The Kia EV9 is a new electric vehicle that has received positive reviews and recognition. The vehicle has three usable rows of seating, an attractive entry price, and a decent driving range. The EV9 is one of the first true family-friendly EV options, and based on first impressions, it looks like a slam dunk. In this article, we will explore the features, performance, and awards of the Kia EV9 and why it deserves to be a finalist for the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
What is the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is a three-row electric SUV that is powered by a 99.8-kWh battery and offers rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. The EV9 is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, but it is larger and more spacious than both of them. The EV9’s dimensions are very similar to the Kia Telluride’s, though the EV’s wheelbase is almost eight inches longer. The EV9 has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds, the same as the gas-powered Telluride.
The EV9 has a sleek and futuristic design, with a distinctive grille, LED headlights, and a full-width taillight. The EV9 also has a solar roof that can help extend the driving range by generating electricity from sunlight. The EV9 has a spacious and comfortable interior, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and a head-up display. The EV9 also has a lot of advanced safety and driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera.
How does the Kia EV9 perform?
The Kia EV9 electric SUV offers different powertrain options depending on the trim level and the drive configuration. The base model called the Light, has a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 215 horsepower and has an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model has the same motor but a bigger battery, which increases the range to 304 miles but reduces the power to 201 horsepower.
The all-wheel-drive models have a dual-motor arrangement with a combined 379 horsepower and an EPA-estimated range of 318 miles. The all-wheel-drive models also have a Boost mode that increases the peak torque output and provides quicker acceleration. With the all-wheel-drive system, the EV9 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds with the all-wheel-drive system, making it faster than many gas-powered SUVs. The EV9 also has a top speed of 124 mph.
The EV9 has a fast and efficient charging system thanks to its 800-volt architecture. The EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger or add 70 miles of range in 5 minutes. The EV9 also supports bi-directional charging, which means it can supply power to other devices or vehicles using a V2L (vehicle-to-load) port.
The EV9 is a smooth, quiet ride, with a pleasantly soft suspension and a defeatable one-pedal driving mode. The EV9 also has a good handling and steering feel, thanks to its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. The EV9 is fun and easy to drive, with a lot of power and responsiveness.