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Three months after opening US orders for the long-anticipated three-row EV9 SUV, the oldsters at Kia invited media out to wine nation to check drive it for the primary time. We’ve already had up-close encounters with the EV9, however this was our first probability to take it for a spin and actually check all the pieces in and out (together with that third row). Whilst you in all probability can’t put bodybuilders within the again seat, the EV9 delivers in loads of methods different OEMs usually are not and at a comparatively engaging value level.
A fast Kia EV9 recap main as much as the check drive
This newest drive occasion (personally my first with Kia) was three years within the making, because the EV9 SUV’s origin dates again to its debut as an idea on the LA Auto Present in 2021. I used to be current at that unveiling and felt early on that if Kia and Hyundai Motor Group may ship an EV that regarded related, supplied most inside area, and had above-average vary; it could be a house run with shoppers… so long as the worth was proper too.
As all the time, that’s simpler mentioned than performed… particularly phrases coming from the consolation of my standing desk or, on this case, a not-so-roomy United Airways seat. Nonetheless, we at Electrek (myself included) have been pleasantly stunned at how related the production-intent EV9 stayed to its conceptual design.
2023 was an enormous yr for Kia in loads of methods, however EV9’s growth was an enormous a part of that narrative, even when it wasn’t a real contributor to its document US gross sales (but). We watched the EV endure winter testing, start deliveries in its native Korea, and shortly discovered EU pricing.
By final summer season, we discovered the Korean automaker was increasing its US facility to incorporate EV9 manufacturing – Kia’s first BEV to be inbuilt America and ultimately qualifying for (some) federal tax credit (extra on that later).
From the onset of reservations, demand has far outweighed availability – an encouraging signal for the automaker that has anticipated nice success with its first bespoke SUV on the E-GMP platform.
Kia turned some heads in September when it shared that the EV9 would begin at an MSRP under $55,000 within the US, additional teasing my urge for food to check drive this mannequin and see if it delivers on consolation and efficiency.
Whereas this was simply the most recent media check drive occasion I’ve personally skilled (EV9’s have already been delivered to a few of my non-media associates), it was my finest alternative nonetheless to open up the top-tier GT-Line round wine nation, and I took full benefit.
Listed here are my ideas.
The Kia EV9 is premium, not luxurious, roomy however not spacious
The EV9 arrives as a part of Kia’s “Plan S” electrification technique, which is able to introduce seven new BEV fashions by 2027.
The design and engineering crew developed the SUV as a mainstream competitor to approaching autos just like the Hyundai IONIQ 7, Chevy Blazer EV, and Toyota’s bZ4X, but additionally put loads of work into the inside and general driver expertise to attempt to compete towards extra luxurious EV fashions just like the Tesla Mannequin Y and Mannequin X, Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, and Rivian R1S – all of which have been benchmarked.
After driving all of those EVs and now the EV, Kia’s EV wins or a minimum of stays aggressive in loads of classes, particularly its third row. That being mentioned, the third row might very properly nonetheless underwhelm some shoppers. They’ve undoubtedly acquired Tesla beat although!
To provide you an thought of what I used to be working with, I’ll element the specs of the EV9 GT-Line – the fully-loaded SUV possibility from Kia that every of us media acquired to drive in Napa, California. Its dual-motor AWD powertrain delivers 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The HMG E-GMP platform options Kia’s bigger 99.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which weighs practically 1,250 kilos by itself.
The GT-Line can ship a high pace of 124 mph and speed up 0-60 mph in 5 seconds – 4.5 for those who use “Enhance Mode” (obtainable as an add-on for the decrease trims). Since inside area has been an enormous promoting level on this EV from day one, I’ll additionally share among the inside dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 122 inches (7.8 inches longer than the Kia Telluride)
- Headroom (twin sunroof on GT-Line):
- Entrance Row: 39.6 inches
- Second Row: 38.8 inches
- Third Row: 39.5 inches
- Legroom (with second row captains chairs):
- Entrance Row: 41.4 inches
- Second Row: 42.8 inches
- Third Row: 32 inches
That’s fairly a drop-off in roominess to the third row, however I’ll admit, the EV9 delivered far more room than most third rows I’ve ever skilled, particularly in EVs. For added perspective, Kia shared that the EV9 gives extra whole legroom than the Audi Q8 e-tron, the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, and Tesla Mannequin Y, and extra third-row headroom (+0.9″) and shoulder room (+3.9″) than the Rivian R1S. Discover no point out of extra legroom, although. Listed here are some pictures from the third row:
I do know I’m placing loads of emphasis on the third-row, however that’s an enormous promoting level utilized by Kia to get US shoppers to need to drive the EV9. That mentioned, let’s concentrate on my precise drive and my trustworthy opinion of the Kia EV9. Listed here are some extra pictures of the general inside. High quality with out flashiness and soooo many USB-C ports all through.
