The rolling hills and curving two-lane back roads of California’s Napa Valley played host to the media test drive of the all-new 2024 Kia EV9 three-row EV SUV. Furthering Kia’s reputation of building segment-above vehicle excellence, the EV9 delivers sought-after features packed into one powerhouse EV SUV: striking exterior design, rich interior appointments, generous interior volume and cargo space, towing capability, leading vehicle dynamics, and fast charging capability. With Kia’s latest available in-vehicle technology including vehicle system over-the-air updates5 and Digital Features and Services7, the EV9 is poised to keep things exciting throughout the duration of ownership.
Arriving at Kia dealerships now with limited availability8, the EV9 is available in Light, Light Long Range RWD, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations. The EV9 is expected to be assembled in Kia’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, GA, later in 2024.
EV9 Exterior Design: A Triumph of Proportion
The all-electric EV9 embodies the rugged yet sophisticated appearance befitting a flagship SUV. The boxy, triangular design language of the EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long 122.0-inch wheelbase, pushed to the corners over the modular E-GMP electric underpinnings. At 197.4 inches in length in the GT-Line (all other trims are 197.2 inches long) the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride SUV and comparable in height (up to 70.1 inches in the GT-Line with raised roof rails) and width (77.9 inches). Despite its boxy shape, the EV9 has a coefficient of drag of 0.28, on par with other luxury SUV EVs.
At the EV9’s forefront is the Digital Tiger Face, a reinterpretation of the signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grille characterized by standard Star Map daytime running lights that emphasize the width of the EV9. Enhancing the EV9’s front lighting is the available Digital Pattern Lighting Grille (not available on matte paint colors), a Kia first feature available on upper trim levels. Integrated into the body-colored front grille, this hidden lighting system lends the EV9 a clean aesthetic when the vehicle is off; when the vehicle is turned on and the concealed lights illuminate, the EV9’s front grille displays captivating light formations that animate as part of the available Dynamic Welcome Light feature. A variety of other lighting options will be available for an additional cost in the Kia Connect Store as part of Digital Features and Services.
In the rear, slim Star Map taillights draw attention to the corners of the EV9’s body. Standard flush door handles with automatic deployment are elegantly integrated into the sheet metal, underscoring the EV9’s clean side profile lines.
Design is in every detail of the EV9, with each trim presenting a distinct appearance. Base trims get thin-lens horizontal projection LED headlamps, body-colored exterior side mirrors, silver touches on the beltline molding and available flush roof rails9, standard 19-inch geometrically designed wheels (20-inch wheels are optional) and aero flaps on the front bumper. Stepping up to the upper trims introduces a range of enhancements such as standard 20-inch wheels, small cube projection LED headlamps and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with the standard “Complete” lighting pattern. Black high gloss exterior trim on the front bumper, fenders, and side moldings add a touch of refinement.
The GT-Line elevates its appearance with a number of upgrades. Raised roof rails and exterior side mirrors are finished in gloss black, while body-colored pockets on the front fascia incorporate a sense of ruggedness. Front and rear bumpers are adorned in black with gunmetal trim, complemented by dark-colored beltline molding. The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille illuminates in a “Focused” lighting pattern unique to the GT-Line, while 21-inch exclusive dark colored alloy wheels complete the look.
The EV9 will be available in a variety of alluring gloss or factory matte finish paint10 options.
EV9 Interior Design: A Modern Sanctuary
At the core of the driver cockpit is an elliptical-shaped dash, artfully designed to have a floating effect. A wide combined panoramic display sits on top, enhancing digital usability with standard dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen neatly integrated into one single panel for a modern and simple aesthetic. Underneath the screen are centrally mounted, hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features that appear when the EV9 is turned on. While this is a futuristic touch to the interior, physical switches for functions like volume, temperature control and fan speed add practicality and familiarity.
Depending on trim level, the driving experience can be elevated with an array of available features, including a 12-inch full-color head-up display11 that projects driving information directly onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight. An available Full Display Mirror®12 replaces the conventional rear-view mirror with a camera view with a flick of the of the lower tab, while an available 14-speaker, 708-watt Meridian®13 Premium Audio system adds impressive levels of tonal clarity. The steering wheel’s LED-illuminated Kia logo and available Ambient Mood Lighting on the dash, console and door trim create a relaxing atmosphere. When it comes time to charge, drivers will appreciate the available Relaxation Mode14 front seats with power operated leg rests, and an available soothing massage function that utilizes air pockets.
Standard mesh headrests in the front seats create a sense of openness, and the floating center console stretches from the first to the second row, offering under-tray stowage to front passengers; rear passengers benefit from cupholders, and an available sliding table plus storage console.
