Kia EV9 Overview 2025

The Kia EV9 has already claimed the World Car of the Year award just months after its mid-2023 launch, setting a new benchmark for electric SUVs. With its impressive 349-mile range and lightning-fast charging that takes just 24 minutes to go from 10-80%, this flagship electric vehicle is turning heads for all the right reasons.

Beyond its striking 5-metre length, the EV9's interior offers genuine space for seven tall adults, complete with three-zone climate control and USB-C ports across all rows. While the £65,025 starting price might seem substantial, you're getting a comprehensive package that includes a 99.8 kWh battery, a sophisticated 12.3-inch touchscreen system, and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

If you're considering making the switch to an electric SUV that combines space, technology and efficiency, the EV9 deserves your attention. Let's explore what makes this vehicle stand out in the increasingly competitive electric SUV market.

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What is the Kia EV9 and Why It Matters:

Positioned as Kia's most generation-defining electric car, the EV9 represents a significant leap forward in the electric SUV segment. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), this sophisticated SUV combines elegant design with practical functionality.

Key Features Overview

The EV9's impressive specifications start with its high-voltage 99.8 kWh battery pack, enabling a substantial range of up to 349 miles. Furthermore, the ultra-fast charging capability allows you to add 154 miles of range in just 15 minutes, additionally charging from 10% to 80% takes merely 24 minutes.

Performance varies across the range, with the entry-level Light RWD model delivering 215 horsepower and achieving a range of 230 miles. Subsequently, the Light Long Range RWD variant increases the range to 304 miles. For those seeking additional power, the Wind AWD model generates 379 horsepower with 443 lb.-ft. of torque.

The GT-Line AWD stands out with increased torque of 516 lb.-ft. and includes premium features such as:

• A 12-inch head-up display
• Remote smart parking assist
• Self-levelling rear suspension with 5,000 lb. towing capacity

Safety remains paramount, evidenced by the EV9 receiving NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Rating. The vehicle employs fifteen sensors providing a 360-degree field of view, coupled with advanced adaptive cruise control that responds to road hazards within milliseconds.

Notably, the EV9 features upgradeable technology through the Kia Connect store, ensuring your vehicle stays current without dealership visits. The interior showcases twin 12.3-inch displays, creating an impressive digital command centre.​

Kia EV9 Interior: A Closer Look

Stepping inside the Kia EV9 reveals a cabin that masterfully balances modern design with practical functionality. The wide, low dashboard creates a contemporary ambiance, complemented by chunky, square steering wheel spokes and intuitive physical toggles for climate controls.

Seating Configuration Options

The EV9's versatility shines through its unique seating arrangements. The seven-seat configuration offers a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench, whilst the six-seat layout features individual captain's chairs. Second-row passengers benefit from heated and ventilated seats, along with one-touch tilt and slide functions for effortless third-row access.

A standout feature in the six-seat configuration is the innovative second-row swivel seats that rotate 180 degrees, perfect for family interactions or easier baby seat installation. The GT-Line S trim elevates comfort further with VIP relaxation chairs, offering eight-way power adjustment and wing-out headrests.

Third-row accommodation impresses with genuine space for adults, featuring dedicated cup holders, air vents, and charging points. The cabin provides generous dimensions with 41.4 inches of front legroom, 42.8 inches in the second row, and 30.8 inches for third-row passengers.

Storage Solutions

The EV9's storage capabilities are thoughtfully designed throughout. The centre console features adaptable cup holders that swivel away when not needed, creating additional storage space. The glove box includes a practical shelf system, although door bins could benefit from better lining to prevent rattling.

Cargo capacity remains practical even with all seats occupied:

• 333 litres behind the third row
• 828 litres with third row folded
• Over 1,500 litres with all rear seats stowed

The frunk under the bonnet offers an additional 90 litres of storage space, depending on the model variant. For enhanced convenience, the middle-row seats can be folded at the touch of a button from the boot area.

