5 Thoughts on the 2024 Kia EV9
Author:
Scott Hinderer.
I’d been looking forward to test-driving the 2024 Kia EV9 since taking the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the EV6, for a spin in 2023. Driving the EV6 was a great experience, but I wanted to get my hands on a proper electrified SUV — at least in shape and stance. I consider the EV6 more of a sports car than a utility vehicle, though Kia markets it as a crossover. The EV9 also has 3-row seating and boasts dimensions roughly equivalent to the Kia Telluride.
The EV9 I tested was the GT-Line AWD model, the top-of-the-line spec, which carries all the bells and whistles. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for this model is $75,395, including the freight charge of $1,495. Additional charges include $695 for premium paint, $2,000 for the Second-Row Relaxation Package, $225 for carpeted floor mats, and $115 for a carpeted cargo mat with seatback protection. The total price for this EV9 GT-Line AWD was $78,430 as tested. Here are five thoughts I had after my week with the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD.
1. Sport Mode Engaged
Sport Mode is a hoot. This experience is mainly due to being able to wring out all the torque at takeoff, which rates at 516 lb-ft in the GT-Line AWD, at takeoff, a common attribute of electric powertrains. Kia says the zero-to-60 time for the GT-Line is five seconds; it did not feel like it took that long at all. The other trims finish a couple of seconds behind. When engaging Sport mode, you could feel the vehicle tighten up. Most obviously, the side bolsters in the driver’s seat turn inward to snug up against your midsection to reduce lateral sway in spirited driving. Ironically, the regenerative braking seemed the most aggressive in Sport mode, but it may spare you from moving your foot to the left in tight corners.
On a side note, you can activate the all-wheel drive via a “4WD Lock” button on the steering wheel. While I gave it a try or two in and out of Sport Mode, I didn’t notice a difference in normal driving conditions between AWD and the default rear-wheel drive, which is probably all you need even in adverse weather. One of the benefits of the EV9’s architecture is that it evenly distributes the vehicle’s weight over both axles, making the backend traction more stable. It’s one reason why electrification is ushering in a welcome resurgence of RWD vehicles back to market. I detected no difference when driving in heavy rain, and I imagine a set of winter tires would offset the absence of AWD in snowy conditions.
2. Crouching Driver, Hidden Trigger
I learned to drive automatics in the golden age of steering-column stalk shifters. While I appreciate the space-saving feature more than some, I have gotten accustomed to modern push-button ignitions and switchgear. I am embarrassed to say it took me a good minute to find the start button hiding behind the steering wheel turned just so. However, I liked the logic once I figured out the location, especially giving it a twist to put the EV9 in Drive or Reverse. Press the tip to put it in Park.
3. Style for Miles
Starting from the outside, this is a handsome vehicle. I love the hard-sided luggage looks of the exterior. The lighting design is striking, with the headlights comprising pixelated squares while the daytime running lights wrap around the front edges. The taillights look almost organic — like geometric tree branches. The upsweep of the rear windows meeting the rear spoiler gives it a touch of dynamism. Our test vehicle’s paint color is Ocean Blue Gloss, or, as my wife would have it, Cookie Monster. It is a vibrant hue, especially in the sunshine. I would like to see how the available Ocean Blue Matte coat fares, but it costs an extra $300 over its glossy companion. Weirdly, the pixel lights aren’t available with the matte finishes.
Kia has covered the seats in a lovely 2-tone Light Gray-and-Black Syntex upholstery. The Black is more of a charcoal. If there’s one amenity you expect in a vehicle in this price range, it is genuine leather. You won’t find it here, but the simulated leather materials feel high-quality, comfortable, and well-put together. One quibble: I wish the headliner were Light Gray to make the cabin color scheme more symmetrical and slightly brighter inside, especially with the dual sunroofs open. It’s not dim, but the interior would feel airier with a paler headliner. Kia nodded to family-friendliness and placed large grab handles inside the back doors should smaller or less spritely passengers attempt to climb in.
4. Get Comfortable
If you want to adjust your seat in the EV9, take your time. The degree of articulation in any direction is impressive, and this goes for all the seats in the first and second rows. Focusing on the driver’s seat momentarily: Between the power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and the 10-way power seat, the EV9’s cockpit can accommodate nearly every body type or build. Have a driving partner with long legs and a short torso, or vice versa? You both can find your sweet spots.
In addition to being captain’s chairs in the first two rows, the seats come with heating and ventilation in the Land and GT-Line trims. The Second-Row Relaxation Package (included in GT-Line) adds power adjustability and leg extension cushions. The front seats also have leg support; unfortunately, the driver can only use it while the vehicle is in park or charging. Because of the captain’s chairs in the second row, the GT-Line only seats six. If you want a middle-row bench to carry seven, step down to the Wind AWD trim or the base model Light RWD. The 50/50 third row is fixed in place but can recline manually or fold flat for more cargo room. You can access those spots by powering the second row out of the way or squeezing between the captain’s chairs, which I wouldn’t recommend for an adult. The third row is best for smaller children. Even undersized adults could feel cramped back there.
5. Storage Wars
I found the storage compartments a mixed bag. There is no front trunk (frunk), just enough space under the hood to carry around your portable charging cable and a first-aid kit. Both rear rows fold flat to max out the interior cargo room. However, when pulling on the straps in the back of the third row to make the seatback upright again, I had difficulty getting them to lock in place without pulling on the headrest. Seeing a bulge in the carpet cargo mat led me to believe that was what was interfering.
The console was full of surprises aside from forcing almost every button to the doors or dashboard. Since there’s no transmission tunnel in an EV, there is plenty of space underneath the console, which holds an open bin big enough to hold a 48-ounce double-walled stainless-steel bottle upright or on its side. Disappointingly, I found only a small cubby about the size of a single-wide box of Pop-Tarts under the armrest. But if you are in the second row, you can pull out a lidded compartment from the back of the console that’s big enough to stow some toys, books, and other activity materials. The glove box is cavernous by most standards. Is it bigger than a breadbox? Maybe.
The Wrap
If you made it this far, congratulations! The length of this review indicates that I liked the EV9 and had many things to say about it, but fortunately for you, I limited myself to just five thoughts. This electric vehicle was easy to live with and maneuver despite its size. Even though I don’t need three rows, the EV9 would be high on my list of potential new electric vehicles. I would probably downgrade to the Wind AWD to get that second-row bench for my dog and always keep the third-row folded flat, effectively making it a spacious 2-row SUV, but that would fit my lifestyle better. I’d compromise on some power and convenience features, especially parking assists, but I’d also save 10 grand off the MSRP. If I could get a 7-seat EV9 GT-Line, all bets are off. Related:
2024 Kia EV9: Choosing the Right Trim.
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