Kia EV9 Review 2024
Written by John McCann
Quick overview
Pros
- One of the most versatile electric vehicles on sale
- Impressive real-world range
- Well equipped as standard
Cons
- It's a lot of money
- It's also very, very big
- Not as luxurious as premium competitors
Overall verdict on the Kia EV9
“The Kia EV9 is the flagship electric car for the South Korean firm. It’s the most expensive Kia on the market, but you do get an awful lot for your money, plus it looks fantastic. Is it the right big car for you? Read our full Kia EV9 review to find out.”
The Kia EV9 is a big, seven-seater all-electric SUV aimed at families who want enough space for the kids, the dog and associated luggage.
There’s only a handful of seven-seat fully electric rivals currently on the market, so the EV9 finds itself up against the Mercedes-Benz EQB, Volvo EX90 Electric and the charming VW ID Buzz in its long-wheelbase form. And this brings up the main sticking point with the EV9: the price.
It starts at around £65,000, which is comfortably more than the EQB (from around £55,000) and Buzz (from around £59,000). Kia is really pushing the premium agenda, as previously witnessed with the price point of the EV6, and it means the EV9 really has to nail what it does to justify the cost.
The good news is the EV9 puts in a very strong showing. Its striking bodywork makes it a head-turning vehicle which stands out on the road. The angular lines provide a playfully futuristic look, and the Ocean Blue paint (available in both ‘glossy’ and ‘matt’ finishes) looks gorgeous. It’s the most striking of the paint options, but isn’t available on the baseline ‘Air’ trim: you’ll need to opt for the pricer GT-Line or GT-Line S if you want this finish.
What you do get on the baseline model is a heap of features and tech, with plenty of driving assistance, heated- and ventilated front seats and outer second-row seats, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Kia has kept things simple in the EV9 battery department with a 99.8kW power pack in all models, providing 349 miles of range on the entry-level Air, and 316 miles and 313 miles on the GT-Line and GT-Line S versions, respectively. While they may have less range, the two GT-Line models are all-wheel drive and produce more power. A lot more.
Considering its size (over five metres long and almost two metres wide), there’s plenty of poke underfoot when you’re out of Eco mode, and while it can mean you need to be a little bit careful on narrow streets and in tight car parks, the EV9 has plenty of cameras and sensors to help keep you out of trouble.
Does the Kia EV9 feel sufficiently special to justify its lofty price tag? We'd say so. Its impressive real-world range, versatile cabin and extensive list of standard equipment all add to its appeal.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Kia Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Kia EV9s for sale.
Is the Kia EV9 right for you?
If you’re ready to switch the family car to a fully electric model, and want the flexibility of an additional couple of seats in the boot, the Kia EV9 comfortably fulfils the brief. It’s not the cheapest seven-seater EV around, but you get a ton of kit included, even on the base model. It’s spacious, comfortable and has enough storage (and USB ports) to keep everyone happy. There are rivals with more premium cabins - and less scratchy plastic - and a lower price, but few look quite as good as the EV9.
What’s the best Kia EV9 model/engine to choose?
In terms of equipment, even the most affordable (relatively speaking...) Kia EV9 Air won't leave you wanting. But we'd recommend upgrading to the mid-spec Kia EV9 GT-Line, if only for the punchier dual-motor powertrain (as well as some nice-to-have extras such as the 21-inch alloy wheels and massage seats).
What other cars are similar to the Kia EV9?
As we’ve mentioned, seven-seat EV rivals to the Kia EV9 are few and far between at the moment, with the Mercedes-Benz EQB, VW ID Buzz and new Volvo EX90 Electric the core competition. While the former duo are cheaper, the EX90 Electric is quite a bit more (starting at just under £100,000) than the EV9, and there’s always the Tesla Model X, although it’s only available new in LHD (left hand drive) and will set you back around £100,000.
If you’re after a more affordable seven-seater, Kia’s own Sorento is roughly £20k less than the EV9 and offers hybrid powertrains, and if you’re just on the hunt for a budget seven seater, the Dacia Jogger starts at around £20,000 with a full hybrid engine.
Comfort and design: Kia EV9 interior
“Kia has improved the interior finish for the EV9, giving you a cabin that feels more premium than in its other cars, plus it’s spacious, bright and airy.”
