Kia EV9 Review: The First Affordable Electric 3-Row

For years, families wanting an electric vehicle with three usable rows of seats had very few options. You either had to spend over $80,000 on a Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X, or squeeze into a smaller vehicle that barely fit seven people. The Kia EV9 changes that equation entirely. It brings the practicality of the popular Kia Telluride into the electric age, offering genuine space and advanced technology at a price point that undercuts the luxury competition by tens of thousands of dollars.

Pricing and Value: Finally, a Mainstream Option

The most significant aspect of the Kia EV9 is its positioning in the market. While “affordable” is relative when discussing new cars, the EV9 is the first dedicated electric 3-row SUV aimed at the mass market rather than the luxury segment.

The lineup is structured to offer different ranges and power levels:

Light RWD: Starts around $54,900. This entry-level model gets you the 3-row experience at the lowest price, though with a smaller battery.
Light Long Range RWD: Starts near $59,200. This adds the larger 99.8 kWh battery, pushing range to an EPA-estimated 304 miles.
Wind AWD: Starts around $63,900. This is likely the volume seller, adding dual motors for all-wheel drive and better performance.
Land AWD: Starts near $69,900. This trim adds premium features like upgraded lighting and comfort options.
GT-Line AWD: Starts around $73,900. This is the top-tier performance model with unique styling and massive 21-inch wheels.

When you compare these prices to a Volvo EX90 or a Rivian R1S, which can easily push past $80,000 or $90,000, the value proposition of the EV9 becomes clear. It provides the size and utility families need without the luxury tax.

Battery Tech and Charging Speed

The snippet mentioned fast charging speeds, and Kia delivers on this promise by utilizing the E-GMP platform. This is the same architecture found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It uses an 800-volt electrical system, which is superior to the 400-volt systems used by many competitors like Ford or Volkswagen.

Real-world charging benefits include:

DC Fast Charging: The EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes when connected to a 350 kW charger. This equates to adding roughly 100 miles of range every 10 minutes or so.
Level 2 Charging: For home charging, the onboard charger is rated at 10.9 kW. This means you can fully recharge the large 99.8 kWh battery overnight in just under 9 hours.
Range Estimates: The Light Long Range RWD offers the best distance at 304 miles. The powerful AWD trims generally sit between 270 and 280 miles, depending on wheel size.

This charging speed is a critical factor for road trips. While other EVs might require a 45-minute stop to recharge, the EV9 gets you back on the highway roughly in the time it takes to grab a snack and use the restroom.

Interior Space and Family Utility

The primary reason to buy an EV9 is the interior. Kia designed this vehicle to be a true family hauler, not just a styling exercise. It is roughly the same size as the gas-powered Telluride, measuring 197.2 inches long.

Seating Configurations You can configure the EV9 with either a second-row bench (for 7-passenger capacity) or second-row captain’s chairs (for 6-passenger capacity). The captain’s chairs in higher trims offer heating, ventilation, and even a “relaxation mode” that reclines with a leg rest.

Third-Row Usability Unlike many midsize SUVs where the third row is strictly for small children, the EV9 offers viable seating for adults on shorter trips. There are USB-C ports in every row, cup holders, and air vents to ensure passengers in the back do not feel penalized.

Cargo Capacity

Behind 3rd Row: You get 20.2 cubic feet of space, which is enough for groceries or a few carry-on bags.
Behind 2nd Row: Folding the third row opens up roughly 43.5 cubic feet.
Max Cargo: With all rear seats folded, the EV9 offers nearly 82 cubic feet of hauling space.
Frunk: There is a small front trunk (frunk) usable for charging cables, though it is smaller on AWD models due to the front motor.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The driving experience varies significantly depending on the trim you choose. The base Light RWD model comes with a single motor producing 215 horsepower. While adequate for city driving, it takes about 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.

If you opt for the Dual Motor AWD variants (Wind, Land, GT-Line), power jumps to 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. In the GT-Line trim (or lower trims with a software upgrade boost), the EV9 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 to 5.0 seconds. For a vehicle that weighs over 5,000 pounds, that acceleration is startlingly quick.

On the road, the EV9 feels substantial and planted. The heavy battery pack mounted in the floor lowers the center of gravity, keeping body roll in check during corners. The ride is tuned for comfort, absorbing potholes and highway expansion joints effectively.

Technology and Safety Features

Kia has equipped the EV9 with its latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). The dashboard is dominated by a panoramic display housing two 12.3-inch screens and a dedicated 5-inch climate control display sandwiched between them.

Key Tech Highlights:

Digital Key 2: You can use your compatible smartphone as a key to unlock and start the car.
Fingerprint Reader: Located on the center console, this allows you to load your personalized driver profile and start the car.
Highway Driving Assist 2: This standard system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. It performs exceptionally well, making long highway drives much less fatiguing.
V2L (Vehicle-to-Load): An adapter allows you to use the car’s charge port to power external appliances, like camping gear or a laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia EV9 qualify for the federal tax credit? As of early 2024, the EV9 is built in South Korea, meaning it does not qualify for the $7,500 credit if purchased directly. However, Kia is moving production to West Point, Georgia. Once US production ramps up, US-built models should qualify. Additionally, the credit is often applied immediately if you choose to lease the vehicle rather than buy it.

What is the towing capacity of the Kia EV9? The EV9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped with the towing package on AWD models. The base RWD model is rated for 2,000 pounds.

Does the Kia EV9 have a heat pump? Yes, a heat pump is available. It comes standard on the AWD trims and the Light Long Range RWD. A heat pump is crucial for preserving range during cold winter driving.

How long is the warranty on the battery? Kia offers one of the best warranties in the industry. The powertrain and the high-voltage battery are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.