Tech Features and Controls

The dashboard showcases three seamlessly integrated displays, including twin 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver information. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

Physical controls haven't been completely abandoned, with a row of toggle switches providing quick access to climate settings. Nevertheless, the touch-sensitive panel beneath the infotainment screen requires a firm press to register inputs.

Standard technology includes:

• Wireless phone charging
• Six USB-C fast-charging ports (two in each row)
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Digital key system 2.0 with fingerprint recognition

Higher trim levels receive additional refinements, including a premium 14-speaker Meridian audio system and a head-up display that projects essential driving information onto the windscreen. The electric rear-view mirror, standard across all models, can be switched to conventional mode according to driver preference.

The cabin's sustainable approach deserves recognition, featuring vegan two-tone interior materials. The seat foam incorporates natural oils, whilst interior plastics are crafted from recycled materials, including repurposed fishing nets. Although the finish might not match ultra-luxury brands, the quality remains impressive, with careful attention to details like eliminating sharp moulding edges.

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Kia EV9 Range and Charging

Range testing reveals impressive real-world performance from the Kia EV9's substantial battery pack. During extensive highway testing at 75 mph, the GT-Line variant achieved 240 miles on a single charge. Indeed, this represents 88% of its EPA-rated range, outperforming several competitors in efficiency retention at highway speeds.

Real-World Range Tests

The EV9's range varies significantly across different configurations. The rear-wheel-drive Light Long Range model leads the pack with 304 miles, certainly making it the optimal choice for distance-driven buyers. Alternatively, the all-wheel-drive variants offer 280 miles, except for the GT-Line which manages 270 miles.

In practical terms, the EV9 demonstrates remarkable efficiency considering its size. Even in temperatures hovering near zero, the vehicle maintains 2.9 miles per kWh, enabling approximately 300 miles of real-world range in most conditions. The inclusion of a heat pump as standard equipment helps maintain this efficiency during winter driving.

Efficiency figures showcase the EV9's capability:

• RWD Models: Up to 100 MPGe city and 78 MPGe highway
• AWD Models: Up to 91 MPGe city and 75 MPGe highway

Charging Speed Analysis

The EV9's charging capabilities stand out as a defining feature. At 350kW DC fast-charging stations, the vehicle consistently achieves impressive charging rates. Testing confirms a peak charging power of 234kW, maintaining above 200kW until reaching 47% state of charge. Remarkably, the charging speed remains above 180kW until 70%.

Charging times vary based on the battery configuration:

• 99.8 kWh battery: 10-80% in 24 minutes
• 76.1 kWh battery: 10-80% in 20 minutes

The charging curve demonstrates exceptional stability, with an average rate of 191.6kW between 10-80% state of charge. This translates to practical range gains during brief charging stops:

• 15 minutes: 134 miles added
• 30 minutes: 225 miles added

For home charging, the EV9 comes equipped with a 10.9kW onboard charger. Using a Level 2 home charger, a full charge takes approximately 9 hours. Nonetheless, the vehicle supports various charging options:

• Level 1 (120V): Standard household outlet charging
• Level 2 (240V): 7-9 hours for full charge
• DC Fast Charging (50kW): 83 minutes for 10-80%
• Ultra-Fast Charging (350kW): 24 minutes for 10-80%

The EV9's 800-volt electrical architecture enables these rapid charging speeds. Despite the vehicle's peak charging power being just over 200kW, it requires high-voltage chargers (800-1,000V) to achieve optimal performance. To maximise charging efficiency, the vehicle includes battery preconditioning, automatically warming or cooling the battery when navigating to a DC fast-charging station.

Starting in early 2025, Kia plans to offer NACS-to-CCS1 adapters, granting EV9 owners access to Tesla's Supercharging network. This expansion will substantially increase the available charging infrastructure, making long-distance travel even more convenient.

