The Kia EV9 is a fully electric large SUV, designed with sustainability in mind, and available from 2023.
The Kia EV9 was first shown as the Kia EV9 Concept at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show before entering production in 2023 and making its UK debut at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. It takes on other seven seat models, such as the Defender 110, and gives it a serious run for its money in terms of technology and space whilst providing an electric powertrain.
Read through our guide of the Kia Ev9 to find out more and decide if it's the right electric car for you.
The Kia EV9 is the second Kia model to be built using the Hyundai Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and the second model in Kia's electric, EV, range after the Kia EV6. Other models which use the E-GMP include the Kia EV3, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Genesis GV60.
Kia describe the "boundary-pushing EV9" as "built to enrich your life with new experiences: the bold an rugged exterior and the more sustainable interior are all designed to open a new world of possibilities and pleasure on the road."
By using their "Opposites United" design philosophy, taking the idea of opposition and using it to create new and characterful designs, which resulted in the quirky "Digital Tiger Face" front fascia, vertical headlights and taillights. Kia also opted for triangular fender structures on its sides and geometric wheel arches, all of which emphasises the Kia EV9 as a stylish full size SUV.
Front and rear wheels have 19 inch alloy wheels with Aero Covers as standard but increasing the trim level to 20 inch or 21 inch alloy wheels which plays up the big car image of the Kia EV9 and gives an increasingly sporty look.
Elsewhere you'll find electrically folding, adjustable, and heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicator lights encased in high gloss door mirror casing, body coloured auto flush door handles, silver chrome door garnish, black side sill mouldings, and satin finish beltline. The Kia EV9 is contemporary and modern.
Available in both a six seater and seven seat configuration, the Kia EV9 is a versatile and perfect model for expanding families or those who need to be able to adapt their vehicle for specific journeys. It's also the first ever 3 row EV from Kia, providing ample knee room in both the middle seats and third row seats.
If you opt for six seats you can choose optional Swivel Seats in the second row which allows passengers to rotate either 90 degrees outwards to the rear doors or 180 degrees to face the third row passengers. This function is only available when the vehicle is completely stationary as having passengers facing any direction other than forwards whilst in motion could result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.
As an environmentally conscious brand and in order to reduce the amount of raw materials used in production, the interior carpet is made using recycled fishing nets whilst other trims, seats, and interior fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and wool fibre.
The main display in the front console is an incredible piece of technology that is comprised of 12.3 inch driver display screen, 12.3 inch touchscreen for navigation and media, and a 5.3 inch climate control screen. It gives a long, light, minimalistic dashboard design that presents the information that is important to you clearly. It also makes the infotainment system easily accessible by both the driver and the front passenger and is the first Kia model to use this Connected Car Navigation Cockpit.
The battery is found under the cabin area meaning that there is no sacrifice in the boot space to accommodate it, especially important in a seven seat car. With all three rows of seats in use you'll have access to 333 litres of space but folding the third row of seats opens it up to 2318 in a seven seat configuration and 2393 in the six seat configuration. Furthermore the front luggage compartment, or "frunk", offers 90 litres for rear wheel drive models and 52 litres in all wheel drive models.
The second row of seats gives you the option for either the aforementioned Swivel Seats, allowing those passengers to face and connect with third row passengers, whilst the front seats can have Relaxation Seats. These will help to distribute body pressure and concentrated weight on specific body parts that occurs while sitting in the same position for long periods of time. It helps to reduce fatigue by putting you in the optimal sitting position.
The driver's seat and front passenger seat have power adjustment and electric lumbar support as well as heating and ventilation. As a driver you also have a manual tilt and telescopic steering column to make sure that the steering wheel sits in the right position too. Upgrading to the GT-Line trim brings those Relaxation Seats to the front seats and a memory function for the driver.
Finding the best driving position for you is incredibly easy in the Kia EV9 thanks to all of these innovative additions to the standard equipment whether you opt for a seven seat or six seat configuration.
As an all electric SUV, the Kia EV9 uses a 99.8kWh Li-ion polymer battery with fourth generation battery cells which is used across two drivetrains: a 200hp rear wheel drive option and a 378hp all wheel drive option.
