The 2024 Kia EV9 is a game-changer in the electric vehicle (EV) market. It combines cutting-edge technology and great performance with family-friendly features. It is one of the few three-row electric SUVs on the market, and it stands out for being affordable, roomy, and having high-end features. It has won awards like the 2024 World Car of the Year and the Edmunds Top Rated Electric SUV. Here’s a closer look at why the 2024 Kia EV9 is a great choice for families and people who love electric vehicles.
Design: Strong, modern, and useful
The Kia EV9’s design is a great mix of futuristic looks and useful features. With a length of about 5,015 mm, a width of 1,980 mm, a height of 1,780 mm, and a wheelbase of 3,100 mm, this vehicle is big and gets a lot of attention. The Kia Digital Pattern Lighting Grille and Intelligent Ice Cube LED Projection Headlamps give it a modern and timeless sci-fi look. Its sleek, muscular body is what sets it apart. The EV9’s bold shape makes it stand out from other SUVs, but some people might wonder if its unique look will stand the test of time like a classic design.
The EV9 has a huge cabin that can fit six or seven people, depending on how it is set up. It has more passenger space (up to 160.3 cubic feet) and more legroom in the second row (42.8 inches) than competitors like the 2025 Rivian R1S and Cadillac Escalade ESV. The third row is really comfortable for adults, which is rare in three-row SUVs. This makes it perfect for family road trips. The cargo space is also impressive: there are 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, and when the second and third rows are folded down, there are 81.7 cubic feet. A front trunk, or “frunk,” makes things more useful by adding 3.2 cubic feet of space in single-motor models and 1.8 cubic feet in dual-motor models.
Performance: Power and efficiency go hand in hand
The 2024 Kia EV9 is built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which it shares with the popular EV6. This makes for a smooth driving experience. It comes with a number of different powertrain options:
The base model has a single motor with 201 horsepower and a 76.1-kWh battery, which gives it an estimated range of 230 miles.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The Land and GT-Line trims have two motors that make 379 horsepower. The Light Long Range trim has a 99.8-kWh battery that gives it a range of up to 304 miles. The GT-Line, on the other hand, has a range of 270 miles, which is a little less.
According to AMCI Testing, the EV9 GT-Line AWD goes from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 4.5 seconds, beating out competitors like the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 and Range Rover P400. With an 800-volt architecture, it can charge DC very quickly. A 350-kW charger can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
The EV9 handles surprisingly well for its size, thanks to its well-tuned suspension that strikes a good balance between comfort and control. But some reviews say that it might not feel as stable on bumpy, winding roads, which could make passengers feel sick. The cabin stays very quiet, and it’s as refined as luxury SUVs like the Range Rover P400 SE.
Technology and Features: Full of New Ideas
The EV9’s interior is a tech lover’s dream. It has two 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment, which are seamlessly integrated with a separate HVAC display. People who like physical buttons may find it frustrating that the controls are touch-sensitive, but the interface is easy to use and responds quickly. Standard features include a strong set of driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GT-Line trim adds a mode that lets you drive without using your hands, which makes long trips easier.
The IIHS gave the EV9 a “Top Safety Pick” rating for cars made after January 2024, which is another sign that Kia cares about safety. This is because the headlights have been improved to cut down on glare. The EV9 is one of the safest options in its class because it has more than 27 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that keep you safe.
Built for families, practical and efficient
The EV9 is a great family car because it has smart storage options like a floating center console, adjustable cupholders, and a pop-out bin and tray table for the second row. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds, so it can pull trailers or boats. Real-world range tests, on the other hand, have had mixed results. For example, Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway test found that the GT-Line only went 240 miles, which is less than the 270-mile estimate. Charging in public is still a problem, like with most EVs, but the 2026 model will have a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port that lets you use over 18,000 Tesla Superchargers.
The Land AWD trim has a decent level of efficiency, averaging 71–72 MPGe in long-term tests. Car and Driver says that the car only cost $335 to service over 32,992 miles, and there were no repairs or wear-and-tear costs.
Pricing and Value: A High-End Competitor at a Low-End Price
The base Light RWD trim of the EV9 starts at $56,395, which is almost $20,000 less than luxury competitors like the Rivian R1S, but it has similar features. The GT-Line AWD, which is the best model, starts at $73,395, which is still a good deal compared to luxury three-row SUVs that cost more than $100,000. The EV9 is a great deal because of Kia’s smart pricing, its cabin full of features, and its high resale value (according to Kelley Blue Book).
A New Standard for Electric SUVs
The 2024 Kia EV9 is a great example of how engineering and design can work together. It has a lot of space, great performance, and cutting-edge technology, all at a price that beats its luxury competitors. Its few flaws, like a cramped third-row access and reliance on touch controls, are not as important as its strengths, which include a spacious, high-tech interior, a long range, and the ability to charge quickly. The EV9 is a great choice for families making the switch to electric, even though public charging is still a problem.
Kia’s bold claim that the EV9 is better than luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz EQS is true in many ways, especially when it comes to speed, stopping power, and cabin noise. The EV9 has won awards from Edmunds, AutoTrader, and the World Car Awards, making it the best electric SUV on the market. The 2024 Kia EV9 sets a new standard that is hard to beat for people who want a family car that can do a lot of different things.
The Kia EV9 is Kia’s flagship electric SUV, blending futuristic design, cutting-edge tech, and genuine long-distance capability. Built on the E-GMP platform, it’s the brand’s first three-row EV, aimed at families who want space without sacrificing sustainability or performance.
Powertrain & Performance
- Battery: 99.8 kWh
- Range: Up to 561 km (long-range AWD variant)
- Power: 379 bhp, 700 Nm torque
- Charging: 10–80% in ~24 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger
- Drive Options: Single-motor RWD (215 hp) or dual-motor AWD (379 hp)
- Ride Quality: Smooth, luxury-like comfort with one-pedal driving mode
Interior & Comfort
- Seating: 6-seat layout with spacious third row for adults
- Materials: Vegan leather steering wheel, premium upholstery, real metal accents
- Tech: Massive single-piece display for infotainment + instrument cluster, haptic feedback controls
- Storage: Clever cubbies, floating center console, and generous cargo space
Design Highlights
- Front: Digital “Tiger Nose” grille, Star Map LED DRLs
- Profile: Squared-off wheel arches, gloss black inserts, 20-inch alloys
- Rear: Full-width LED tail lamps, integrated spoiler
Safety & Driver Assistance
- 360° camera
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- Multiple airbags and structural safety enhancements
Pricing & Market Position
- India Launch: October 3, 2024
- Price: ₹1.30 crore (ex-showroom)
- Competes with BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Volvo EX90 in the premium electric SUV space
Verdict
The 2024 Kia EV9 isn’t just another EV — it’s a statement that electric family haulers can be stylish, spacious, and road-trip ready. With its ultra-fast charging, premium interior, and bold design, it’s a serious contender for anyone looking to future-proof their garage.