Kia EV9 Review: Will it be the ultimate 3-row family SUV?

The EV9, Kia’s first three-row electric SUV, is officially on sale. A test drive event for Asian media was hosted at Kia Motors America’s headquarters in Irvine, San Diego, and Lake Elsinore over January 25-26. The test drive showcased the flagship EV9 GT-Line dual-motor AWD model across three routes, covering over 220 miles of city and coastal terrain, to highlight its design and performance.

The EV9 embodies the ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, emphasizing the aesthetic of simplicity. Its front features a digital tiger face, an evolved take on Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, complemented by LED daytime running lights and digital pattern lighting. The rear boasts slim star map lights and flush door handles enhance the vehicle’s sleek side profile.

The driver’s seat offers a captivating view with a panoramic display that integrates dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch climate control screen. However, the placement of the climate control screen between the digital cluster and the infotainment screen may result in partial obstruction by the steering wheel, affecting visibility depending on the driver’s stature.

Haptic switches, which control key functions, are conveniently located at the bottom of the infotainment screen and become visible at startup. The physically arranged volume and climate control buttons are user-friendly and intuitive, though they may feel somewhat unresponsive, likely due to the user’s familiarity with smartphones.

The GT-Line’s 12-inch head-up display (HUD), which displays driving and navigation information, was highly visible and informative enough to keep eyes off the road and away from the instrument cluster.

With a simple tap, the optional full-display rearview mirror transitions from traditional to digital, overcoming visibility issues caused by passengers or cargo. The digital mirror offers a real-time, wide-angle view of the rear via a camera mounted just below the rear spoiler.

The column-shift lever, along with the starter button, is positioned below the steering wheel’s right side. While it takes some time to get used to it, opens up a sizable storage area near the center console, thanks to its arrangement.

The driving experience is remarkably quiet, especially notable for a boxy SUV of Telluride-class proportions. The cabin maintains minimal noise levels, with measurements via a smartphone app showing 63-65 dB at 65 mph on the 5 Freeway, varying with the road surface.

Cabin noise is impressively managed, rivaling luxury sedans and surpassing similar-class gas-powered SUVs, which usually register about 70 dB due to engine noise. Sound-absorbing materials in the tires and windows contribute to this quietness, earning praise from reporters for its remarkable silence during the test drive.

This tranquility further amplifies the experience of the 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system. The ambient mood lighting integrated into the dashboard, console, and door trim creates a subtle ambiance, perfect for enjoying favorite tunes.

With 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the GT-Line accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.62 seconds, and 0 to 90 mph in 9.9 seconds. Although this is slightly slower by 0.12 seconds than Kia’s private testing claim of 4.5 seconds, it outpaces the 0-60 mph times recorded by the EV6 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, which are 5.08 seconds and 5.02 seconds, respectively. Acceleration tests were conducted at the Hyundai-Kia Proving Grounds in California City.

The absence of internal combustion engine noise ensures a smooth freeway ride, effortlessly reaching speeds beyond 70 mph. The high-capacity battery and low center of gravity design contribute to the EV9 GT’s substantial and stable feel, both at highway speeds and when cornering.

The stopping power is commendable, considering the vehicle’s sizable frame and weight. The SUV EV-specific 285/45R premium tires, mounted on 21-inch aluminum wheels, undoubtedly enhance its cornering and braking capabilities.

With a 122-inch wheelbase, extending 7.8 inches longer than the Telluride, it offers improved driving safety, ride comfort, and a more spacious interior.

The driver and front passenger enjoy reclining seats, hailed as among the most comfortable in recent evaluations. Notably, the driver’s seat features a massage function to alleviate fatigue during extended journeys.

The second row is also equipped with heated and ventilated ‘first-class power captain’s seats’, while the third row offers more headroom than many competitors, comfortably accommodating adults. Additionally, every seat across the three rows features a dedicated USB-C charging outlet and an individual climate control system.

The cargo space expands to 82 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are folded, and the vehicle has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

During freeway tests, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – including smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and lane-keeping assist – demonstrated their effectiveness. With two new-generation lidars, the vehicle maintained pace with the car ahead, offering near semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as lane centering and lane switching, greatly aiding long journeys and commuting.

The driving range varies from 230 to 304 miles based on the trim level. Although the GT-Line is officially rated at 270 miles, the test vehicle showed an impressive 287 miles. With an ultra-fast DC charger featuring an 800V power delivery system, charging from 10% to 80% battery level takes just up to 25 minutes.

The vehicle doubles as a Vehicle to Home (V2H) mobile generator, delivering 1920W of power, ideal as an emergency home power source during outages, like those caused by winter storms.

Available in five trims, the base Light RWD trim starts at $54,900, excluding shipping. The tested GT-Line AWD model, priced at $73,900, offers competitive value against luxury electric SUVs in its class that can reach up to $100,000.

Initially produced in Korea, the assembly and production will start in Kia’s Georgia plant starting in May, with availability at dealerships expected in June and July.

The EV9’s simple, yet impactful looks, quietness, acceleration, and other driving qualities underscore its deserved win of the 2024 North American Car of the Year Utility title.

EV9 looks pretty set to join the Telluride as the ‘Best 3-row Family SUV’.

BY NAKI PARK, HOONSIK WOO  [park.naki@koreadaily.com]

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