ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (NV) – It has been 6 months since Kia launched the EV9 three-row electric SUV in the US market, inviting Asian media to test drive it. This is enough time for many car buyers to feel about the car that was honored with the “North American SUV of the Year” award from the NACTOY (North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle Of The Year Awards). According to experts, many owners still express satisfaction with their EV9.
According to electric vehicle website insideevs.com, the Kia EV9 is not the cheapest electric car. It doesn’t have the longest range; nor is it the fastest accelerating. The EV9 is not the first three-row electric SUV to hit the U.S., as the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S have been. Still, the EV9 has won the hearts of many owners and experts.
On the YouTube channel Out Of Spec Reviews, they drove the rear-wheel-drive EV9 Long Ranch for six months, clocking up about 6,000 miles. According to them, the EV9 is an incredible “bang for your buck”! These experts are independent, experienced reviewers who have conducted some of the most comprehensive electric vehicle tests in the US.
According to Out Of Spec Reviews, the rear-wheel-drive EV9 models are the best value. The base Light models come with a standard 76.1 kilowatt-hour or 99.8 kWh battery, which gives them an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles and 304 miles on a single charge. The larger-battery version starts at around $60,000, which is considered a bargain for a long-range three-row electric SUV. The Tesla Model Y, Model X, and Mercedes EQB also have third-row seating, but they’re not as useful as the EV9.
One of the EV9’s biggest selling points is its fast charging capabilities. The EV9 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, which is designed to be 800 volts, allowing for very fast charging speeds. If plugged into a fast enough DC fast charger, it can add 200 miles of range in just over 20 minutes.
Electric cars are often associated with race-car acceleration. But in reality, most owners are more concerned with practicality. Experts prefer the rear-wheel-drive EV9; with a curb weight of about 5,300 pounds, the rear-axle-mounted motor makes just 201 horsepower. The slowest version has a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds.
But that’s not a big deal. Most importantly, the limited power output helps the EV9 make the most of its battery. With the combination of rear-wheel drive, a large battery, and aerodynamic wheels, the EV9 gets a real-world efficiency of about 3 miles per kWh. By comparison, the 2024 Rivian R1S averages just 2.4 miles per kWh.
Where the EV9 really stands out is in its technical features and practicality. Even the base model comes with heated and cooled front seats, a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster; a central infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Three-zone climate control, electric charging ports and a power tailgate. The interior is spacious.
Even during InsideEVs’ EV9 test drive, experts said that Kia has succeeded with this three-row electric SUV. In the future, the EV9 will have to compete more with upcoming three-row electric SUVs from Toyota and Ford, and its “brother” Hyundai Ioniq 9. But it can be affirmed that the EV9 is currently one step ahead in the market. (HD)