Kia EV9 Review: The First Affordable Three-Row Electric SUV

For years, families looking for a fully electric vehicle faced a difficult choice. You could buy a smaller crossover that barely squeezed five people, or you had to spend nearly six figures on luxury models like the Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X to get a usable third row. The Kia EV9 changes this dynamic entirely. As the first dedicated three-row electric SUV from a mainstream brand, it offers the size of a Kia Telluride with the technology of the electric future.

This review breaks down exactly what you get for your money, analyzing the real-world range, interior dimensions, and charging capabilities that make the EV9 a legitimate competitor to gas-powered family haulers.

Pricing and Trims: Breaking the Affordability Barrier

While “affordable” is relative in the electric vehicle market, the EV9 undercuts its direct competition by tens of thousands of dollars. The 2024 lineup consists of five distinct trim levels, allowing buyers to prioritize either range, performance, or luxury features.

  • Light RWD: Starting around $54,900, this is the entry-level model. It comes with a smaller battery and represents the most budget-friendly path to a 7-seat EV.
  • Light Long Range RWD: Priced near $59,200, this trim upgrades the battery capacity. It is arguably the best value for families who prioritize driving distance over all-wheel-drive traction.
  • Wind AWD: Starting at $63,900, this adds dual motors for all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and a heat pump for better cold-weather efficiency.
  • Land AWD: At approximately $69,900, this trim introduces luxury elements like upgraded headlights, a Meridian audio system, and 20-inch wheels.
  • GT-Line AWD: The top-tier model costs around $73,900. It features unique styling, 21-inch wheels, and upgraded suspension tuning.

Battery Range and Performance

When buying a vehicle this large, efficiency is a primary concern. Kia utilizes two different battery packs depending on the trim you select.

The base Light RWD uses a 76.1-kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. For many suburban families, this is sufficient for daily school runs and grocery trips, but it may require more planning for long-distance vacations.

The real star is the 99.8-kWh battery found in the Light Long Range model. This configuration offers the lineup’s maximum range of 304 miles. If you opt for the heavier AWD models (Wind, Land, or GT-Line), that range drops slightly to between 270 and 280 miles due to the added weight of the second motor and larger wheels.

Performance metrics are impressive for a family hauler. The dual-motor GT-Line produces 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, launching this massive SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Even the single-motor Long Range model manages a respectable 0-60 time of roughly 9 seconds, which is adequate for highway merging.

Interior Space: A True 7-Seater

The primary selling point of the EV9 is the interior volume. Unlike the Tesla Model Y, which offers a cramped optional third row, the EV9 is built to carry adults in the back.

Passenger Comfort

The vehicle rides on a long 122-inch wheelbase. This flat floor architecture creates significant legroom.

  • Second Row: You can choose between a three-person bench (allowing for 7 total passengers) or captain’s chairs (6 passengers). The captain’s chairs in upper trims offer heating, ventilation, and power adjustments.
  • Third Row: This is not just for small children. Adults under 6 feet tall can sit comfortably for moderate trips. The third row includes USB-C charging ports and cupholders, ensuring passengers in the “way back” are not ignored.

Cargo Capacity

Storage is comparable to the gas-powered Kia Telluride. You get 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, which is enough for a week’s worth of groceries or a few carry-on suitcases. Fold the third row down, and that space expands to 43.5 cubic feet. With both rear rows folded flat, the EV9 offers a cavernous 81.7 cubic feet of hauling capability.

There is also a “frunk” (front trunk). On RWD models, it offers about 3.2 cubic feet of space, perfect for storing charging cables. On AWD models, this shrinks to 1.8 cubic feet due to the front motor placement.

Charging Speed and Technology

Kia utilizes the E-GMP platform, which features an 800-volt electrical architecture. This is a significant advantage over competitors using older 400-volt systems.

If you can find a 350-kW DC fast charger, the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes. This rapid charging capability makes road tripping viable, as you can add nearly 200 miles of range during a short bathroom and snack break.

On a standard Level 2 home charger (11 kW), the larger battery takes just under 9 hours to charge from 10% to 100%, meaning you will always wake up with a full “tank” if you plug in overnight.

Tech Features

The dashboard is dominated by a panoramic display housing two 12.3-inch screens and a smaller 5-inch display dedicated to climate controls. Standard safety tech includes Highway Driving Assist 2, which provides hands-on semi-autonomous driving capabilities, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control.

Towing Capabilities

For families with boats or campers, the EV9 is up to the task. The base RWD model can tow up to 2,000 pounds. However, the AWD models (Wind, Land, and GT-Line) are rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. It is important to note that towing near the maximum weight will significantly reduce your driving range, potentially cutting it in half.

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 tax credit if purchased directly. However, Kia often passes this credit to the consumer through leasing incentives. Production is scheduled to move to West Point, Georgia, in 2024, which may change its eligibility status for purchases.

Does the EV9 have a heat pump? Yes, but not on every trim. The heat pump, which preserves range in cold weather by heating the cabin more efficiently, is standard on the Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims. It is generally not included on the base Light RWD models.

Can the second-row seats swivel? While the global version of the EV9 features swiveling second-row seats that can face backward, this feature is not available on North American models due to safety regulations.

Is the Kia EV9 bigger than the Telluride? They are very similar in size. The EV9 is slightly longer (197.2 inches vs. 196.9 inches) and has a significantly longer wheelbase, which translates to slightly better interior legroom than the Telluride.