With its three rows and massive, almost futuristic look, the Kia EV9 certainly makes an impression. And that is before even mentioning that it is fully electric. In the segment of large three-row family vehicles, gasoline is still very much the norm. When I tested it a few weeks ago, I have to admit that I expected something a little heavy, maybe even a little boring. After all, an SUV of this size can easily give the impression that it prioritizes space over driving enjoyment. The EV9, however, surprised me pretty quickly.
A more enjoyable drive than expected
As is often the case with electric vehicles, instant torque changes the experience quite a bit. Depending on the version, the EV9 can be configured with rear-wheel drive or with dual-motor all-wheel drive. In the latter configuration, it offers around 379 horsepower and up to 516 lb-ft of torque, which explains the strong acceleration and immediate response. What stood out to me most, though, is that the EV9 feels less heavy to drive than one might expect. You can tell that it is a large SUV, of course, but it does not constantly feel like it is dragging its weight around. For such an imposing vehicle, it is surprisingly pleasant and easy to get used to.
Charging was also fairly convincing. With an electric architecture capable of fast charging, the EV9 can go from 10 to 80% in about 24 minutes under ideal conditions. Depending on the version, the battery can reach 99.8 kWh, with range climbing to around 491 km according to the manufacturer. In my case, I did not manage to fully reach the advertised range. The cold weather that was still present probably played an important role. That is something to keep in mind with electric vehicles in our climate. Real-world range can vary depending on temperature, heating, road conditions, and driving style. This is not unique to the EV9, but it is still an important detail to consider.
A well-equipped cabin
The EV9 also earns a lot of points thanks to its interior. Its infotainment system is modern, ergonomic, and pleasant to use. The equipment level is generous, and the many safety features reinforce the impression that this is a vehicle designed with families in mind. I did not have the chance to test its towing capacity, but it is clearly a major plus. Depending on the configuration, the EV9 can tow up to 5,000 lb, which brings it closer to being a true family SUV.
That said, the EV9 remains an imposing vehicle. For someone like me who lives in the city, it is not necessarily the ideal format for everyday use. In traffic and on narrow streets, a seven-passenger SUV is still a seven-passenger SUV. On the other hand, if you have a family that needs space or wants a real electric alternative to large traditional vehicles, the EV9 becomes a very relevant choice. There still are not many electric vehicles in this category, which makes it even more interesting.
In the end, the Kia EV9 clearly shows that the large electric family SUV is now a real option on today’s market. For the warmer season, it will also need tires suited to its weight, torque, and intended use. Options like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Pirelli Scorpion, or Continental CrossContact LX Sport could be good candidates. And since this segment is finally starting to grow, I am definitely curious to try its cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, to see how it compares!