The longest range comes from the rear wheel drive model and Kia claims 349 miles from a full charge which should be more than enough for most to commute, do the school run, and some errands between charges. However the all wheel drive model still boasts 316 miles, which is more than sufficient for most drivers.
Charging times are listed as the same for both drivetrains with a standard AC charge from 10-100% coming in at roughly 9 hours and 5 minutes, DC fast charge up to 50kW from 10-80% in 1 hour 23 minutes, and DC fast charge up to 350kW from 10-80% in just 24 minutes. This runs on par with many other electric cars, which is great news at the charging station.
The driving experience of the Kia EV9 benefits from light steering and soft suspension, meaning it doesn't feel like you're driving a car that's just over five metres long or weighs up to 2664kg.
The Kia EV9 offers three different trim levels: Air, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. All come incredibly well equipped that it feels unfair to refer to the Air model as an entry level car but also means that you don't have to select a top spec model to get great features.
If you opt for the EV9 Air, some of the features it gives you includes front and rear parking sensors, electronic rear view mirror with full display, a heated 4-spoke artificial leather steering wheel with an illuminated emblem, silver headlining, smart power tailgate, front seatback storage, 6 x USB-C charge port throughout the car, heat pump, three zone climate control, and both USB-C and Bluetooth connection for media.
Additionally, the Kia Connect App gives you even more control over your car's features by allowing you to remotely lock your car, set your climate control up before you get in, and even digital key sharing. There's also Valet Mode which lets you track your car's location, speed, and driving time and prevents the other driver from accessing your personal information like navigation history or contacts.
Stepping up to the GT-Line adds 20 inch alloy wheels, GT-Line exterior styling, electric tilt and telescopic steering column, driver and front passenger premium relaxation seats, Ergo motion seat for the driver, black headlining, bridge type roof rails, terrain mode select, aluminium pedals, and LED adaptive headlights.
The top spec GT-Line S model adds 21 inch alloy wheels, electric rear view mirror, front sunroof with tilting and sliding function, second row sunroof wit sliding function, head-up display, a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System, and a Vehicle-to-Load adapter.
Euro NCAP have awarded the Kia EV9 a five star safety rating, the highest available, thanks to a plethora of incredible driver assistance and safety features included as standard. This puts it on par with other large SUV models such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, the Skoda Kodiaq, and the Land Rover Defender.
The standard equipment safety kit includes: front and rear parking sensors, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go functionality, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic assist, blind-spot view monitor, and 360 degree surround view monitor.
Visibility is also excellent thanks to full LED headlights, daytime running lights, rear lights, and rear fog lights alongside rain sensing front wipers. You'll be able to safely find your way in all weather thanks to these and an automatic defog system for the interior.
Elsewhere you'll find isofix mounting points on the second and third rows of seats, meaning that everyone can travel together in any configuration of the Kia EV9.
At the time of writing, the Kia EV9 starts at £65,025 for the Air trim level but increase to £77,025 for the range topping GT-Line S before making any amendments. Choosing premium paint options or adding additional equipment and accessories will increase the price from the base price listed.
Looking at similar options, the Land Rover Defender 110 starts at £60,470 but isn't currently available with an electric powertrain, and the electric Mercedes EQB starts at £52,800 but doesn't offer the option to swivel your middle row of seats, a unique feature for the Kia EV9.
All prices are subject to change so please make sure to check for any changes before committing to purchasing your Kia Ev9. The team at John Clark Kia are always available to answer your questions.
The Kia EV9 is an outstanding seven seater option and electric car, with lots of versatility and flexibility depending on your needs at the time. With innovative technology, excellent technology, and plenty of room for all your passengers.
Hyundai Motor Group, who owns Kia, is the third-largest carmaker in terms of production globally, behind Toyota and Volkswagen, whilst the Kia brand is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea after its parent company.
With both brands having such a large presence on the market, it's easy to see that the Kia EV 9 is a good car to consider for your next purchase of an all electric SUV.
Contact John Clark Kia today for more information, to look at the available options, and to book a test drive today. The team will be able to discuss our current available stock, finance and purchase options, and help you to find the right Kia EV9 for your needs.