For optimal battery longevity, Kia recommends maintaining the charge level between 20% and 80%. The vehicle's charging system includes intelligent features like scheduled charging and charging connector locking modes, alongside Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities that allow power export to external devices.

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Performance and Handling

Power delivery in the Kia EV9 varies distinctly across its model range. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant generates 200bhp, completing the 0-62mph sprint in 9.4 seconds. Alternatively, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration unleashes 379bhp alongside 516 pound-feet of torque, propelling the vehicle from standstill to 62mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Acceleration and Power Delivery

The GT-Line stands out with its remarkable acceleration characteristics. Upon pressing the accelerator, the instantaneous torque delivery pins occupants firmly into their seats. Correspondingly, the dual-motor setup harmoniously switches between rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive modes, optimising grip across various surfaces.

In regular driving conditions, the EV9 demonstrates expertly calibrated power management. Rather than delivering jarring bursts of acceleration, the power flows smoothly, making it remarkably manageable considering its substantial 5,000-pound kerb weight.

Ride Comfort

The EV9's suspension setup prioritises comfort above sportiness. The standard 255/60 R19 profile tyres effectively absorb road imperfections, working in tandem with the soft suspension tune. Specifically tuned for diverse road conditions, the suspension system handles potholes and uneven surfaces competently.

At motorway speeds, the EV9 maintains exceptional refinement. The tyres have been optimised to minimise noise and vibration, creating a serene cabin environment. Still, some wind noise becomes noticeable, primarily due to the vehicle's boxy silhouette.

The ride quality exhibits certain characteristics worth noting:

• Excellent stability at highway speeds
• Minimal road noise intrusion
• Effective damping over most surface imperfections
• Slight body roll during aggressive cornering

Off-Road Capabilities

Whilst not primarily designed for serious off-roading, the EV9 offers respectable capability beyond tarmac. With 177mm of ground clearance, it handles moderate off-road challenges confidently. The vehicle comes equipped with specific drive modes for varying conditions:

• Normal mode for everyday driving
• Eco mode for maximum efficiency
• Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness
• My Drive for personalised settings
• Terrain mode for challenging surfaces

For winter driving, a dedicated snow mode enhances traction in slippery conditions. The all-wheel-drive system proves particularly effective on loose surfaces, maintaining stability even when traversing dirt roads.

The steering system deserves specific mention, offering light effort at low speeds for easy manoeuvring, then adding weight appropriately as speeds increase. The turning radius remains impressively tight for a vehicle of this size, facilitating smooth cornering even at higher speeds.

Looking ahead to 2025, Kia plans to introduce a high-performance GT variant, projected to become their most powerful SUV yet. This version will feature enhanced electronically controlled suspension for improved stability, alongside dual motors generating over 500hp. Most impressively, this configuration will enable the seven-seater to achieve 0-62mph in under five seconds.

The current model's braking system integrates well with the regenerative braking feature. Steering wheel paddles allow precise control over regeneration levels, enabling single-pedal driving when desired. This system proves particularly useful in urban environments, offering smooth deceleration without requiring constant brake pedal input.​

Trim Levels and Equipment

The Kia EV9's trim hierarchy presents a thoughtfully structured range, starting from £65,025 for the entry-level Air model. Each variant builds upon its predecessor, offering progressively enhanced features and capabilities to suit diverse preferences and requirements.

Air Model Features

The Air trim establishes a robust foundation with an impressive array of standard equipment. At its core lies a sophisticated 12.3-inch driver display screen complemented by a 5.3-inch climate control panel. The exterior showcases 19-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured auto-flush door handles, lending a premium aesthetic to this base variant.

Safety features remain paramount in the Air trim, incorporating:

• Blind-spot collision avoidance assist with rear-cross traffic assist
• Lane follow assist 2
• Highway driving assist 2 with hands-on detection
• 360-degree surround view monitor

The cabin comfort extends beyond mere aesthetics, offering heated and ventilated front seats alongside Kia Connect services, provided free for seven years. Remarkably, even at this entry point, the Air trim maintains high-quality materials and finish throughout the interior.

