2024 Kia EV9

Say what? Well, in terms of the EV9, this means several leaps forward in electric motoring. For one, your party of seven can all ride in the same electron-sipping vehicle. With a third row of seating, the EV9 opens up electric vehicle ownership to groups that were previously too large to consider one. And although full pricing hasn't been announced just yet, its starting price of $54,900 is downright affordable when you compare the EV9 to competitors like the Tesla Model X or Rivian R1S.

But most importantly, the EV9 also aims to prove you don't have to limit your electrified experience to just commuting back and forth — the EV9 has a roomy cabin with space for adults in all three rows.

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.

Even in the pouring rain of our drive event, this family-sized Kia is quiet, comfortable and well mannered, even beyond that of its beloved Telluride sibling. In terms of overall poise and refinement, this is a fantastic electric SUV that has the driving characteristics of something with a luxury badge.

The dual-motor EV9 delivers plenty of torque right off the line. Just about every EV feels quick these days, but even with that context the EV9 pulls harder than you expect. It's not in the same league as a Tesla Model X or Rivian R1S, but a dual-motor EV9 will feel like a NASA rocket for anyone who currently drives a gas-powered SUV.

Just like in the EV6, we love Kia's variable brake regeneration modes. As the driver, you can use full one-pedal driving and not even touch the brake pedal when coming to a stop, or dial it back to make it coast more like a conventional gas-powered car. We have great things to say about the EV9's suspension tuning and ride quality, but our test car was Korean-spec, and the U.S. version will apparently be quite different — more to come on that front.

With strict speed limits on our road trip in South Korea, we never held consistent American highway speeds in the EV9, but wind noise around 60 mph was minimal. The Michelin EV-specific compound tires were also remarkably quiet, even with big 21-inch wheels. We'll have to reserve judgment on the ride quality until we test a U.S.-spec vehicle; the Korean versions are known to have much softer tuning than we’re used to in the States.

There are many things to love about the EV9, but its biggest strength is that airy, spacious cabin. The interior feels open enough that you have room to breathe and relax, even when it's fully occupied. The EV9's long wheelbase provides generous interior space for both passengers and cargo. The third row fit a pair of our 6-foot-tall colleagues without complaints, and the captain's chairs in the second row can recline and slide forward and back. (A traditional three-seat middle row is available for maximum people-carrying capacity.) Headroom and legroom are ample in all rows thanks to the EV9's boxy exterior styling. The EV9 has three legitimately usable rows of seats for adults, not just kids.

The HDP system (Highway Driving Pilot) consists of 15 sensors — including two lidar arrays — and allows for Level 3 autonomy, which means it's hands-off and shouldn't require the driver to monitor the road constantly. Prior to the regulatory greenlight, the HDP system will function as a new and improved version of what we have in Kia's current lineup of cars, known as Highway Driving Assist.

Kia always excels at packing in a lot of features for the money, and as the brand's new flagship model, we expect the EV9 to be loaded to the brim. The twin 12.3-inch displays ahead of the driver are sleeker-looking than in other Kia models and use the automaker's latest infotainment software. That said, we still don’t understand why Kia is reluctant to add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the mix — you still have to plug in your phone to get either up and running. The good news is that this new tech suite is quicker to respond and looks higher-res in person. It's a nice upgrade over what we're used to from the company.