2024 Kia EV9 review: A Game-Changer in Electric SUVs!
Kia's EV9 is a head-turning electric SUV that generates buzz because of its spacious interior. This fully electric option positions itself as a competitor in the growing electric SUV market, offering a blend of comfort and modern design.
Pros:
- Spacious interior, especially in the third row
- Abundance of features for the price
- Smooth and quiet ride on highways
- Quick-charging capability for easier road trips
Cons:
- Base trim is sluggish and has limited range
- Some cabin controls can be distracting
What’s new:
- All-new EV9, a three-row electric crossover SUV
- Similar size to the Telluride
- Range of over 300 miles on a full charge
Finding the perfect balance between space, features, and eco-consciousness can feel like an impossible feat for families on the go. But not anymore, because the 2024 Drive Car of the Year has crowned a champion: the Kia EV9.
Forget the stereotype of electric vehicles being confined to sleek, city-dwelling sedans. The EV9 shatters that mold, offering abundant space for your crew and cutting-edge technology to keep everyone entertained and connected. The Kia EV9 price in Australia falls into the Upper Large SUV category, with costs ranging from $97,000 to $121,000, making it competitive for its segment. What made the Kia EV9 reach the top? Let’s find out!
| Variant | Starting price | Fast Charge Time | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 Air | $99,300 | 20 minutes | 76.1 kWh |
| Kia EV9 Earth | $99,300 | 24 minutes | 283 kW |
| Kia EV9 GT-Line | $130,500 | 24 minutes | 283 kW |
Exteriors
The Kia EV9 is designed to turn heads wherever it goes, thanks to its captivating exterior design that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency. This fusion ensures you make a statement and glide effortlessly through the streets, commanding attention at every turn.
- Styling elements
At the front, the EV9 has a striking fascia characterised by a distinctive grille and sleek LED headlights, which project a futuristic persona together. Moving along the vehicle's profile, you'll notice clean lines and a coupe-like roofline that creates a sense of movement and exudes elegance. At the rear, the sculpted bumper and LED taillights enhance the EV9's sophisticated look, completing its overall aesthetic appeal.
- Colour options
The EV9 offers a vivid colour palette of 7 colours, including deep forest green, snow white pearl, and aurora black pearl. These options allow you to select the perfect shade to match your style and help your EV9 stand out on the road.
- Wheel design
Complementing the EV9's overall design are its alloy wheel options, including the impressive 21-inch alloys. These wheels come in various sizes and designs, allowing you to personalise your EV9 and give it a unique touch that perfectly suits your individual style and preferences.
Interiors
Upon entering the EV9, you are immediately greeted with contemporary elegance. It's incredibly spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Kia's really focused on using eco-friendly materials throughout the cabin, which gives it a clean and sustainable feel. But it's not all about saving the planet; they've managed to make it feel really upscale at the same time.
- Interior layout and space
The EV9's interior is clean and modern. Uncluttered lines and a minimalist layout create a spacious and calming environment. Sustainable materials throughout further elevate the experience. While the focus here is clearly on comfort, the sleek design and innovative touches hint at the EV9's electric nature, setting the stage for a forward-thinking driving experience.
- Comfort and ergonomics
The EV9 lives up to the hype for comfort. Soft-touch plastics and convincing artificial leather create a premium feel, with adjustable lumbar support for those long hauls. Kia gets major points for sustainability by using recycled everything, from ocean nets in the carpets to plastic bottles in the seats. It's impressive without feeling preachy. But the real win here is the space. Second-row seats fold and slide for easy third-row access, and with all the seats down, you get near-cargo-van room levels. It's bigger than a Sorento and rivals a Range Rover in spacious passenger space. Overall, the EV9's interior is a winner- comfy, sustainable, and with enough room for the whole crew and all their stuff.
- Boot
This is where the EV9 really shines. With all three rows upright, you get a usable 333 litres of cargo space. Need to bring more on your next adventure? Fold down the second row and unlock a massive 828 litres – that is enough space for multiple suitcases, camping gear, or even a bike! But if you're going all in on cargo capacity, folding both rows flat unleashes a whopping 2318 litres. That's nearly the cargo space of a small moving truck! This flexibility makes the EV9 ideal for any situation, from daily errands to weekend getaways with the whole crew and all their gear. It was simply one of the most versatile SUV we’ve driven in a long time. You can also utilise the spacious front trunk (frunk) for additional storage.
