If you're looking for a spacious, versatile, and eco-friendly family vehicle, you might want to check out the all-new 2024 Kia EV9. This is the first electric SUV from Kia that offers three rows of seats, a long driving range, and a reasonable starting price. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting new model.
What is the Kia EV9?
The 2024 Kia EV9 is a midsize electric SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers. It's based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is also expected to debut soon. The EV9 is part of Kia's ambitious plan to launch 11 new electric vehicles by 2026, following the success of the smaller EV6 crossover.
The EV9 has a sleek and futuristic design, with a distinctive front grille that features LED lighting and a hidden charging port. The rear end also has a full-width LED taillight and a spoiler. The EV9 has a generous ground clearance of 7.8 inches, which should help it handle rough terrain. It also has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which is impressive for an electric vehicle.
How much does the Kia EV9 cost?
The Kia EV9 has a starting price of $54,900, which is quite competitive for a three-row electric SUV. For comparison, the Tesla Model X starts at $89,990, while the Rivian R1S starts at $70,000. The EV9 also qualifies for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, which can even lower the effective cost.
The EV9 comes in three trim levels: Standard, Long Range, and All-Wheel Drive. The Standard trim has a 76.1-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 223 miles. It also has a rear-wheel-drive system with a single electric motor that produces 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Standard trim comes with features such as synthetic leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Long Range trim has a larger 99.8-kWh battery pack that boosts the range to 300 miles. It also has a slightly lower power output of 201 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Long Range trim adds features such as a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and an ambient lighting system.
The All-Wheel Drive trim has the same battery pack as the Long Range trim, but it adds a second electric motor on the front axle that increases the total power to 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It also has an optional Boost mode that enhances the acceleration and torque delivery. The All-Wheel Drive trim includes leather seats, heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitor.
Kia has not announced the pricing for the Long Range and All-Wheel Drive trims yet, but they are expected to be higher than the Standard trim. Kia also plans to introduce a performance-oriented GT trim in 2025, which could offer as much as 576 horsepower.
How fast can the Kia EV9 charge?
One of the most impressive features of the Kia EV9 is its ultra-fast charging capability. The EV9 supports 800-volt DC fast charging in every trim level, which means it can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes. That's faster than most electric vehicles on the market today.
The EV9 also comes with an onboard power generator that can supply electricity to other devices or vehicles. This can be useful in emergency situations or outdoor activities. The EV9 can also use its battery to heat or cool the cabin while parked, which can help preserve the range in extreme weather conditions.
Kia recommends installing a Level 2 charger (240-volt) for home charging that can fully charge the EV9 overnight. Kia also offers access to more than 41,000 public charging stations across the United States through its Kia Charge network.
What are the safety and technology features of the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is packed with advanced safety and technology features, making it a smart and convenient choice for families. The EV9 comes with over 20 standard driver-assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. It also has optional features such as a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, and a remote parking assist.
The EV9 also has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a 14-speaker Bose sound system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system. The EV9 can receive over-the-air software updates that can add or improve new features.
The EV9 also has a spacious and comfortable interior, with plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers. The second-row seats can slide and recline, while the third-row seats can fold flat to create more cargo space. The EV9 also has a power liftgate, a hands-free tailgate, and a smart key system.
When will the Kia EV9 be available?
The Kia EV9 is expected to go on sale in the US in late 2023 as a 2024 model. Kia has not announced the exact launch date or the availability of reservations yet, but you can sign up for updates on the official Kia website. The EV9 will be covered by Kia's industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty, which also includes the battery pack.
The Kia EV9 is a game-changer for the electric SUV segment, offering a compelling combination of space, performance, range, and affordability. If you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle that can handle any adventure while reducing your carbon footprint, you might want to keep an eye on the Kia EV9.
