Review: 2024 Kia EV9

Review: 2024 Kia EV9

Kia has upped the ante of their EV offering with the release of its all-new, all-electric SUV - the 2024 Kia EV9.

The 2024 Kia EV9 has been awarded the coveted Drive Car of the Year 2024. The EV9 has also won Wheels Magazine's category for 2024 Best Electric Large SUV

As the newest model to take the title of the brand's flagship model, the EV9 represents the current pinnacle of Kia's EV mastery.

The EV9 is an intriguing vehicle that caters to a broad audience. It's bound to draw loads of attention as it offers a versatile and conventional family SUV underpinned by the latest technology from the new era of electric propulsion.

Currently, the EV9 consists of elementally-anointed Air and Earth trims, as well as the top-of-the-range GT-Line. We recently spent the weekend in the GT-Line model to find out just how well this new-age SUV performs in a family setting.

Styling

If you saw photos of the EV9 before release, you could be forgiven for questioning its striking design, however, before passing judgment, we urge you to come and see one in the metal. In person, the EV9 immediately catches the eye, with a sleek profile that manages to balance its boxy elements. It oozes retrofuturism with sharp geometric lines that harmonize flawlessly, giving it a modern yet avant-garde feel.

Comforts

The spacious cabin of the EV9 is a luxurious haven on wheels, however, it's evident Kia believes it can be a space for relaxing rather than just a space that you occupy during travel. The primary example of this thought is the fully reclining feature of the front-row seats complete with lower leg rests that raise to support the full length of your body. An interesting feature that turned out to be a winner for us is the mesh headrests - the comfort they provide, especially when fully reclined, is exceptional.

Temperature control is a prominent feature in the EV9 and even gets a full-time control screen right by the driver's left hand. Our favourite element here though is the heated and ventilated seats in both the first and second rows. Each occupant has control over their seat and gives you the ability for a full-body cooldown session on one of those brutally hot Queensland summer days. The lack of a centre tunnel completely opens up the centre of the car in both first and second rows creating more space for legs or storage. On top of all of this, the dual sunroof bathes the interior in natural light creating an even more spacious and open ambience.

Practicality

Being a family-oriented vehicle, a paramount concern is convenience and practicality and Kia's awareness of this is evident. With the third row in use, the vehicle doesn't compromise on boot space, offering generous room for cargo. Gaining volumes more space is as effortless as one touch of a button that stows the third row. From there, accessing the third row is equally convenient, with the second-row seats sliding out of the way with another single button press. Kia is certainly expecting this to be used in it's seven-seat configuration quite heavily, evidenced by their commitment to providing convenience to every passenger with accessible air-conditioning, USB-C charging points, and cupholders for every seat.

Electric drivetrains bring clever innovations and in the EV9's case, the apparent winner is storage and two unique storage features stood out to us. Firstly, under the centre console - accessible from the second row - is a surprisingly deep cubby perfect for hiding items out of sight. We're still not too sure what you'd end up storing in there but it's a neat spot nonetheless and one that wouldn't be possible without the electric drivetrain opening up the centre tunnel space.

The second storage innovation is our favourite by far and can be found under the bonnet. What is essentially a large and sturdy open tub is perfect for keeping a family's worth of dirty shoes or wet towels out of the beautifully appointed interior.

Technology

Technology has been used thoughtfully to enhance convenience throughout the EV9. For example, the wireless phone charging station and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow the driver to stay connected without the hassle of cords.

Passengers are catered to via numerous strategically placed USB-C charging points while the V2L household power outlet in the boot is an absolute game-changer that transforms the EV9 into a mobile power hub. This outlet enables the convenient powering of regular appliances directly from the EV battery, adding a new dimension of convenience. 

In terms of entertainment, everything is centred around the EV9's 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Indulging in your favourite beats is elevated by the premium nine-speaker audio system by Meridian that also integrates seamlessly into the interior with beautifully designed speaker grilles.

Driver-focused

Embracing innovation, Kia has incorporated a range of innovative driver-focused technologies to support the driving experience in the EV9. The biggest innovation and is sure to put some people off, is the move away from traditional side mirrors to camera-based ones, enhancing aerodynamics and reducing blind spots. While it may take some getting used to, these may end up being a favoured component by many drivers. In addition to the side cameras, the inclusion of blind-spot cameras that seamlessly display on the digital dashboard aids drivers when changing lanes.

The optional camera-based rearview mirror provides an unobstructed view of the road behind - a simple flick of a switch allows you to change it from camera to mirror instantly. The heads-up display further prioritizes the driver's attention by projecting essential information onto the windshield, minimizing distraction.

Thanks to an array of cameras, including surround-view cameras with a 3D mode, the EV9 offers excellent visibility all around, which is ideal for a car of this size in tight car parks.

Performance

The 2024 Kia EV9 delivers a versatile performance with options for both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The base model, Air, features the rear-wheel drive system with a single-motor drivetrain pushing out 160kW/350Nm of power/torque.

The Air features the standard range 76.1 kWh battery providing about 443 kilometres of driving range, while the Earth and GT-Line trims both feature all-wheel drive and dual motors creating power and torque numbers of 283kW and 700Nm respectively. These are backed by a larger 99.8kWh long-range battery capable of up to 512km of driving range for the Earth. Due to the larger 21-inch rims on the GT-Line as well as a faster 0-100km/h time (Earth: 6.0 seconds, GT-Line: 5.3 seconds), the GT-Line is quoted to be good for about 505km.

Handling & Ride

Like several other models, Kia has put in the time and resources to finely tune the EV9's ride to handle Australian conditions. Kia has done an exceptional job here with the EV9, as it's one of the most comfortable rides we've experienced in a while. The comfort-tuned suspension and dynamic steering allow the EV9 to glide along with minimal impact on the occupants while the noise-suppressing windscreen and side glass enhance the silent EV ride even further.

Charging

It's no secret that the EV9 is a large vehicle with a larger battery meaning it will take longer to charge on a standard charger than many other EVs. If you're looking at an EV9 as your next family car, your best bet is to invest in an AC 11kW in-home charger. This will provide a convenient overnight charge from 10% to 100% in about seven hours for the standard-range battery, or just over nine hours for the long-range battery.

DC fast-charging is also a breeze with a 350kW charger capable of a 10% to 80% charge in just 24 minutes (and even less for the standard-range battery), made possible by 800V architecture.

Cost

The 2024 Kia EV9 exemplifies the brand's push into the premium space facing up against some European brands. This is reflected in the price as well, with the range starting at just under $107,000 drive away in the standard Flare red colour. The mid-level Earth trim is available for just under $120,000 while the top-of-the-range GT-Line sits at just under $140,000 drive away.

Five further paint options are available for an additional $990, or opt for the stunning Ocean Blue Matte with Kia Car Care Paint Protection for $3,495.

Conclusion

The 2024 Kia EV9 is an impressive statement piece from Kia excelling the manufacturer further in both the EV world and premium car segment. No longer is Kia a budget brand, and while the price may be confronting to some, it is most certainly backed by the expert level of design, research, engineering and technology thoughtfully integrated into the EV9.

If you're looking to convert to electric and want to jump straight into a fully-fledged family SUV with all the bells and whistles, make sure to add the Kia EV9 to your list of must-see models.

Drop into your nearest Motorama Kia showroom today to test drive the 2024 Kia EV9 and experience the future for yourself.