Technology and infotainment
The Kia EV9's technology and infotainment features truly impressed us. EV9 comes fully equipped with advanced technology and user-friendly functionality that enhanced the over-all driving experience.
- Infotainment system
Inside the EV9, we were greeted by a pair of impressive 12.3-inch screens—one for the gauge cluster and another for the infotainment system. Between these screens, there's a dedicated HVAC readout, which is a thoughtful touch for easy climate control management. Unlike other Kias, the EV9 does away with physical knobs, opting for a more streamlined design with reduced buttons. The remaining controls include key HVAC functions and a volume knob, along with touch-sensitive controls embedded in the dashboard for easy navigation through different menus. The EV9's infotainment system is also a new generation, but details about its features are still under wraps until the official reveal of this new three-row SUV. You will also relish exceptional sound quality with the standard eight-speaker audio system or enhance your audio experience even further by opting for the 14-speaker Meridian system, which will truly add to the driving experience.
- Connectivity options
Seamless connectivity is ensured when you’re driving an EV9, as they come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to access your favourite apps and features directly from the infotainment system. The EV9 offers multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, providing convenient device charging. While this feature is practical, it is not particularly unique or stand out.
- Navigation system
The EV9 impresses with its built-in navigation system, guaranteeing accurate directions to your destination and ensuring you never lose your way. Another standout feature is the augmented reality HUD, which projects essential information onto the windscreen for easy viewing. This includes speed, navigation guidance, and lane safety information, all presented clearly and intuitively. Unfortunately it is only available on the GT-Line grade.
Performance and engine
The Kia EV9 delivers impressive performance, especially in the GT-Line model, which can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. We were surprised by the Earth model's acceleration too, managing the same feat in a commendable 6.0 seconds. Even the Air model, with its single electric motor, felt lively, hitting 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds. This puts the EV9 on par with or even ahead of many traditional SUVs in terms of speed and agility. The dual electric motors in the Earth and GT-Line models pack a punch, offering a combined power output of 283kW and 700Nm of torque, while the Air model's single motor delivers 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
- Engine specifications
| Variant | Electric Motor | Wall Socket Charge Time | Electric Driving Range km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 Air | 160kW | 32 hours and 15 minutes | 443 km |
| Kia EV9 Earth | 283kW | 41 hours and 35 minutes | 512 km |
| Kia EV9 GT-Line | 99.8 kWh | 41 hours and 35 minutes | 505 km |
- Transmission and drive system
Driving the EV9 was a breeze, thanks to its single-speed transmission. This setup ensures smooth power delivery and a hassle-free driving experience.
- Braking system
We found the EV9's regenerative braking system to be effective and intuitive. The two paddleshifters allow for easy adjustment of the regen braking force, making one-pedal driving a seamless experience.
- Fuel Economy and efficiency:
Our real-world testing showed that the EV9's energy consumption was slightly higher than the claimed figures. However, it remains an efficient choice in its class. The Air model boasts a claimed energy consumption of 19.5kWh/100km, the Earth model 22.3kWh/100km, and the GT-Line model 22.8kWh/100km.
- Handling and driving dynamics
Driving the EV9 was a pleasure, thanks to its light steering and agile feel. However, we did notice some unwieldiness in tight corners and roundabouts, particularly in wet conditions. The suspension setup varied by model, with the GT-Line offering a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to the Air model, which felt a bit busier.
Safety features
The EV9 certainly takes safety seriously. It comes loaded with driver-assistance tech like automatic emergency braking that can detect danger at intersections, blind-spot warning to keep you aware of lane changes, and rear cross-traffic alert to prevent those tricky backing-up situations. These features definitely instilled confidence during my highway drives. However, the lane-departure warning system seemed a bit too eager on narrow roads, issuing warnings when it felt unnecessary.
Passive safety is also impressive, with airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin and a helpful rearview camera with parking sensors. While the camera offers a clear view, the parking sensors could have more range for those super-tight spots.
