Review by Veeno Dewan.
The new 2024 Kia EV9 inhabits that rarified air of All- Electric three -seat row SUVs that can seat 6 people in an emission free vehicle. The EV9 is new for this year with typical Kia design language; neat detailing, cool lighting, and complex shaped front and rear fascias. It is technologically advanced and has features such as over the -air updates capability, as well as the ability to use your phone as the key. Its large battery can be used as an onboard generator power supply for electrical items with a household three prong connector. Bess of all the EV9 has three rows of seating and can seat 6 in comfort. For Canada there are three EV9 models to choose from, with either single or dual motor drive and two different battery sizes. The rear-wheel drive EV9 Light starts at $59,995; and has the small 76.1 kilowatt-hour battery and a rear-mounted motor that delivers 215 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque and a driving range of 370-km. The twin motor RWD Wind comes in at $62,995; the all-wheel drive Land starts at $64,995; the Land AWD Premium rings in at $74,995; and the top-of-the-line Land AWD GT-Line as tested. ($78,995,) has the larger 99.8k-Wh battery has dual-motors with ample power at 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Electric Driving Range on my tester showed 512 km of driving range! Exclusive-to-Canada Terrain mode is an additional feature for our northern climes.
Technology features are high on this flagship EV. These include: fourth generation battery technology, connected car navigation cockpit, a new user interface, ergomotion driver relaxation seat, and column mounted shift by wire technology. Also added is ECU over the air updates, dedicated 5-inch HVAC display touch screen, fingerprint module for custom driver settings, digital lighting grille, hidden type touch buttons, remote smart park assist 2 extendable centre rear console and much more.
In terms of charging, the Kia EV9 features the latest 800-volt electric architecture that allows it to charge at speeds as fast as 350 kW. If you can find a fast charger of this power you can expect a milestone 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes with the smaller batteries, and 24 minutes with the larger 99.8-kWh battery. Charging time for Level 2 outlets is – six to hours to 8 hours dependent on battery size with 10 to 80 per cent at 350-kilowatt DC fast charger – 20 – 24 minutes .
Interior wise, the EV9 has an upscale sleek looking cabin, luxurious, high quality and refined. The choice of trim and materials is first class and packed with high-end convenience and technology features. The super comfortable ergomotion front seats that have extra recline and extendable ottoman – style footrest. Meanwhile the stunning glass cockpit instrument panel has twin 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment displays under a single glass panel, touch, haptic and sensory controls.. The second-row seats also has lower rests for all four captain’s chairs, with minivan-style armrests, walk-through ability to the third row and a slide-out tray with storage underneath. All four front seats are cooled and heated, with electric second-row adjustment and full walk-through accessibility to the third row. Speaking of the third row – as with all third-row seats, it is fine for small adults or children; a squeeze for full size adults, but bearable on short trips, Still a third row is always a boon- ask any family!
On the road the EV9 rides smooth and quiet as you would expect from an EV. The heavy batteries add stability and heft that is confidence inducing. The larger battery offers 389-horsepower and drivers are rewarded with quick acceleration off the line. The 0 to 96 kilometres an hour dash is a very respectable five seconds. Power is abundant thanks to the dual motor set up and a smart front axle decoupler system that under certain driving conditions allow for a ‘coasting’ mode, which Kia says can save up to eight per cent in range saving. Canadian models, include a Terrain select system for Snow, Mud and Sand. Handling for the EV9 is relaxed and direct and the all-wheel drive performs very well. Properly equipped, the EV9 with twin motors and the larger battery can tow an impressive 5,000 pounds, while the single motor trim can tow up to 1,653 pounds.
To sum up, the 2024 Kia EV9 is the SUV many people have been waiting for – offering decent EV driving range, and most crucially three rows of seats in a premium package. I envision this EV9 to be an enormous success for the progressive forward thinking and ever improving Kia brand. Highly recommended for families everywhere.
2024 Kia EV9 – Priced from $59,995 – $78,995 plus PDE, freight and taxes.
More info at www.kia.ca