GT-Line Additions

Stepping up to the GT-Line, priced at £73,275, brings substantial enhancements both aesthetically and functionally. The exterior receives distinctive GT-Line styling elements, alongside upgraded LED headlights featuring small cube design with adaptive driving beam technology.

The GT-Line elevates the driving experience through:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Electric tilt and telescopic steering column
• Driver power adjustable memory seat
• Premium relaxation seats for driver and front passenger
• Ergo motion seats for the driver

This mid-tier variant introduces electronic movements for both the steering wheel and front passenger seats. The adaptive beam headlights offer enhanced visibility, alongside sporty GT-Line styling touches that set it apart from the base model.

GT-Line S Premium Features

The range-topping GT-Line S, commanding £76,025, represents the pinnacle of EV9 luxury. This premium variant exclusively offers the option to convert the middle row from three seats to two swivel chairs. The audio experience reaches new heights with a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system.

Exclusive GT-Line S features encompass:

• Sunroof with tilting and sliding function
• Head-up display
• Remote smart parking assist
• Self-levelling rear suspension

The GT-Line S stands as the sole trim offering the innovative six-seat configuration. This arrangement transforms the second row into individual captain's chairs, complete with power footrests that can be raised for ultimate comfort.

Across all trim levels, the EV9 maintains its commitment to advanced technology. Every variant benefits from over-the-air updates, ensuring the vehicle's software remains current without requiring dealership visits. The comprehensive safety package includes fifteen sensors providing a 360-degree field of view, alongside advanced driver assistance features that respond swiftly to road hazards.

For 2025, Kia plans to introduce software enhancements across the range, alongside the integration of NACS-to-CCS1 adapters, granting access to Tesla's Supercharging network. This forward-thinking approach ensures the EV9 remains at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, irrespective of trim level chosen.

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Running Costs and Value

Investing in the Kia EV9 requires careful consideration of both upfront costs and long-term financial implications. As Kia's flagship electric SUV, the pricing structure reflects its positioning in the market alongside established premium competitors.

Purchase Price Analysis

The base price begins at £65,025 for the Air model, representing substantial value considering its comprehensive standard equipment. Moving up the range, the GT-Line commands £73,275, whilst the range-topping GT-Line S starts at £77,025. Comparatively, these figures position the EV9 favourably against rivals like the BMW iX and Audi Q8 e-tron.

For those exploring financing options, Kia offers competitive monthly payments.

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These payments assume a £10,000 deposit and 10,000-mile annual limit. Alternatively, company car drivers benefit from advantageous benefit-in-kind tax rates through salary sacrifice schemes.

Maintenance Expenses

The EV9's maintenance schedule follows a structured pattern with services required annually or every 15,000 kilometres. The capped-price servicing programme extends up to seven years or 105,000 kilometres, offering predictable maintenance costs:

First five service intervals:

• Year 1/15,000km: £77.03
• Year 2/30,000km: £404.23
• Year 3/45,000km: £79.42
• Year 4/60,000km: £430.43
• Year 5/75,000km: £81.80

Remarkably, the EV9's maintenance costs average approximately £214.42 per service for the first five checkups!This represents a 45% reduction compared to conventional diesel SUVs. The lower maintenance expenses stem from the EV's simpler mechanical design, featuring roughly 90% fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engines.

Kia's commitment to customer support extends beyond routine maintenance. The comprehensive warranty package includes:

• Seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty
• Seven-year battery coverage
• Eight years of roadside assistance

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Insurance Considerations

Insurance costs warrant careful attention, as the EV9 falls into higher insurance groups. The Air model sits in group 45, whilst GT-Line and GT-Line S variants occupy group 50. These classifications reflect the vehicle's sophisticated technology and substantial repair costs.