The car is equipped with the following safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking with junction assist
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Radar cruise control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Speed sign recognition
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Nine airbags
- Curtain airbag coverage
- Rear-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
The Kia EV9 also has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, demonstrating exceptional performance across various critical categories.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 84%
- Child Occupant Protection: 87%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 76%
- Safety Assist: 85%
Ownership experience
The Kia EV9 has emerged as a strong contender in the electric SUV market, captivating consumers with its spaciousness, innovative technology, and eco-conscious performance. With its modern design, comfortable interior, and impressive range, the EV9 is poised to challenge established players and redefine expectations for electric SUVs. Here's what sets the EV9 apart:
Major strengths:
- Owners likely appreciate the ample space for passengers and cargo, making it suitable for families and adventures.
- Features like the infotainment system, driver-assistance systems, and connectivity are likely to be positive aspects that enhance comfort and safety.
- The eye-catching exterior and sophisticated interior might be a source of pride for owners.
- Contributing to sustainability through electric power is likely a significant advantage for environmentally conscious owners.
- The annual servicing requirement and potential for prepaid maintenance packages could be considered convenient and cost-effective.
Major drawbacks:
- As a new model, there might be a lack of long-term reliability data, which could cause potential buyers to hesitate.
- The potential guaranteed future value program is still under exploration, leaving some owners uncertain about resale value.
- Compared to gasoline-powered counterparts, the initial purchase Kia EV9 price of an EV might be a drawback for some.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Kia EV9's maintenance costs are competitive, with routine servicing covered under Kia's capped-price servicing program. The service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The cost of routine maintenance for the EV9 is $706 for 3 years or 45,000km, $1351 for 5 years or 75,000km, and $1997 for 7 years or 105,000km.
On the warranty side, the Kia EV9 offers a comprehensive warranty package. It includes seven years of unlimited kilometres for the vehicle and battery, providing peace of mind for an extended period.
Verdict
The Kia EV9 carves a niche in the electric SUV market with its spacious interior, cutting-edge tech, and eco-friendly performance. Its modern design, comfort, and impressive range redefine expectations. While concerns about long-term reliability and resale value linger due to its newness, the EV9 is a compelling option for those seeking a modern, sustainable SUV with features and space for adventure.
References
Kia's EV9 is a head-turning electric SUV that generates buzz because of its spacious interior. This fully electric option positions itself as a competitor in the growing electric SUV market, offering a blend of comfort and modern design.
Pros:
- Spacious interior, especially in the third row
- Abundance of features for the price
- Smooth and quiet ride on highways
- Quick-charging capability for easier road trips
Cons:
- Base trim is sluggish and has limited range
- Some cabin controls can be distracting
What’s new:
- All-new EV9, a three-row electric crossover SUV
- Similar size to the Telluride
- Range of over 300 miles on a full charge
Finding the perfect balance between space, features, and eco-consciousness can feel like an impossible feat for families on the go. But not anymore, because the 2024 Drive Car of the Year has crowned a champion: the Kia EV9.
Forget the stereotype of electric vehicles being confined to sleek, city-dwelling sedans. The EV9 shatters that mold, offering abundant space for your crew and cutting-edge technology to keep everyone entertained and connected. The Kia EV9 price in Australia falls into the Upper Large SUV category, with costs ranging from $97,000 to $121,000, making it competitive for its segment. What made the Kia EV9 reach the top? Let’s find out!
| Variant | Starting price | Fast Charge Time | Battery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 Air | $99,300 | 20 minutes | 76.1 kWh |
| Kia EV9 Earth | $99,300 | 24 minutes | 283 kW |
| Kia EV9 GT-Line | $130,500 | 24 minutes | 283 kW |
Exteriors
The Kia EV9 is designed to turn heads wherever it goes, thanks to its captivating exterior design that seamlessly blends bold aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency. This fusion ensures you make a statement and glide effortlessly through the streets, commanding attention at every turn.
- Styling elements
At the front, the EV9 has a striking fascia characterised by a distinctive grille and sleek LED headlights, which project a futuristic persona together. Moving along the vehicle's profile, you'll notice clean lines and a coupe-like roofline that creates a sense of movement and exudes elegance. At the rear, the sculpted bumper and LED taillights enhance the EV9's sophisticated look, completing its overall aesthetic appeal.
- Colour options
The EV9 offers a vivid colour palette of 7 colours, including deep forest green, snow white pearl, and aurora black pearl. These options allow you to select the perfect shade to match your style and help your EV9 stand out on the road.
