The New York Auto Show 2024 offered a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles, showcasing some truly innovative designs. Amidst the buzz surrounding quirky EVs like the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and other contenders for the best EV title, the Kia EV9 quietly stole the show for me. Initially, my fascination was purely aesthetic – captivated by its striking, futuristic silhouette, the spacious 3-row seating, and a luxurious interior boasting captain’s chairs. It was a superficial admiration, sparked by a brief encounter.
However, after spending a week behind the wheel of the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD trim, my perspective shifted dramatically. This isn’t just another SUV; it’s a groundbreaking vehicle that redefines the category. Packed with cutting-edge technology designed to enhance both safety and driving pleasure, the EV9 has quickly become a standout in the burgeoning electric SUV market. As I delve deeper into the world of EVs, the Kia EV9 has firmly established itself as a personal favorite. Could it be a contender for the title of the best electric car? It’s certainly in the conversation. Let’s explore the pros and cons that emerged from my week-long test drive and provide a comprehensive Kia EV9 review.
Kia EV9: The Upsides
Concept Car Aesthetics Brought to Life
Front view of the Kia EV9, highlighting its hood and headlights.
(Image credit: Future)
Driving the Kia EV9 through the bustling streets of New York City was an experience in itself. The sheer number of glances and stares was remarkable. While the vibrant, glossy paint undoubtedly contributed to its allure, the EV9’s appeal goes far beyond just a striking color. It’s the embodiment of a concept car made real. It’s rare to see a vehicle so closely resemble its concept form on the production line, and this is where the Kia EV9 truly shines.
Its sharp, angular lines, coupled with attention-grabbing LED projector headlights and stylish rims, scream futuristic concept from every angle. In a market saturated with similar-looking SUVs, the EV9 stands out as a beacon of bold design. In my opinion, there’s simply no better-looking all-electric SUV currently available. Be prepared to turn heads and attract envious looks wherever you go in the EV9.
Auto Lane Change Assist: Effortless Highway Driving
Animated GIF showcasing Kia EV9's Lane Change Assist.
(Image credit: Future)
Having driven cars for over 15 years, the technological advancements in modern vehicles are truly astounding. Adaptive cruise control was already a revelation, transforming my driving experience, particularly during my Hyundai Ioniq 6 test drive. But the Kia EV9 takes it a step further with automatic lane change assist – a feature that feels like the next evolution in driving technology.
Engaging the EV9’s adaptive cruise control on the highway, which expertly manages steering, acceleration, and braking, I was genuinely amazed when I first activated the auto lane change. With a simple flick of the turn signal, the EV9 seamlessly navigated itself into the adjacent lane without any manual steering input from me.
It’s an incredibly intuitive system that simplifies highway driving to an almost effortless level. The EV9 utilizes a suite of cameras and sensors to ensure safe lane changes, making driving feel almost like piloting a vehicle in a video game on an easy setting.
Customizable LED Headlight Patterns: Personalizing Your Presence
Animated GIF demonstrating Kia EV9's customizable LED patterns.
(Image credit: Future)
The EV9’s headlights are not just functional; they are a design statement in themselves, perfectly complementing its futuristic aesthetic. But the ability to customize the patterns and animations of the accent lights surrounding the headlights elevates this feature to another level. These speckled patterns, subtly integrated near the headlights, are discreet during daylight but come alive at night, adding a unique visual signature.
Through the vehicle’s system settings, drivers can personalize the light patterns and animations to match their individual style. This level of customization ensures the EV9 looks just as striking at night as it does during the day. It’s these small, thoughtful details that contribute significantly to the EV9’s overall uniqueness and appeal on the road.
Super Sharp Head-Up Display (HUD): Luxury Car Clarity
Close-up view of the Kia EV9's Head-Up Display on the windshield.
(Image credit: Future)
The inclusion of a head-up display (HUD) embedded directly into the windshield truly elevates the EV9 to a near-luxury vehicle experience. This feature is often reserved for high-end luxury cars, such as the Lexus TX550H+ PHEV, which I also had the opportunity to test drive. The EV9’s HUD is a welcome surprise in this segment.