Slide inside the Kia EV9 and you’re greeted with a smart, modern cabin. The swathes of glossy black plastic from the Niro EV and EV6 have thankfully been dialled right back (it’s an absolute fingerprint magnet) and replaced with a pleasant mix of materials.
The soft-touch rooflining, faux-leather dashboard surround and fabric dash insert give the cabin a premium look and feel, although it’s not completely devoid of scratchy plastic in places, which is a small reminder that you’re not sitting in a premium-brand vehicle.
There’s plenty of space, with decent head- and legroom in the front and for second row passengers. Things get a touch tighter in the third row, although there’s still enough headroom for passengers just over six feet, although legroom is at much more of a premium.
These seats are perfectly adequate for children, and when you add in the fact that they get their own cup holders and USB-C ports (as do second-row passengers), there shouldn’t be too many complaints from those at the very back.
If you opt to have the third row of seats up, boot space is dramatically reduced. You won’t get seven people’s worth of luggage behind them, so if you’re going to be travelling regularly at full capacity, a roof box will be needed.
Kia also offers a six seat configuration of the EV9, but only in the top-spec GT-Line S model (from £77,000). This sees the second row, three-person bench replaced with two independent seats, affording passengers more space. There’s also the option to have these seats rotate 180 degrees to face third-row passengers, just in case you need to hold a quick family meeting at a charging stop.
Quality and finish
If you've driven the Kia Niro EV or EV6, you'll find that the interior of the Kia EV9 feels like a step up in quality. Kia has added a wider variety of premium materials to give a smarter finish in the cabin, and while some cheaper plastic is still present it tends to be reserved for areas that are less obvious. That said, it still doesn't feel quite as plush inside as premium competitors.
Build quality in general appears to be good, although the mesh material cover of the dashboard insert feels like it may be a potential weak point for wear and tear.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 boasts the firm’s triple panoramic display. There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display behind the wheel and a central 12.3-inch infotainment display: the two are connected via a smaller 5.3-inch segment display, which Kia uses to display climate control information.
It’s good to see a dedicated area for this information, but unfortunately, from the driver’s seat you’ll find that the edge of the steering wheel and your hand tends to block this smaller screen, which prevents it from being that useful.
The infotainment system provides the features and functions you’d expect, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus a well designed navigation system. We did find the system was a little on the slow side overall, and there was a noticeable delay between us tapping one of the touch-sensitive buttons built into the dash trim below the central screen, and our action being delivered on the display.
There’s a wireless charging pad for a smartphone and a couple of USB-C ports to charge devices (and to connect your phone for Auto or CarPlay needs).
While the segment display is a bit of a let down, the EV9 thankfully does away with the touch-bar controls for climate and instead provides physical switches, allowing you to easily adjust the in-cabin temperature and fan speed.
An electronic rear-view mirror is included as standard, giving you a digital view of what’s behind you via a camera of the back of the EV9. It definitely takes some getting used to, as you lose a sense of perspective not seeing the rear headrests and windshield when looking in the mirror. Some will love it, others will prefer to stick to the traditional mirror, which is also included as standard.
You can also opt to have digital side mirrors, which sees traditional mirrors replaced with small camera stalks, and small displays are mounted on the inside of the front doors to show you the live video feed from the external cameras. We weren’t able to test an EV9 with digital side mirrors, but from driving other vehicles with this technology, we’ve found it can be hit and miss.
Only the top-spec GT-Line S benefits from the 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System, with the Air and GT-Line models making do with an eight-speaker system.
Space and practicality: Kia EV9 boot space
As we’ve already mentioned, the EV9 is a big car. It’s 5,010mm long, 1,980mm wide and 1,755 tall (the GT-Line is slightly longer [5,015mm] and taller [1,780mm]), making it bigger than the Mercedes-Benz EQB and similar in size to the VW ID Buzz.
The size translates to a spacious cabin, and those travelling in the first two rows will benefit from plenty of legroom and headroom. For those confined to the third row of seats, there’s more space here than in the EQB, but access is still via the second-row chairs folding forward, meaning these seats aren’t accessible for those with more limited mobility.
Headroom is good, and the average adult will be able to sit upright without having to tilt their head, although legroom is where you’ll compromise. The second row of seats will need to be slid forward a little to provide enough kneeroom for those behind unless it’s just small children sitting here.
