Overview
The Kia lineup is about to remodel into one thing extra electrical. The EV9 SUV, which is about the identical dimension as the present gas-only three-row Telluride, shares its platform with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7. The EV9 might be provided with rear- and all-wheel drive, with the latter that includes a 379-hp dual-motor powertrain. Each the AWD and Lengthy Vary rear-drive fashions can have a 99.8-kWh battery that Kia says will ship 300 miles of vary with the single-motor setup. The usual RWD EV9 can have a 76.1-kWh battery however the vary is unknown. It will additionally be capable of tow as much as 5000 kilos—the identical max capability because the gas-powered Telluride. What’s going to possible entice many households is the EV9’s promise of a usable third row of seats. Not solely will it’s among the many few three-row EVs in the marketplace, nevertheless it’s anticipated to have a comparatively inexpensive beginning value. As soon as we get the prospect to check one ourselves, we’ll replace this story with driving impressions.
What’s New for 2024?
The EV9 is a brand new nameplate for the Kia model and the subsequent within the firm’s plan to have 11 new electrical automobiles on the market by 2026. We count on the EV9 to go on sale by the tip of 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
There is not any official pricing out there but for the Kia EV9, however we count on the bottom model to begin at roughly $56,000. As soon as we be taught extra about how a lot it will price, we’ll replace this story with that info and make a advice on which trim gives the perfect bang to your buck.
EV Motor, Energy, and Efficiency
The EV9 lineup begins with the rear-wheel-drive Customary model, which incorporates a single rear-mounted electrical motor that makes 215 horsepower. The Lengthy Vary model is rear-drive too. Nevertheless, regardless of including an even bigger battery, its peak energy drops to 201 horses. Kia claims the previous will hit 62 mph in a leisurely 8.2 seconds and the latter will want a slothful 9.4 seconds. All-wheel-drive fashions have a dual-motor association with a mixed 379 ponies, and an out there Increase mode will improve the height torque output and supply faster acceleration. Kia claims the AWD EV9 will hit 62 mph in simply 5.3 seconds, making it the one to get for people who need the punchy take-offs that EVs are sometimes identified for. A performance-oriented GT model will be part of the lineup for the 2025 model yr and will supply as a lot as 576 horsepower. Once we get an opportunity, we’ll check the EV9 for ourselves and replace this story with the check outcomes.
Vary, Charging, and Battery Life
The entry-level Customary model comes with a 76.1-kWh battery pack. The Customary Lengthy Vary model and the all-wheel-drive variations have a bigger 99.8-kWh pack. Kia says the Lengthy Vary EV9 ought to drive so far as 300 miles between expenses. Simply do not count on the dual-motor all-wheel drive variant to have a equally lengthy vary. Each EV9 makes use of Kia’s 800-volt electrical structure, permitting DC fast-chargers to replenish its battery rapidly. That sort of connection is alleged so as to add 149 miles of vary in simply quarter-hour.
Gas Economic system and Actual-World MPGe
The EPA hasn’t but launched fuel-economy estimates for the EV9, however given its blocky form and considerably bigger dimension, we count on to see a decrease quantity than the Kia EV6’s 117 MPGe mixed. For extra details about the EV9’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
The EV9 will are available in both six- or seven-passenger variants, relying on whether or not the second row has captain’s chairs or a bench. On the EV9’s higher trim ranges, the third row is energy folding. Kia hasn’t launched a full listing of dimensions and particulars but, however in comparison with the Telluride, the EV9’s second row is simply as comfortably spacious. The third row has extra legroom and headroom. Second-row seats additionally swivel to face the rear—much like the Chrysler’s Swivel ‘n Go launched on its 2008 minivan.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Contained in the EV9 are a pair of 12.3-inch screens—one for the gauge cluster and a second for infotainment—with a devoted HVAC readout between them. The EV9 lacks bodily knobs, and its buttons are diminished in comparison with different Kias on sale at this time with only a few key HVAC controls and a quantity knob remaining, together with touch-sensitive controls embedded within the sprint to leap to completely different menus. The EV9 makes use of a completely new era of infotainment, whose particulars are additionally below wraps till the brand new three-row is revealed.
Security and Driver-Help Options
The EV9 comes with a number of commonplace driver-assistance options, together with methods equivalent to blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. Kia additionally gives a hands-free driving mode that is bundled with a extra superior model of adaptive cruise management. Nevertheless, it is just for the EV9 GT-Line. For extra details about the EV9’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embody:
- Customary automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Customary lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Customary adaptive cruise management with hands-free driving mode
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Kia supplies among the best guarantee plans within the trade. Sadly, in contrast to Hyundai, it does not include any complimentary scheduled upkeep.
- Restricted guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled upkeep