EV9 might be the quietest EV I’ve ever pushed
I’m main with this as a result of it’s a characteristic that’s usually missed or undervalued since you’re both blasting Pop2K on Sirius XM and never paying consideration, or your driving a rattly Mannequin Y and also you’re praying for solace.
Earlier than the drive, Kia executives informed us the EV9 was quiet – a 58.2-decibel inside at 55 mph (similar to a Vary Rover inside). That is one thing you don’t really admire till you expertise it your self, although. Between the electrical motor, quiet sealed inside cabin, and noise-canceling EV tires, the EV9 was eerily quiet, even at excessive speeds.
I discovered the general really feel of the drive very easy and acceleration with the twin motors to be satisfactory for confidently overtaking different autos on the freeway. Nonetheless, we have been a great distance from goosebumps by way of pure pace. And that’s positive. This EV isn’t attempting to be a monitor automotive however extra of a cushty, polished, and tech-forward household automobile, which it accomplishes tenfold.
The person interface was intuitive and simple to be taught. The paddles on the again of the wheel have been simple for switching between regen modes – you realize I like my i-Pedal driving, in order that’s the place I stayed most of my drive. Nonetheless, I like that Kia gives a number of ranges of regenerative braking for the brand new EV9 drivers as they get extra snug with the nuances of one-pedal EV driving. When you be taught it, you don’t need to return!
I initially had bother discovering the way to change drive modes till a tech identified it was proper below my nostril on the backside of the steering wheel. I didn’t discover loads of variance between eco, regular, and even sport mode, regardless of Kia executives telling me how briskly that latter mode is (I politely disagree, however I wasn’t anticipating sizzling laps and squealing hairpin turns both).
Sport Mode remains to be the place I had essentially the most enjoyable (on the expense of my driving accomplice Runjhun’s abdomen). I discovered the suspension barely looser general and a bit extra “giddy up,” however nonetheless nothing notably hair-raising.
The suspension general was my largest qualm with the Kia EV9 throughout my drive. We felt loads of bumps, even at decrease speeds, and obstacles like pace bumps have been surprisingly uncomfortable to move over. In that sense, I longed for the air suspension of a twin motor Rivian.
Throughout my drive, I acquired to check out the EV9’s freeway drive help, which permits for lane hold, a secure distance behind different vehicles, and even seamless lane modifications by merely activating a flip sign. I discovered the ADAS to be greater than satisfactory and would undoubtedly take benefit throughout longer drives within the EV9… simply not too lengthy, relying on which trim you select.
As talked about above, Kia caught shopper consideration when it introduced US house owners may drive off in a brand new EV9 for $54,900. Granted, that’s for the bare-bones RWD Mild trim with solely 230 miles of vary, however nonetheless – that’s a stable begin for the quantity of inside area, high quality supplies, and superior tech you get on this SUV.
Keep in mind – the EV9 is on an 800V platform able to 210 kW peak cost energy and replenishment in 24 minutes. To not point out its vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and, someday, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities as soon as vitality corporations begin to play good.
On the opposite finish of the spectrum, the GT-Line trim of the Kia EV9 I acquired to drive begins at $73,900. Costly, sure. Nevertheless it’s higher once you evaluate it to the remainder of the BEV market and practically the entire EV fashions benchmarked by Kia talked about above. A few of these rivals are pushing $100k beginning MSRPs for barely extra luxurious interiors and just a little extra vary.
I wouldn’t spring for the GT-Line to get all add-ons like Enhance Mode and distinctive wheels. The AWD Wind or the Land trims, nevertheless, intrigue me. You continue to get twin motors, the 99.8 kWh battery, and the identical horsepower, however with extra vary (280 miles vs. 270 miles on the GT-Line).
These trims begin at $63,900 and $69,900 respectively. I’d even be smitten with the RWD Mild trim and its 304 miles of vary for below $60k – though, if I really know myself, I’d miss the moment acceleration of the twin motors.
Whereas some shoppers could also be initially turned off by the worth or vary of the Kia EV9, I feel a broader have a look at the remainder of the market serves the argument that this is without doubt one of the most outfitted and tech-forward electrical SUVs obtainable proper now at a value that beats most all of its rivals.
Youthful folks seeking to begin households and go electrical have been ready for a automobile like this, and I don’t suppose it’s going to disappoint. I foresee it doing properly globally, particularly within the SUV-crazed US.
Add federal tax credit to the equation when EV9 manufacturing begins in Georgia later this yr, and that solely sweetens the deal. Hell, I’d say lease one and reap the benefits of the complete $7,500 credit score on the level of sale, then revisit no matter Hyundai Motor Group is engaged on two or three years from now. The best way they’re delivering high quality EVs, you could be prepared for an IONIQ 7 or Genesis SUV sooner or later, and people EVs will in all probability have much more spectacular specs at honest costs.
I’ve mentioned it many instances, however I’ll repeat it. Is anybody doing extra within the electrical mobility area than Hyundai and Kia proper now? I’d argue no.
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