Kia’s three-row all-electric EV9 is expected to arrive before the year ends.
The electric vehicle (EV) wave continues to build momentum as Kia America introduces its first-ever three-row SUV EV, the 2024 Kia EV9. With a starting price of $54,900, excluding destination charge, the automotive world is keen to witness how this new entrant fares in blending affordability with luxury and performance. As EVs progressively become a staple in the automotive market, the EV9 aims to carve a niche within the eco-conscious consumer base.
Exterior Design
The 2024 Kia EV9 sports a distinctive exterior, straying away from the traditional sleek aesthetics associated with electric vehicles. The boxy, triangular design aims to bring a rugged yet sophisticated visual appeal, accentuated by short overhangs and a long 122.0-inch wheelbase. Measuring a bit longer than the Telluride SUV, especially in its GT-Line trim, the EV9’s design seems to be a fusion of a traditional SUV and modern EV attributes. Despite the bulky stature, the aerodynamics of the vehicle are not completely compromised, boasting a coefficient of drag of 0.285, comparable to other SUV EVs.
Interior Space
Offering seating for up to seven passengers, the Kia EV9 tends to cater to families or individuals in need of ample space. The SynTex leather-trimmed seating and 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat with heating and ventilation are a nod towards providing comfort, albeit within a budget-friendly domain.
Cabin Amenities
The elliptical-shaped dash is an attempt to modernize the traditional driver cockpit, housing a wide panoramic display that consolidates dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen into one panel. However, the integration of hidden-until-lit haptic switches alongside the usual physical switches for essential functions exhibits a blend of futuristic and conventional approaches to in-car controls.
In-Cabin Tech
In a bid to cater to tech-savvy buyers, the EV9 features the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. Navigation-based charging guidance, standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger are aimed at addressing the digital conveniences modern drivers seek, although how it compares with rival systems in terms of responsiveness and ease-of-use remains to be seen.
See Also — Kia EV6: Full-Electric Crossover SUV
Driver-Assist Technology
Kia appears to prioritize safety with the EV9 showcasing 20 standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-2) is designed to help mitigate collisions under certain conditions. However, the real-world effectiveness of these features will be a crucial factor in evaluating the vehicle’s overall safety proposition.
Performance Matters
The 2024 Kia EV9 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that promises a moderate 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. While these figures may not thrill performance enthusiasts, the inclusion of DC fast-charging capability may provide the EV9 with a practical edge for everyday commuting and long drives.
Trim Levels and Price
The announced starting price of $54,900 for the EV9 Light RWD sets the stage, with more trim levels like the Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Line slated for future pricing disclosure. Each trim level is expected to offer varying degrees of features catering to different consumer preferences.
2024 Kia EV9 Wrapup
The launch of the 2024 Kia EV9 is a testament to the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market. As Kia ventures into the three-row SUV EV domain, the EV9 presents an effort to merge comfort, tech-savviness, and affordability. The vehicle’s real-world performance, comfort, and technological convenience will ultimately determine if the EV9 can establish a strong foothold in this competitive market. As Kia unveils further details and the EV9 hits the roads, potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike will have a clearer picture of where it stands amidst its competitors.
See Also — Highlights of the 2022 Kia Telluride
Photo courtesy of Kia America.