To mitigate insurance expenses, Kia offers several beneficial programmes:

• Complimentary five-day driveaway insurance
• One-year £250 excess return voucher
• Free 24-hour accident aftercare

For electric vehicle owners, Kia's specialised insurance coverage encompasses:

• Replacement of EV batteries and charging cables
• Access to Kia-approved body shops
• Genuine parts replacement
• Courtesy car provision during repairs

Home charging coverage remains available upon request, offering additional protection for charging infrastructure. Should your new EV9 be written off within 12 months of registration, the policy provides a brand-new replacement vehicle.

Looking ahead to 2025, owners should note that the current road tax exemption for electric vehicles will conclude. Therefore, early adoption offers immediate financial advantages. The vehicle's predicted depreciation rates appear stable, suggesting strong residual values that could positively impact overall ownership costs.

For optimal running costs, home charging proves most economical. With competitive electricity tariffs, operating costs can drop below 5p per mile, substantially undercutting the 16p per mile typical of petrol vehicles or 13p per mile for diesel alternatives.

Living with the EV9

Behind the wheel of the Kia EV9, everyday journeys transform into comfortable adventures. As a practical family hauler, this electric SUV demonstrates remarkable versatility across various driving scenarios.

Daily Commuting Experience

The EV9's serene cabin environment makes daily drives remarkably pleasant. Upon approaching the vehicle, the door handles automatically extend outwards, whilst the fingerprint recognition system enables swift access. The driver's seat offers a massage function that activates automatically after an hour of continuous driving, helping reduce fatigue on longer commutes.

The adaptive cruise control system proves particularly impressive, maintaining consistent distances in traffic. For urban navigation, the steering remains light at lower speeds, becoming progressively weightier as velocity increases. The vehicle's substantial size seemingly diminishes once in motion, making city manoeuvring surprisingly manageable.

The cabin's whisper-quiet atmosphere enhances the commuting experience. Yet, at higher speeds, some wind noise becomes apparent, primarily owing to the EV9's angular design. The suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, though the 20-inch wheels occasionally transmit more feedback than desired.​

Family Road Trip Suitability

Long-distance travel showcases the EV9's true capabilities. The spacious interior accommodates seven adults comfortably, with dedicated amenities for each row. Third-row passengers benefit from:

• Individual air vents
• USB-C charging ports
• Dedicated cup holders
• Proper headroom and legroom

Storage solutions prove practical, offering 300 litres of boot space with all seats occupied. Folding the third row expands this to 828 litres, whilst maximum capacity reaches an impressive 2,318 litres. The frunk provides additional storage for charging cables or smaller items.

Real-world testing demonstrates the EV9's road trip credentials. A family of five completed a 550-mile journey efficiently, though charging stops required strategic planning. The vehicle's navigation system intelligently routes through available charging stations, automatically preconditioning the battery for optimal charging speeds.

The three-zone climate control system ensures passenger comfort throughout extended journeys. Second-row occupants appreciate the sliding and reclining capabilities, alongside heating and ventilation functions in higher trim levels. For families with young children, the swivelling second-row seats simplify car seat installation and child access.

Charging logistics on longer trips prove manageable. The EV9 maintains consistent range performance even when fully loaded. At appropriate fast-charging stations, the battery replenishes from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes. This timing aligns conveniently with typical rest stops for refreshments and comfort breaks.

The vehicle's towing capability adds another dimension to family adventures. All-wheel drive variants can pull up to 2,500kg, whilst rear-wheel drive models manage 900kg. However, towing notably impacts range, requiring additional planning for charging stops.

For entertainment, the comprehensive infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional 14-speaker Meridian audio system delivers excellent sound quality, making lengthy journeys more enjoyable. Remote climate control activation whilst charging ensures the cabin temperature remains comfortable without affecting driving range.

Future Updates and Improvements

As 2025 approaches, Kia plans substantial updates for the EV9, marking a pivotal shift in its electric vehicle strategy. The manufacturer aims to enhance both hardware capabilities and software functionality, ensuring the EV9 maintains its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving electric SUV market.

