2024 Kia EV9 Review

The EV9 comes in the entry level Earth model and the higher spec GT line. Either option has the same aggressive, sharp edge stance. Many recent Kia models have offered following curves and aerodynamics stances, but the EV9 takes a different tact. The SUV looks like a substantial vehicle in pictures and indeed its dimensions are large at 5m in length and nearly 2m wide. However, up close it seems a little smaller and lower than pictures alone indicate. 

Its looks will probably divide opinion. It is certainly striking, but not everyone will like its more boxy design and prefer something with smoother edges. However, certain buyers may well be drawn to its futuristic look and bold styling, especially the distinctive LED light clusters and contrasting colour wheel arches designed to frame the 19 or 21 inch alloys. Unlike many EVs there is no fake grille, which may take some getting used to. 

If a chunky futuristic design appeals, then the EV9 could well be for you. However, it might just be a step too far for those who prefer more classic curves. 

It is the interior of the EV9 that is likely to be its big selling point. Its size means the cabin is spacious making it a proper, three-row, seven-seater and this is likely to be a big plus with many families. If you do need to transport seven people in comfort, or five and a substantial load, then the EV9 will certainly tick that box, with even the third row quite spacious, aided by the flat floor.  

The boot space is anything from generous to vast, depending on the way you configure the seats. Either way, it can take care of pretty much all luggage needs and it is impressive how seats can be folded at the touch of a button when required.  

The futuristic look continues in the front of the cabin with an impressive 12.3-inch touch screen combined with more sensory buttons and controls. It offers all the connectivity you would expect, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the infotainment system is intuitive and simple to use.  

Trim is based on a sustainable vegan two-tone material with Kia moving away from leather and much of the plastic is recycled. Overall it still feels well built and finished inside with plenty of space and some innovative use of lighting. There are also various options when it comes to seating meaning that owners can make full use of the cars' flexibility and space. 

Kia quotes a range of 563km for the Earth model and 512km for the GT Line. This will of course be dependent on factors such as driving style and load. A practical range figure is likely to be between 350 and 400km from the 99.8kWh battery pack that features in both.  

If you are looking for that rapid EV acceleration then you will need to opt for the GT Line. This can go from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h. The Earth model is more sedate at 9.4 seconds, although still impressive for a vehicle that weighs in at over 2.5 tonnes. The earth has a single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration and the GT Line is a dual-motor 384hp all-wheel-drive. However, both have enough power to make motorway cruising a smooth and surprisingly quiet experience. 

The EV9 is compatible with 350kW DC chargers, so in theory, you can charge the battery from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes, assuming you can find this type of charger and it is not in use. In all probability, the car is more likely to be charged at home overnight, which takes around 16 hours. A weekly charge should be enough for most drivers. Kia has also boosted the SUV credentials of the EV9 by giving it bi-directional vehicle-to-load options. This means it can act as a power source for camping or off-grid work and can even be used to power a home or put energy back into the grid.

Having just landed, the EV9 does not have a track record to go by, but as a manufacturer, Kia is high in the reliability stakes. The EV9 shares many components with the EV6, which also has a good reliability record, so this should point towards trouble-free motoring. You also get the peace of mind of the Kia 7-year warranty and access to an extensive service network. 

The road tax on the EV9 is at the lowest €120 per year rate and insurance premiums should not stray too far from the norm. Concerning energy costs, this will be very much dependent on the type of charging generally used. Sensible home charging will bring very significant savings over petrol and diesel equivalents. Ongoing maintenance on EVs also tends to be much more economical than similar SUVs with petrol or diesel engines, so as a large SUV, you should expect the EV9 to cost a lot less to keep on the road.  

Despite the large dimensions of the EV9, the car is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre at lower speeds such as when parking. It also has a system of cameras and sensors to assist and there is an automated parking function.  

On the open road, the handling and ride are comfortable and competent.  The steering has a nice weight and feel to it and the low centre of gravity and mass of the car mean it also feels very stable on the road, with plenty of grip in faster corners. However, if you are looking for the type of driving engagement that Kia achieved so well in the EV6, or might be available in some of the European-made electric SUVs, you will be slightly disappointed. The ride is certainly smooth and refined, even at lower speeds, but there is no spark of excitement. However, if you have opted for seven-seat practicality, excitement is probably not high on your priority list. 

The EV9 was included in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety testing and the car achieved the maximum 5 star rating. It was especially praised for its level of child safety equipment and its level of accident avoidance technology. 

Indeed the EV9 feels very safe to drive and not just because of its size. As you drive you get plenty of gentle advice and warnings, if, for example, you exceed the speed limit, take your eyes off the road for too long, or stray out of your lane. Kia categorises the technology into highway assistants, anti-collision assistants and parking assistants. The good news is that these “assistants” all come as standard, so you do not have to worry about which to chose. It all makes the EV9 one of the safest new cars on the road.  

The Earth spec EV9 comes in at a base price of €77,500 and the GT Line at €85,500. This may seem a lot, but you are getting a lot of car for the money. The EV9 is very well specified, with all the technology you could ever want on a new model. It is also well-finished and comfortable. But perhaps the big selling point of the EV9 is the seven seat flexibility. This is likely to be a game changer for some buyers shopping at this end of the market, with few other similar options available. It means Kia is offering a premium quality SUV that can comfortably carry more passengers than most of the competition. While the look of the EV9 may divide opinion, it is the extra capacity that is likely to be most important to potential buyers, and you can expect lots to be lining up.