For the ultimate in rear-seat comfort, the Kia EV9 is offered as a six-seater. This replaces the second row of seats with individual 'swivel' seats that can be rotated 180-degrees, so occupants can sit with their backs to the front-seat passengers and facing the third row of seats. We guarantee that kids will love this feature.
The third row does fold flat to open up 828 litres of cargo space, and there’s no load lip so you can easily slide large items in and out of the back of the EV9. Put the third row seats up, however, and space is dramatically reduced to just 333 litres (312 in the six-seater model).
Handling and ride quality: What is the Kia EV9 like to drive?
“It’s big and it’s heavy, but with the dual-motor AWD models, you’ll have no trouble getting the Kia EV9 moving. Even in the entry RWD model, there’s enough power and torque, and the Kia EV9 delivers a comfortable, quiet drive.”
There's no hiding the sheer size of the Kia EV9: at more than five metres long, it's even bigger than a Land Rover Discovery. Still, visibility is pretty decent, while there's a long list of helpful technology - sensors and cameras and the like - fitted as standard to even the most affordable models, so it's not necessarily overwhelming to drive.
The steering is quite light, making it easier to manoeuvre this large car, and the suspension isn’t quite as stiff as on some of the brand's other vehicles, allowing the EV9 to glide better over uneven surfaces, although large potholes will still be noticeable.
This isn't a car that's designed to be flung through corners but, actually, it handles pretty well for what it is. A lot of the weight is low down (the chunky battery pack fitted under the floor), which helps lower the EV9's centre of gravity. As such, it feels surprisingly agile on the open road.
What motors and batteries are available in the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is available in two motor options. The entry-level Air model has a single electric motor producing a maximum power of 149.5kW (203PS) with 350Nm of torque. The result is a top speed of 114mph and a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds.
Opt for the GT-Line or GT-Line S, and you’ll get two electric motors for all-wheel drive. Max power output here is 282.6kW (384PS) with 700Nm of torque, plus a rather rapid-for-its-size 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and a max speed of 124mph.
We’ve not driven the entry-level Air model, but we can say that the more powerful GT-Line EV9 certainly doesn’t feel sluggish. Move out of the ‘Eco’ drive mode into ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ and dab the accelerator, and the twin motors propel the car at a properly pleasing pace. There’s certainly enough poke to move you swiftly away from a junction, and overtake on the motorway without breaking a sweat.
Maximum EV range in the Kia EV9
The RWD Kia EV9 Air has a quoted range of 349 miles, while the more powerful, AWD GT-Line and GT-Line S models have a maximum ranges of 316 miles and 313 miles, respectively. That’s actually very good for such a large, heavy vehicle and gives the Kia EV9 a better range than the Mercedes-Benz EQB and VW ID Buzz.
During our time driving the EV9 GT-Line S, we managed an average efficiency of 2.8kWh from a mix of speeds and driving styles. This would give us a real-word range of roughly 280 miles, so not a huge amount off the 313-mile figure.
If you’re going to be keeping to city driving and slower roads, then you may well get closer to 300 miles per charge. Spend a long time on the motorway, however, and the EV9's battery will drain much more quickly.
Refinement and noise levels
Sitting in the cabin of the Kia EV9 is a calming experience. There’s very little in the way or road noise, and wind noise is kept to a minimum thanks to the inclusion of laminated sound insulation glass in the front- and second-row side windows.
Tyre noise is also minimal as the EV9 rolls off the production line with tyres filled with sound-absorbing foam, plus Kia has fitted sound-absorbing carpet to the floor of the vehicle.
As there’s no combustion engine, there’s no engine roar to speak of, but if you have the stereo off and listen carefully, you may be able to hear the whirr of the electric motor when you pull away. It’s hardly a nuisance, though.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is equipped with a wide suite of safety features as standard including navigation-based smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist 2, front- and rear parking sensors, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCCA) with Rear-Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA), blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree surround view monitor, and no fewer than nine airbags.
It's unsurprising, then, that the Kia EV9 has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Kia EV9?
“A downside of the Kia EV9's large 99.8kWh battery is it will take a while to charge via a 7kW home wallbox. Plug it in to one of the fastest public rapid chargers, though, and it can be replenished at speeds of up to 210kW, topping it up from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes."
Like charging any other electric car, you'll pay more money to top up an EV9 at the most convenient public rapid chargers. That's why we'd recommending charging at home, if you can. Doing so will take around 14 hours (for a full charge), at a cost of around £30 (depending on your home electricity tariff).
