The new 2024 Kia EV9: Here’s a more affordable electric option for big families
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The 2024 Kia EV9 is an all-electric 3-row midsize SUV. We expect pricing to start at about $55,000.
The Kia EV9 is the newest entry in the Korean brand’s growing stable of electric vehicles. It fills a need in the current EV landscape: a midsize 3-row SUV from a non-luxury brand at a reasonable price point. There are few affordable options in EVs for families who need roomy 3-row seating, and the EV9 will be one of the first to solve that problem. It will arrive on the scene with few direct rivals, but the closest will be the Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX90, and Rivian R1S.
2024 Kia EV9 pricing
We expect the 2024 Kia EV9 to start at about $55,000. When fully loaded, it could get into the $70,000 range. We’re estimating the pricing of the EV9 using the smaller Kia EV6 as a measuring stick, which starts at $48,700 and tops out at about $62,000.
When equipped with three rows of seats, the smaller Tesla
TSLA,
Model Y starts at a little under $60,000. Other than that, the class of midsize 3-row electric SUVs includes the Rivian
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R1S starting at $78,000 and the upcoming Volvo EX90, which will be “well-equipped under $80,000,” according to Volvo
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When does the 2024 Kia EV9 come out?
Production of the Kia
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EV9 is slated to begin in South Korea in the first half of 2023. It will be available for sale in the U.S. in the second half of 2023. Kia unveiled the production version of the EV9 in March 2023.
It’s worth noting that Hyundai
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is working on its own counterpart to the Kia EV9. The Hyundai Ioniq 7 is still in concept form, but it will likely have a similar price tag and production timeline as the EV9.
Also see: The safest new cars of 2023
Range, charging and driving
Like most electric vehicles, the EV9 will be offered with a variety of battery and motor combinations, offering buyers a spectrum of range, performance, and price levels.
The 2024 Kia EV9
Kia
The entry EV9 will feature a single electric motor powering the rear wheels and will be able to hit 62 mph (100 kilometers/hour) in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
With a larger battery, higher price, and slightly lower power, Kia estimates the long-range version of the single-motor model can travel up to 336 miles on a single charge according to European testing standards. We expect the EPA figure — the U.S. standard — to land closer to 300 miles. This is the only version for which Kia has provided any range estimate. The 0-62 mph time drops to a leisurely 9.4 seconds.
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant features two motors that combine to deliver about 380 horsepower, dropping 0-62 mph acceleration to 6 seconds flat. That qualifies it as one of the quickest 3-row SUVs on the market. But buyers who want even quicker launches will be able to download more horsepower for a fee. Kia says an optional “Boost feature” will be “available for later purchase at the Kia Connect Store.” Kia didn’t give a total power figure for that one but said it drops the 0-62 mph time to 5.3 seconds.
Still not fast enough? Kia says there’s an even higher-performance model in the works that could offer something around 600 horsepower.
As for charging, Kia says a DC fast charger will be able to add up to 149 miles worth of range in as little as 15 minutes. Those figures will vary by powertrain configuration and according to final EPA range ratings.
Also see: 2.1 million EVs and plug-in hybrids on U.S. roads, and here’s how much gas they’ve saved
High-tech interior
The interior of the Kia EV9 uses a modern, premium design. It’s nice-looking without going overboard with a futuristic aesthetic. Many EVs take a minimalist approach to interior design, but the cabin of the EV9 looks more like a typical SUV.
This 3-row interior does have some quirks. If you opt for the available second-row captain’s chairs, they can swivel up to 180 degrees. This can make getting in and out a little easier, and the second-row passengers can turn all the way around and face the third-row passengers. However, that configuration will probably only be comfortable for children.
The EV9 uses a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with few physical buttons. This setup is similar to what we’ve seen in the EV6. In the EV6, this system takes a little getting used to, but it works well and comes with nice features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Boxy exterior
The 2024 Kia EV9
Kia
The Kia EV9 uses a sharp design with a family resemblance to the EV6 but with a decidedly boxy shape. It uses what Kia calls an “Opposites United” design philosophy, and a “Digital Tiger Face” front end with a unique light signature. It’s similar in size to the Kia Telluride and other 3-row midsize SUVs.
See: New 2023 EV tax incentives: How they work, which cars qualify, and where to get even more savings
Our favorite features and tech
3-row seating
Standard 3-row seating makes the Kia EV9 a practical EV for families.
Swiveling second-row seats
Available second-row captain’s chairs can swivel up to 180 degrees, which is a unique feature in this class.
Dual 12.3-inch touchscreens
These high-tech screens are the centerpiece of the modern interior design of the EV9.
Digital Tiger Face
The front end of the EV9 is adorned by what Kia calls the “Digital Tiger Face.” The light signature uses vertical headlights, two clusters of small cube lamps, and Star Map LED daytime running lights.
Highway Driving Pilot
Details are scarce and caveats are plenty, but Kia says the EV9 will offer “conditional Level 3 autonomous driving.” That could mean being able to watch a movie at speed from the driver’s seat, for instance, but probably only on certain roads, up to certain speeds, in certain conditions…
Electric powertrain
We’ve been impressed with the electric powertrains from Kia, which strike an excellent balance of efficiency and performance. Kia promises up to 336 miles of range and up to 516 lb-ft of torque in the EV9, but not together.
Check out:The 2024 Honda Prologue: Honda’s new electric SUV is attractive and spacious. When can you get one?
Engine and transmission
The EV9 is set to launch with three battery/motor configurations.
StandardSingle electric motor, rear-wheel drive
76.1-kWh battery
214 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
EPA-estimated range: TBA
Long range
Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive
99.8-kWh battery
201 horsepower
258 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBA
Estimated range: 336 miles (Kia estimate)
Dual motor
Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
99.8-kWh battery
379 total horsepower
442 lb-ft of total torque (516 lb-ft with Boost upgrade)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: TBD
EPA-estimated range: TBD
KBB’s car review methodology.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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