalists for the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) award, which recognizes the most outstanding new vehicles in the segment. The EV9 is the largest and most luxurious Kia to date, offering three rows of seating, a spacious and futuristic cabin, a powerful dual-motor powertrain, and a long driving range. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, and pricing of the Kia EV9 and compare it with some of its competitors.

What makes the Kia EV9 stand out?

The Kia EV9 electric SUV is based on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the Kia EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it is much bigger and more imposing. It measures 5,015 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. It has a boxy and muscular design, with a distinctive grille-less front fascia, slim LED headlights, a clamshell hood, and a sloping roofline. The EV9 also features a large panoramic sunroof, flush door handles, and 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels.

The interior of the EV9 is equally impressive, with a minimalist and futuristic dashboard, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a head-up display, and a rotary gear selector. The EV9 can accommodate up to seven passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench seat. The cabin is also equipped with a heat pump, a wireless charger, a Harman Kardon sound system, a smart air purifier, and ambient lighting. The EV9 offers a generous cargo space of 1,050 liters behind the second row and 2,450 liters with both rows folded.

The EV9 is available with two battery options and two powertrain configurations. The base model called the Light, has a 76.1-kWh battery and a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has a rear-wheel-drive system and an estimated range of 230 miles. The mid-range model called the Wind, has a 99.8-kWh battery and a dual-motor setup that delivers 379 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It has an all-wheel-drive system and an estimated range of 304 miles. The top-of-the-line model, called the GT, will arrive in 2025, and it is expected to have 576 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.

The EV9 also boasts a host of advanced driver-assistance and safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, parking assist, and a surround-view camera. The EV9 also supports over-the-air updates, remote smart parking, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which allows the EV9 to supply power to other devices or vehicles.

How much does the Kia EV9 cost?

The Kia EV9 is expected to go on sale in the US in early 2024, with a starting price of $56,395 for the Light model, $61,395 for the Wind model, and $66,395 for the GT model. These prices do not include the destination charge of $1,175 or the federal tax credit of $7,500, which the EV9 is eligible for. The EV9 is also expected to qualify for state and local incentives, depending on the location.