At 76.1 kWh, the EV9's base battery size is slightly down on capacity compared to its smaller sibling (which has a 77.4-kW pack) and is only offered with a single rear motor that produces a modest 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Kia says this rear-wheel-drive model, referred to as the Light RWD, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just under 9 seconds. The estimated range for this version should be north of 250 miles.
Buyers can also opt for a larger 99.8-kWh battery pack. The entry-level variant is called the Light Long Range, and, confoundingly, makes do with a less potent rear motor. It makes 201 hp in this application, and this, plus the extra weight of the larger battery, contribute to a lethargic 0-60 time north of 9 seconds. That said, this should be the EV9 that offers the longest driving range. Kia says this model, with 19-inch wheels, can drive more than 300 miles before recharging.
At the top of the range is an all-wheel-drive GT-Line trim, which adds a second motor at the front axle. Output climbs to 379 hp and up to 516 lb-ft of torque, giving the EV9 the grunt to sprint to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds flat.
Kia joins the growing number of automakers charging extra for content included in the vehicle from the get-go. A Boost feature will be sold via the in-vehicle Kia Connect Store, unlocking a full 516 lb-ft of torque and reducing the 0-60 mph time to 5.0 seconds The GT-Line comes standard with this feature, and it will be optional on lower trims.
Note that all above powertrains are for the global EV9; Kia can still change which versions will make the journey stateside. No matter how much power the EV9 puts to the ground, every model comes with an 800-volt architecture for speedy DC fast-charging capability. Kia says you can use a 350-kW charger to charge the EV9's battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 25 minutes.