- Wheel design
Complementing the EV9's overall design are its alloy wheel options, including the impressive 21-inch alloys. These wheels come in various sizes and designs, allowing you to personalise your EV9 and give it a unique touch that perfectly suits your individual style and preferences.
Interiors
Upon entering the EV9, you are immediately greeted with contemporary elegance. It's incredibly spacious, with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. Kia's really focused on using eco-friendly materials throughout the cabin, which gives it a clean and sustainable feel. But it's not all about saving the planet; they've managed to make it feel really upscale at the same time.
- Interior layout and space
The EV9's interior is clean and modern. Uncluttered lines and a minimalist layout create a spacious and calming environment. Sustainable materials throughout further elevate the experience. While the focus here is clearly on comfort, the sleek design and innovative touches hint at the EV9's electric nature, setting the stage for a forward-thinking driving experience.
- Comfort and ergonomics
The EV9 lives up to the hype for comfort. Soft-touch plastics and convincing artificial leather create a premium feel, with adjustable lumbar support for those long hauls. Kia gets major points for sustainability by using recycled everything, from ocean nets in the carpets to plastic bottles in the seats. It's impressive without feeling preachy. But the real win here is the space. Second-row seats fold and slide for easy third-row access, and with all the seats down, you get near-cargo-van room levels. It's bigger than a Sorento and rivals a Range Rover in spacious passenger space. Overall, the EV9's interior is a winner- comfy, sustainable, and with enough room for the whole crew and all their stuff.
- Boot
This is where the EV9 really shines. With all three rows upright, you get a usable 333 litres of cargo space. Need to bring more on your next adventure? Fold down the second row and unlock a massive 828 litres – that is enough space for multiple suitcases, camping gear, or even a bike! But if you're going all in on cargo capacity, folding both rows flat unleashes a whopping 2318 litres. That's nearly the cargo space of a small moving truck! This flexibility makes the EV9 ideal for any situation, from daily errands to weekend getaways with the whole crew and all their gear. It was simply one of the most versatile SUV we’ve driven in a long time. You can also utilise the spacious front trunk (frunk) for additional storage.
Technology and infotainment
The Kia EV9's technology and infotainment features truly impressed us. EV9 comes fully equipped with advanced technology and user-friendly functionality that enhanced the over-all driving experience.
- Infotainment system
Inside the EV9, we were greeted by a pair of impressive 12.3-inch screens—one for the gauge cluster and another for the infotainment system. Between these screens, there's a dedicated HVAC readout, which is a thoughtful touch for easy climate control management. Unlike other Kias, the EV9 does away with physical knobs, opting for a more streamlined design with reduced buttons. The remaining controls include key HVAC functions and a volume knob, along with touch-sensitive controls embedded in the dashboard for easy navigation through different menus. The EV9's infotainment system is also a new generation, but details about its features are still under wraps until the official reveal of this new three-row SUV. You will also relish exceptional sound quality with the standard eight-speaker audio system or enhance your audio experience even further by opting for the 14-speaker Meridian system, which will truly add to the driving experience.
- Connectivity options
Seamless connectivity is ensured when you’re driving an EV9, as they come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to access your favourite apps and features directly from the infotainment system. The EV9 offers multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin, providing convenient device charging. While this feature is practical, it is not particularly unique or stand out.
- Navigation system
The EV9 impresses with its built-in navigation system, guaranteeing accurate directions to your destination and ensuring you never lose your way. Another standout feature is the augmented reality HUD, which projects essential information onto the windscreen for easy viewing. This includes speed, navigation guidance, and lane safety information, all presented clearly and intuitively. Unfortunately it is only available on the GT-Line grade.
Performance and engine
The Kia EV9 delivers impressive performance, especially in the GT-Line model, which can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. We were surprised by the Earth model's acceleration too, managing the same feat in a commendable 6.0 seconds. Even the Air model, with its single electric motor, felt lively, hitting 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds. This puts the EV9 on par with or even ahead of many traditional SUVs in terms of speed and agility. The dual electric motors in the Earth and GT-Line models pack a punch, offering a combined power output of 283kW and 700Nm of torque, while the Air model's single motor delivers 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque.
