If you’re in the market for an electric midsize SUV with three spacious rows for your family, we have the vehicle for you. The 2024 Kia EV9 is a notable new release, packed with innovative technology and helpful additions inside one sleek, modern-looking vehicle. Though we have yet to see the EV9 in person in the U.S., a great deal of information has already leaked about this SUV. The team at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, Minnesota, has provided this rundown of what to expect so you can decide whether the Kia EV9 might be right for you.
Engine and Power
The 2024 Kia EV9 will come in two versions. The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version has a single 160 kW motor on the back axle that delivers 215 horsepower. It’s available with your choice of 76.1 kWh or 99.8 kWh battery packs. The smaller of these batteries offers 258 lb-ft of torque and accelerates to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds. The long-range RWD version with a 99.8 kWh battery reaches 62 mph in 9.4 seconds and has just 201 horsepower thanks to the heavier weight associated with a larger battery.
The EV9 is also available as a dual-motor all-wheel-drive vehicle delivering 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This speeds up the vehicle considerably, equipping it to go from zero to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.
Charging and Electric Range
The EV9 features an 800-volt electrical architecture for fast and efficient charging. The 99.8 kWh battery pack provides about 300 miles of range. Using a fast charger, you can recoup almost 150 miles of range in just 10 minutes and charge your vehicle from 10% to 80% in around 25 minutes. The exact charging specs for your Kia EV9 will vary based on the powertrain configuration. Estimates aren’t yet available for all versions of the EV9.
Interior Features
Inside the Kia EV9, you’ll have plenty of space for your family and their gear with seating for six or seven and 20.2 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row. Without the seats, you can fill up your ride with plenty of bulky loads as you expand to 81.9 cubic feet of cargo space. A vehicle-to-load outlet in the cargo area will take your tailgating game to the next level.
Early pictures of the EV9 indicated innovative seating in the second row with swiveling captain’s seats that rotate a full 180 degrees. While this inclusion made it to the Korean market, it’s not anticipated in U.S. vehicles. However, in the U.S. the EV9’s second-row captain’s chairs will feature eight-way power-adjustable seats with both heating and ventilation. The EV9 also offers more legroom than most SUVs and power leg rests to kick back and relax. Second-row bench seating lacks some of these features but unlocks the seven-passenger configuration.
The upholstery in the EV9 comes in several fabrics and carpets, all of which are animal and environmentally friendly. You can even opt for upholstery made from partially recycled materials to make sure you’re riding a little lighter on the environment.
Exterior Styling
The exterior of the EV9 is highly distinctive with boxy shapes and distinct polygonal lines that create a modern-looking shape for this new electric vehicle (EV). Though early concept vehicles featured rear-hinged suicide doors that open backward, these didn’t make it through to production. Rather, you’ll find standard front-hinged doors complemented by sleek flush-fitting door handles. Wheel options range from 19 to 21 inches. Early photos indicate options both with and without a pair of dual sunroofs. From the front, you can appreciate the “Digital Tiger Face” lighting configuration.
The Kia EV9 is similar to the Telluride in many aspects. It’s nearly the same length at 197.4 inches to the Telluride’s 196.9. The EV9 measures 77.9 inches wide and 70.1 inches tall, while the Telluride is just 0.4 inches wider yet 1.2 inches shorter. You’ll enjoy 7.8 inches of ground clearance in the EV9, which is only 0.2 inches less than the Telluride. The biggest difference is in the wheelbase. While the Telluride measures 114.2 inches, the EV9 comes in at 122 inches, giving it an extra 7.8 inches between the axles.
Technology
Inside the EV9, you’ll enjoy a convenient head-up display with all the essential info right in front of you so you can keep your eyes on the road. Two 12.3-inch touch screens poised side-by-side can present anything from directions to listening options. An optional digital rearview mirror gives you a live camera feed of what’s behind you rather than a reflected picture as you’d get with a standard mirror.
The EV9’s technology perks extend outside the vehicle as well. Using a smartphone-based digital key, you can initiate remote parking, unlock your vehicle, and start the car. The Kia Connect Store promises the option of other features in the future, which can be purchased through the app.
Safety Features
The EV9 provides a full suite of standard safety features, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. In dangerous situations, the EV9 can react faster than its driver with automatic emergency braking with bicyclist and pedestrian detection as well as automatic emergency steering. When you activate the turn signal, the EV9 automatically displays the appropriate blind spot in your driver display, giving you added awareness to help prevent accidents. This vehicle comes equipped with 15 sensors, including two lidar sensors that measure variable distances with pulsed lasers.
Experience the 2024 Kia EV9 Firsthand
The first 2024 EV9 models should reach U.S. lots in the fourth quarter of 2023, although they won’t be eligible for the federal tax rebate on EVs as they’re produced in South Korea. However, Kia plans to shift production to the U.S. in 2024, which will result in eligible EVs for those interested in claiming the tax perks. Once the Kia EV9 is on the road in the U.S., you’ll be able to slide behind the wheel for a test drive at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, Minnesota. Contact us to learn more about this upcoming release.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.