NEW KIA EV9 Review – a new standard in SUV family comfort?

Watch as Vicki Butler-Henderson gives her verdict on the KIA EV9.

In this review, Vicki Butler-Henderson takes a deep dive into the new KIA EV9. Will this ground-breaking, and huge, four-wheel drive Electric SUV set a new standard for comfort efficiency and performance?

Specification Checklist

Seating Options: 6 or 7 seats
Drive Options: All-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive
Trim Levels: Three available
Range: Just under 350 miles
Price: Approximately £76,000 for the GT Line S as tested.
Towing Capacity: 2,200 kg
Storage Capacity: 333l in the boot, increasing to 2,318l with the rear seats folded down, and 52l in the front
Wheel Sizes: 19 inches (entry-level) and 21 inches (higher trims), as tested here
Sound System: 14-speaker Meridian system

Design and Exterior

Love it or hate it, there is no way you can ignore this SUV beast. Every aspect of the vehicle is big. The front end, the lights and the wheel arches are all an impressive size, attributing to the overall commanding size of the vehicle. At only a few millimetres smaller than a Range Rover, KIA have not scrimped when it comes to space. Elsewhere, you will find 21-inch aero wheels and full-length roof rails. The rear end is equally imposing as the rest of the vehicle. Overall, it's a design that demands attention.

Storage and Accessories

The EV9 offers a generous 333 litres of space in the boot, perfect for carrying sports equipment, groceries or anything else you may need to transport. Additionally, there's a 52-litre front trunk, ideal for smaller additional items or even just overspill for weekend trips away. Notable features include hooks, nets, and a three-pin socket for powering devices, even a washing machine or other heavier duty appliance with the V2L adapter. The rear seats can be folded down with the press of a button, expanding the storage to an enormous 2,318 litres, effectively turning the EV9 into a mobile bedroom. However, if you would rather take a caravan with you on the road than sleep in the car, the towing capacity is an exceptional, class-leading 2,200 kg.

Wheels and Tyre Talk

The EV9 comes with two wheel size options: 19 inches for the entry-level Air model and 21 inches for higher trims like the one we have reviewed here. These wheels come with aerodynamic covers and are wrapped in Continental PremiumContact C tyres. These tyres are specifically designed for electric vehicles, featuring noise breakers in the tread pattern for quieter rides and reinforced construction to handle the vehicle's extra weight. As well as being EV specific, you get premium features associated with Continental tyres, such as an enhanced contact patch and a low rolling resistance, contributing to a smooth and energy efficient feel on the roads.

Interior and Accessories

The cabin is spacious, featuring a floating centre console that gives a futuristic feel. The console includes hidden cubby holes, cup holders, wireless charging for your phone along with multiple USB-C ports per row, and additional storage under the armrest. The glove box opens gracefully to reveal ample storage space. Audio is handled by a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, including an external amplifier and subwoofer. The interior materials are sustainable, using alternative leather and recycled plastics. The technology features included is an extensive selection; BCA, RCTA, FCA, ISLA, LFA2, LKA, MCB, PCA, RSPA 2.0, and TSA, which all contribute to the vehicles premium feel and are what helps it achieve a five-star safety rating. 

Seating

Kia's first three-row electric flagship SUV and it offers versatile seating configurations. The six-seater version allows the middle two seats to spin around 180°, facilitating conversations with passengers in the back row. The front seats include a full massage system, and both the front seats and the outer seats in the middle row can be heated and cooled. The headrests are exceptionally comfortable, rivalling even those found in a Rolls-Royce. The spacious back rows are perfect for larger groups, offering plenty of room and convenient storage options, even with a full car.

Battery And Range

With a range of 349 miles provided through a 99.8 kWh battery, the KIA EV9 certainly boasts a range to be impressed by. Add to this smart features such as the ultra-fast charge to 154 miles, in only 15 minutes, this KIA will not be causing you a headache on longer journeys.

Road Driving

While the interior finish receives high praise, the driving experience has its nuances. The EV9 does not offer the same level of overall comfort as a Range Rover. The gear switch positioning can be counterintuitive, and the heating system controls are somewhat cumbersome. The camera view for indicating cyclists may be distracting for some drivers, instead of providing the intended extra safety. Despite these issues, the EV9 performs admirably when it comes to the actual driving. Its dual motors can propel the vehicle to 62 mph in an impressive 5.3 seconds. The steering is light, making manoeuvring easy, and the brakes are progressive. Handling is surprisingly good, with minimal pitch and roll, and the sport mode enhances the driving experience further. Considering the size of the car, it has certainly impressed in the handling department. For off-road adventures, the all-wheel-drive model includes terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand.

Vicki's Verdict

“Everything about the Kia EV9 is refreshing, while this (the price) may seem steep for a manufacturer known for the Picanto, it proves that from small acorns, big trees grow. Ignore this car at your peril.”

Overall, Vicki is impressed with the new KIA EV9. The price is extremely competitive against rivals such as Volvo and Mercedes, while the storage and range provided is excellent. When considering the overall size of the car, it handles on windy country roads admirably. With the only notable downsides some of the additions and features within the interior of the vehicle, KIA have certainly thrown their hat into the ring in an impressive way with the EV9 when it comes to large capacity Electric SUV’s.

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