The 2024 Kia EV9 is a futuristic family hauler that has fulfilled its mission as an electric vehicle with three-row seating. With its dual-motor powertrain producing 379 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the EV9 can blow the doors off pretty much anything else in your kid's school pickup line or neighborhood subdivision.
The Kia EV9 is currently the cheapest EV SUV with an adult-habitable third row, with a base price of $71,395 and a top-of-the-line trim at $76,385. Despite its high price, the EV9 has proven to be reliable and low-maintenance, with total costs barely cresting $400 over 20 months of use.
The EV9's performance didn't degrade over two years and 40,000 miles, and neither did its battery, which showed an impressive 97 percent capacity after 40,000 miles. With quick charging speeds from its 800-volt architecture, the EV9 can go from 10 to 90 percent in just 38 minutes and add 100 miles in 14 minutes.
The spacious cabin layout and expansive cargo space are also notable features of the EV9. While some may find the interior switchgear to be a drawback, many staffers praised Kia's efforts to retain physical HVAC controls, steering-wheel buttons, and switches for the heated and ventilated seat cushions.
As we bid farewell to the Kia EV9, we appreciate how it's helping make electric vehicles more appealing to mainstream audiences. However, we also recognize that it and every other EV is also affected by this country's flawed charging infrastructure and the loss of the federal tax credit.
The EV9 is a great family hauler with comfortable seats and plenty of space for passengers and cargo, but its high price may be a barrier for some buyers.
The Kia EV9 has proven itself to be a reliable and capable electric vehicle that can handle the demands of daily use. Its performance and range are impressive, especially considering its relatively low price point. However, as with any electric vehicle, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the limited charging infrastructure and the loss of federal tax credits.