The HUD projects essential driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight, including speed, navigation prompts, and even album art from your music. What impressed me most was the clarity and detail of the display. I found it noticeably sharper and more refined than the HUD in the Lexus. From a safety perspective, the EV9’s HUD is invaluable, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road ahead without constantly glancing down at the instrument panel.
Ergonomic Driver’s Seat with Stretching Feature: Long-Drive Comfort
Front seating area of the Kia EV9, showcasing driver and passenger seats.
(Image credit: Future)
Beyond the welcome addition of a footrest, the EV9 introduces a feature I’ve yet to encounter in any other vehicle: a built-in lower back stretching function for enhanced comfort on long journeys. While not a full shiatsu massage system, this ERGO motion feature provides genuine relief by subtly stretching the lower back. The seat gently adjusts in the lumbar region, creating a sensation akin to a light stretching workout while driving. It’s a subtle yet incredibly effective feature for combating driving fatigue.
Interior Ambient Lighting: Sci-Fi Inspired Ambiance
Kia EV9 interior accent lights illuminated at night.
(Image credit: Future)
Adding to the EV9’s stylish and futuristic character is the ambient lighting system. The strategically placed accent lights throughout the interior create an almost sci-fi movie set ambiance. While some might consider it a bit excessive, I personally found it captivating, especially the option to select dual-color tones rather than being limited to a single color scheme. The interior lighting truly enhances the cabin’s atmosphere, particularly during nighttime driving.
Kia EV9: The Downsides
Digital Rearview Mirror: An Adjustment Period Required
Close-up of the Kia EV9's digital rearview mirror.
(Image credit: Future)
While I previously acknowledged the benefits of digital rearview mirrors, particularly in mitigating headlight glare at night, as experienced in the Lexus TX550H+, the Kia EV9’s digital rearview mirror highlighted a potential drawback: the adjustment period. It’s undeniably useful at night, eliminating the blinding effect of high beams from vehicles behind. However, my eyes consistently took a noticeable amount of time to refocus when switching between the digital mirror and the road ahead.
Perhaps age is a factor in my eyesight’s adaptability, but I believe the primary issue lies in the focal distance. My eyes are typically focused on the far distance when driving, but the digital rearview mirror presents a focal point much closer. Bridging this focal gap takes a few seconds, which can be slightly disconcerting initially. It’s a feature that requires acclimatization.
Price Point: A Significant Investment
Close-up of the Kia EV9 steering wheel.
(Image credit: Future)
The starting price of $74,000 for the GT-Line AWD trim is undeniably a significant sum, placing it beyond the budget of many. Even the base model’s $55,000 price tag represents a considerable investment for a vehicle. While there are certainly more expensive EVs on the market, affordability remains a key factor in wider EV adoption.
There are justifiable reasons for the Kia EV9’s price, given its features and capabilities. However, when comparing it to competitors, the EV9’s range of 270 miles falls short of the Tesla Model X’s estimated 335-mile range. For some consumers, this range difference, coupled with the price, might be a point of contention.
Kia EV9: The Verdict
Kia EV9 full exterior view.
(Image credit: Future)
The Kia EV9 has delivered the most enjoyable EV driving experience I’ve had since test-driving the Ford F150 Lightning. These EVs demonstrate the ability of electric vehicles to match, and in many ways surpass, their gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of utility and performance. However, the Kia EV9 elevates the EV SUV segment with its striking futuristic design and suite of advanced safety and convenience features.
The limited availability of 3-row electric SUVs makes the EV9 particularly appealing to families needing extra space. Combined with its numerous onboard conveniences, the EV9 offers a truly satisfying driving experience. However, this comprehensive package comes at a premium price. If the Kia EV9 aligns with your budget, it’s undoubtedly an electric SUV that deserves serious consideration and stands out in Kia Ev9 Reviews.
