Kia unveils the all-new 2024 EV9 to get a head-start in the full-size EV SUV market. Based on the Kia Telluride, which is one of Kia’s biggest vehicles, the Kia EV9 makes many modern cars appear obsolete.
The electrification of the global automotive world has become a matter of when not if. Because many reputable car manufacturers, including Rolls-Royce, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, GM, and Lexus, have pledged to go all-electric in the near future. Sooner or later, you will find only electric cars in showrooms around the world. But while Tesla has been at the center of it all for many years, Kia launches the EV9 to challenge in the full-size EV SUV segment. Read on to learn more about the 2024 Kia EV9.
America’s First Mass Market Electric Three-row SUV
There have been several Mass Market Electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID.4, and the Mach E Mustang, but they are all midsize SUVs with a seating capacity of 4-5 people.
Then we have the 3-row electric SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the Tesla Model X that can comfortably accommodate 5-7 passengers. But they cost about $100,000 and are unaffordable for many people. That’s the gap Kia plans to bridge with the EV9, which is likely to start at about $50,000.
Hyundai has a knack for undercutting its rivals’ prices, and the EV9 is set to do the same to the $111,000 Tesla Model X ($121,000 for Plaid).
Unique, Blocky Polygonal Design
Although SUVs have become sportier over the years, some, including the new EV9, stay true to the vintage boxy design. The boxy design of the EV9 endows the SUV with a bulky appearance and generous headroom.
Despite its boxy design, some of its modern design elements make the EV9 a head-turner. For starters, it gets a version of the tiger nose grille at the front, surrounded by star map lights at either side.
The side profiles of the EV9 seem to share some similarities with the typical Range Rover design, especially in the window panels, the position of the A and B pillars, and the roofline. But, on the other hand, the C pillar is unique, and so is the rear end of the EV9. It rides tall with up to 7.8 inches of ground clearance.
Kia went for the minimal-yet-bulky design approach for the rear as well. The highlight of this part is the rear lights.
Kia EV9’s Motor and Battery Specifications
Kia hasn’t revealed the details regarding the EV9’s powertrain yet, except that it will get a dual-motor powertrain. But we figure there will also be a single-motor setup, just like most other mass-market EVs. One of the major benefits of an electric powertrain is its near-instantaneous acceleration, so we expect this from the EV9.
The dual-motor trim will likely come with an AWD option with torque vectoring for an optimal grip in all conditions. Kia promises that one of the powertrains will deliver 379 hp and 516 lb-ft torque, equipping the EV with the ability to go from 0-60 in just 5 seconds. And that the EV9 will come with 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Also, you can use the EV9’s battery backup as a power source for electronic items with the onboard power generator it gets.
Kia says that the EV9 will have around 300 miles of range, and you can charge from 10% to 80% with DC Fast Chargers in just 24 mins.
Like the Telluride it’s based on, the EV9 focuses on practicality and everyday comfort over performance, and it’s a nice combo of specs for a family electric SUV.
Futuristic Cabin Space Loaded With Cool Features
The EV9 cabin offers a generous space with high-quality materials. Compared to what we saw in concept, the EV9 feels more busy and lively since some physical buttons have graced it with their presence. Other than that, you get what’s basically in every other decent car, like the digital speedometer seamlessly joining the infotainment screen stretching out till the center, somewhat camouflaged air conditioning vents, and some sort of novelty or signature item in the cockpit, which, in this case, is the extra buttons on the bridging between two points at the bottom of the steering wheel. Although the layout might remind you of other Kia cars, the tech is all-new.
But the ultimate feature of the EV9 that’s grabbing all the attention is the swiveling seats in the second row. These seats can rotate 180° and take accessibility and practicality to a new level. You can turn them facing the outside for easy ingress, turn them facing the rear to have a face-to-face conversation with the folks at the back, or rotate them according to your convenience for easier access to the rear seats. Instead of one, there are two sunroofs in the EV9, a smaller one at the front and a bigger one at the rear.
Competitors to Look Out For
Given the imposing size, the EV9 can go head-to-head with bigger cars like the BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and even some versions of the Hummer EV. But these rivals are too costly for the average man, and Kia has had a history of undercutting rivals with quite a significant price. So, that leaves us with the Tesla Model X, a fellow 3-row electric SUV, as the most logical rival.
Kia steers clear of all the competition, including the Tesla Model X, by offering plenty of room, even in the 3rd row. Unlike its competitors, who make it impossible for a full-grown person to get comfortable in the back, Kia’s EV9 can easily accommodate even an average NBA player.
Pricing and Launch
Kia is yet to reveal the official price for the EV9, but the current estimation lies between $50,000 to $60,000 for the base models and around $75,000 for the top model. It may still be unattainable for some, but it should still be priced cheaper than the Model X’s base variant.
The launch date of the EV9 is another mystery, but we know it will be before the end of 2023. Kia has decided to launch the EV9 in its home country, South Korea, first, and then in the rest of the world, including the United States.
South Koreans will probably be able to get it in the first half of 2023, while the Americans will have to wait till the second half of the year.