Expected 2025 Changes

The most notable advancement comes with the introduction of the high-performance GT variant in January 2025. This flagship model promises to become Kia's most powerful SUV yet, featuring enhanced electronically controlled suspension alongside dual motors generating over 500 horsepower.

A significant infrastructure upgrade arrives through the integration of NACS-to-CCS1 adapters. This modification grants EV9 owners access to Tesla's extensive Supercharging network, markedly expanding charging options across various regions.

Battery technology sees meaningful improvements, with new cell configurations potentially offering a 9% increase in capacity. This enhancement could extend the AWD Wind/Land trims' range to approximately 305 miles, establishing new benchmarks for large electric SUVs.

Manufacturing operations undergo strategic changes as production shifts to Kia's Georgia facility. This transition aims to streamline supply chains and potentially reduce delivery times for specific markets. Alongside these developments, Kia plans to establish robust battery supply networks, projecting demand to surge from 13GWh to 119GWh by 2030.

Software Enhancements

The EV9's software architecture receives comprehensive updates through Over-the-Air (OTA) capabilities. These improvements target multiple vehicle systems:

• Powertrain optimisation
• Steering responsiveness
• Battery management
• Advanced driver assistance systems
• Suspension calibration

Kia's commitment to connectivity expands with enhanced Kia Connect services. The platform now supports a wider bandwidth, enabling faster OTA updates and introducing new features like SoundCloud integration and improved voice commands. The EV Route Planner receives significant upgrades, featuring split-screen functionality for better visibility of charging information and arrival times.

Battery conditioning sees intelligent refinements, automatically activating when drivers search for charging stations via voice recognition. This proactive approach optimises charging speeds and efficiency, particularly beneficial during long-distance travel.

The manufacturer plans to introduce Feature on Demand (FoD) capabilities, allowing owners to activate additional features post-purchase. This flexibility enables the EV9 to evolve with user needs, unlocking new functionalities without requiring dealership visits.

Looking towards future developments, Kia aims to leverage 5G network capabilities for advanced connectivity features. The focus extends to artificial intelligence integration for improved fuel efficiency and enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.

The navigation system receives substantial updates, incorporating real-time charging station availability and automated waypoint addition. This enhancement calculates routes more efficiently, factoring in current battery levels and charging requirements.

For optimal functionality, these updates require:

• Active Kia Connect subscription
• Sufficient battery charge
• Vehicle in park position with parking brake engaged
• Exterior lights turned off
• Hood closed

The update process maintains user convenience, automatically downloading software while driving and prompting installation when the vehicle is stationary. This seamless integration ensures minimal disruption to daily usage whilst keeping the EV9 current with latest improvements.

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Conclusion

The Kia EV9 stands as a compelling choice in the electric SUV market, offering remarkable value despite its £65,025 starting price. This seven-seater combines practical features with cutting-edge technology, making it an excellent option for families seeking a premium electric experience without the premium brand markup.

Range anxiety becomes less relevant with the EV9's impressive 349-mile capability and ultra-fast charging that adds 154 miles in just 15 minutes. The spacious interior proves equally impressive, accommodating seven adults comfortably while offering flexible seating configurations, including innovative swivelling second-row seats.

Performance matches practicality across the range. The entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant delivers sufficient power for daily driving, while the all-wheel-drive models offer enhanced capability with up to 379bhp. Safety remains paramount, evidenced through the five-star Euro NCAP rating and comprehensive driver assistance features.

The EV9's future looks promising with planned 2025 updates, including a high-performance GT variant and expanded charging network access through NACS compatibility. Running costs stay competitive through efficient energy consumption and structured maintenance programmes, though insurance costs warrant consideration due to higher group ratings.

The combination of space, technology, and efficiency positions the EV9 as a practical choice for modern families. Yet, its true value lies in how seamlessly it integrates into daily life, whether handling school runs or embarking on long-distance adventures.

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