- Engine specifications
| Variant | Electric Motor | Wall Socket Charge Time | Electric Driving Range km |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 Air | 160kW | 32 hours and 15 minutes | 443 km |
| Kia EV9 Earth | 283kW | 41 hours and 35 minutes | 512 km |
| Kia EV9 GT-Line | 99.8 kWh | 41 hours and 35 minutes | 505 km |
- Transmission and drive system
Driving the EV9 was a breeze, thanks to its single-speed transmission. This setup ensures smooth power delivery and a hassle-free driving experience.
- Braking system
We found the EV9's regenerative braking system to be effective and intuitive. The two paddleshifters allow for easy adjustment of the regen braking force, making one-pedal driving a seamless experience.
- Fuel Economy and efficiency:
Our real-world testing showed that the EV9's energy consumption was slightly higher than the claimed figures. However, it remains an efficient choice in its class. The Air model boasts a claimed energy consumption of 19.5kWh/100km, the Earth model 22.3kWh/100km, and the GT-Line model 22.8kWh/100km.
- Handling and driving dynamics
Driving the EV9 was a pleasure, thanks to its light steering and agile feel. However, we did notice some unwieldiness in tight corners and roundabouts, particularly in wet conditions. The suspension setup varied by model, with the GT-Line offering a smoother and more comfortable ride compared to the Air model, which felt a bit busier.
Safety features
The EV9 certainly takes safety seriously. It comes loaded with driver-assistance tech like automatic emergency braking that can detect danger at intersections, blind-spot warning to keep you aware of lane changes, and rear cross-traffic alert to prevent those tricky backing-up situations. These features definitely instilled confidence during my highway drives. However, the lane-departure warning system seemed a bit too eager on narrow roads, issuing warnings when it felt unnecessary.
Passive safety is also impressive, with airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin and a helpful rearview camera with parking sensors. While the camera offers a clear view, the parking sensors could have more range for those super-tight spots.
The car is equipped with the following safety features:
- Autonomous emergency braking with junction assist
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Radar cruise control
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Speed sign recognition
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Nine airbags
- Curtain airbag coverage
- Rear-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
The Kia EV9 also has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, demonstrating exceptional performance across various critical categories.
- Adult Occupant Protection: 84%
- Child Occupant Protection: 87%
- Vulnerable Road User Protection: 76%
- Safety Assist: 85%
Ownership experience
The Kia EV9 has emerged as a strong contender in the electric SUV market, captivating consumers with its spaciousness, innovative technology, and eco-conscious performance. With its modern design, comfortable interior, and impressive range, the EV9 is poised to challenge established players and redefine expectations for electric SUVs. Here's what sets the EV9 apart:
Major strengths:
- Owners likely appreciate the ample space for passengers and cargo, making it suitable for families and adventures.
- Features like the infotainment system, driver-assistance systems, and connectivity are likely to be positive aspects that enhance comfort and safety.
- The eye-catching exterior and sophisticated interior might be a source of pride for owners.
- Contributing to sustainability through electric power is likely a significant advantage for environmentally conscious owners.
- The annual servicing requirement and potential for prepaid maintenance packages could be considered convenient and cost-effective.
Major drawbacks:
- As a new model, there might be a lack of long-term reliability data, which could cause potential buyers to hesitate.
- The potential guaranteed future value program is still under exploration, leaving some owners uncertain about resale value.
- Compared to gasoline-powered counterparts, the initial purchase Kia EV9 price of an EV might be a drawback for some.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Kia EV9's maintenance costs are competitive, with routine servicing covered under Kia's capped-price servicing program. The service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The cost of routine maintenance for the EV9 is $706 for 3 years or 45,000km, $1351 for 5 years or 75,000km, and $1997 for 7 years or 105,000km.
On the warranty side, the Kia EV9 offers a comprehensive warranty package. It includes seven years of unlimited kilometres for the vehicle and battery, providing peace of mind for an extended period.
Verdict
The Kia EV9 carves a niche in the electric SUV market with its spacious interior, cutting-edge tech, and eco-friendly performance. Its modern design, comfort, and impressive range redefine expectations. While concerns about long-term reliability and resale value linger due to its newness, the EV9 is a compelling option for those seeking a modern, sustainable SUV with features and space for adventure.