Wanting to charge via a traditional three-pin socket? You can do so, but you'll be in for a long wait: around two full days should do it.
How reliable is a Kia EV9?
As the Kia EV9 is brand new to the market we can’t give an accurate idea of how reliable it is. Kia as a brand has a good reputation, however, finishing in the top 10 brands for reliability in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index. Other Kia electric vehicles - including the Niro EV and EV6 - have proven to have excellent reliability records, while the EV9 comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Insurance groups and costs
The entry-level Air model sits in group 45 for insurance, while the more powerful versions sit in group 50. Since all cars sit in a group between 1 and 50, with 1 being the cheapest to insure and 50 being the most expensive, you can expect fairly hefty premiums. Then again, that's no surprise on a car as big, as expensive and as powerful as the EV9.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Kia EV9?
Electric cars - including the Kia EV9 - are currently exempt from road tax, meaning you could save £180/year compared to a petrol or diesel car. That’s set to change from 2025, however, meaning you’ll likely pay the same VED as the driver of a petrol vehicle from then on.
How much should you be paying for a used Kia EV9?
“With a starting price of more than £65,000, you'll pay a premium of around £20,000 for the Kia EV9 over the firm's seven-seat combustion-engined Sorento SUV. It's clear where that cash goes, though."
The entry-level Kia EV9 Air is as comprehensively equipped as you'd expect for a £65,000 SUV: standard equipment includes the 12.3-inch navigation system, heated and ventilated front seats and navigation-based smart cruise control.
The main reason to upgrade to the Kia EV9 GT-Line (which starts from around £73,000) is that it comes with the more powerful, dual-motor powertrain. We reckon this is probably the pick of the range for most buyers, unless things like twin sunroofs and a premium sound system are particularly important to you. If they are, they're standard on the top-spec £76,000 Kia EV9 GT-Line S.
The Kia EV9 is still too new for it to hit the used market in any great numbers. We reckon high demand will keep prices strong for a while, although you might be able to skip the waiting list by searching for a pre-registered Kia EV9. Sifting through the heycar classified, we've seen year-old GT-Line S examples with low four-figure mileages going for around the same price as a brand new Air model, which represents a fairly hefty saving.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The Kia EV9 range is made up of three trim levels: Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S.
Standard equipment on all Kia EV9 trim levels includes the three-screen dashboard layout, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a wireless phone charger, Kia Connect telematics, heated- and ventilated front seats and outer second-row seats, heated door mirrors that fold and adjust electrically, rain-sensing wipers, an electronic rear-view mirror, LED headlamps and rear lamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, rear privacy glass, second-row manual window blinds, dual-zone air conditioning, a heated steering wheel, a smart power tailgate, 60:40 split-folding second row, 50:50 split-fold third row, ambient lighting, six USB-C chargers, a three-pin socket in the boot, V2L charging, navigation-based smart cruise control, Highway Driving Assist 2, front- and rear parking sensors, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCCA) with Rear-Cross Traffic Assist (RCTA), blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree surround view monitor, and nine airbags.
The entry-level Kia EV9 Air model features 19-inch alloy wheels, standard EV9 body styling, gloss black door mirrors and door trim, black side sill trim, low-profile roof rails, body-coloured flush door handles, manually adjustable - tilt and telescopic - steering column, single-tone Bio PU seats (the cabin is 100% leather-free), power-adjustable front seats, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Opt for the Kia EV9 GT-Line, and you’ll get 21-inch alloy wheels, GT-Line exterior styling, two-tone ‘GT-Line’ Bio PU upholstery, LED headlamps with ‘small cube’ design and adaptive driving beam, ‘bridge-type’ roof rails, electrically adjusting steering column, driver power adjustable memory seat, front passenger powered seat adjustment, driver- and front passenger premium relaxation seats, driver massage seat, black headlining, aluminium pedals and remote Smart Park Assist 2.0 (RSPA 2.0).
The top-of-the-line Kia EV9 GT-Line S adds (in addition to the above) 21-inch alloy wheels, front sunroof with tilting and sliding functions, second-row sunroof with sliding blind, a head-up display and a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System.
The GT-Line S is also available in either the standard seven-seat layout, or an exclusive six-seat interior, with second-row swivel seats.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
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