Every seat inside the EV9 is aimed to be as comfortable as possible. Second row passengers are treated to 42.8 inches of legroom. Headroom is measured at 39.8 inches (without sunroof), and shoulder room provides 60 inches of space. In the third row, occupants have 32.0 inches of legroom. In the seven-seat configuration, the second-row bench allows easy access to the third row thanks to a tilting walk-in system, even with a child seat installed. Choosing the Captain’s Chairs option arranges the seating to accommodate six passengers, and offers Relaxation Mode with power operated leg rests, enhanced with heating15 and cooling. Throughout the cabin, high power USB-C outlets are strategically placed on easy-to-reach places. Additionally, standard tri-zone HVAC can help ensure true temperature control in front and back.
With all three rows raised, the EV9 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With the second row folded, volume increases to 43.5 cubic feet, and with both rows down, that expands to 81.7 cubic feet. For a bit of extra space, the frunk (front truck) offers up to 3.2 cubic feet.
Drawing inspiration from the award-winning Telluride’s much-loved interior, the EV9 offers a variety of earth-toned interior color combinations for an upscale and refined ambiance, while also incorporating Kia’s new interior design philosophy, “Ten Must-Have Items.” This new Color, Material and Finish (CMF) approach uses non-leather polyurethane seating surfaces, select BTX-free paint on certain interior trim pieces, and select fabrics and carpets composed of partially recycled materials. From the headliner of the EV9 to a variety of high-touch areas within the cabin, these forward-thinking materials deliver a well-appointed cabin without the use of animal products.
EV9 Technology: Connected and Ultramodern
The EV9 features Kia’s next-generation, ultramodern Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. The infotainment system processes faster and in higher fidelity, with frequently used Quick Controls available with a swipe on the screen. Navigation-based charging guidance using arrival time and distance-to-empty estimates can help quell range anxiety. Standard convenience features include wireless Android Auto16 and Apple CarPlay17, and wireless phone charger18.
The first Kia model to offer vehicle system over-the-air updates, the EV9 experience aims to be continuously improved over time. Through the new and upcoming digital Kia Connect Store accessed via the Kia Access app or through the Kia Owner Portal, a number of exciting Digital Features and Services can unlock the ability to remotely upgrade performance, entertainment, and more.
At launch of the EV9, the Kia Connect Store will offer Boost, designed to improve acceleration through increased front-wheel torque, resulting in a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time (w/ 1-ft rollout)19 in certain trim levels. Owners have the option, at an additional cost, to personalize the appearance of their EV9 through a selection of five unique lighting patterns20 showcased on the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, and parking convenience can be elevated with Remote Smart Parking Assist 221, a more sophisticated version of remote parking that can provide diagonal parking support (available on Land, standard on GT-Line). Premium data service22 is expected to also be available at launch, delivering functionalities such as a Wi-Fi Hotspot and in-vehicle music streaming through Amazon Music23. More Digital Features and Services are in development, which can enhance the EV9’s in-vehicle experience even as time progresses.
While the EV9 is already a mobile power source thanks to an Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) and V2L24, V2X (Vehicle to Everything) may expand on its capabilities. Expected to be available via the Kia Connect digital store at a later date, for properly equipped homes, V2X can potentially enable the EV9 to return in-vehicle power to the grid to help balance out electricity demand, or return in-vehicle power to the owner’s home25 via the available Wallbox Quasar 2 Bi-directional charger26.
Standard, advanced ultrawide band-based Digital Key 2, allows customers to use their compatible Apple and Samsung smart devices or an NFC-enabled smart card as virtual vehicle keys to lock, unlock, and drive. The technology has been advanced to allow drivers to unlock the EV9 without holding their smartphone near the door, and keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices.
EV9 ADAS:
The EV9 refines and expands Kia’s roster of standard and available Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)27. Central to the EV9’s 20 standard ADAS features is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA-2)28, designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring under certain conditions. FCA-2 has been enhanced on the EV9 to, in certain circumstances, detect: vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving; oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (FCA-JT); and crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection (FCA-JC). The system is also designed to help provide a degree of braking and/or steering input to help prevent or minimize certain collisions if the system detects: oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles (FCA-LO); vehicles in front of the car while changing lanes (FCA-LS); and obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles in front of the car while driving straight (FCA-ESA).
EV9 Powertrain: Designed to Perform
The EV9 is the second Kia model based on the E-GMP platform, and the first to feature fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density. From launch, the EV9 will be available with a choice of two powertrain options. Standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that drives the rear wheels. An optional 99.8-kWh battery is available in a single-motor configuration (201-hp) that achieves an EPA-estimated 304 miles of all-electric range (AER)4, or a dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration with up to 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Drive modes available at launch on all trims include Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode, while AWD models add Snow Mode.
The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast charging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes1. With a maximum DC charging speed of up to 235kW, the EV9 can facilitate quick charging with compatible DC chargers, while the 10.9kW onboard charger enables expedient Level 2 charging, as well.
Embodying the true essence of an EV SUV, the EV9 offers an available 7.8 inches of ground clearance and up to 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity for the Land and GT-Line AWD29.
