Sunday Drive: 2024 Kia EV9 leaps into the future of electric SUVs
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- Deanne is shown with the new 2024 Kia EV9 as we were taking things to the Spanish Fork Fairgrounds while getting ready for the Utah County Fair in August.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia EV9.
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- Our first adventure in the 2024 Kia EV9 was at the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience out in Denver last June, where we took this photo in Brackenridge, Colorado.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia EV9.
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- A look at the 2024 Kia EV9.
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- Inside the 2024 Kia EV9.
We have always been impressed with Kia because of its bold designs and innovative features. Now, it has come up with a full-scale electrified SUV that turned into a very impressive daily driver in the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line.
After driving it for a week, we were very taken with its striking design, spacious interior, advanced technology and impressive performance. The EV9 in our minds is poised to be a game-changer in the rapidly changing electric vehicle, or EV, market.
Design: A bold and modern statement
The first thing that struck home with us in the EV9 was its futuristic design. It was clear that Kia has taken a different approach with the EV9, breaking away from conventional SUV designs. The EV9 stood tall and proud with its boxy, yet modern silhouette, sharp lines and a sense of ruggedness that suggested that it was ready for anything.
Up front, the EV9 sported a distinctive grille-less face, a design made possible by the all-electric powertrain. The LED headlights, which blended seamlessly into the angular front fascia, gave the vehicle a sharp, what we would call aggressive, look. The daytime running lights were uniquely styled, adding a touch of sophistication and making the EV9 a standout on the road.
The side profile of the SUV was just as impressive. The squared-off wheel arches, large 21-inch alloy wheels and high beltline contributed to a muscular stance that was both commanding and elegant.
The floating roof effect, achieved through a blacked-out C-pillar, added a touch of modernity to the overall design.
Interior: Spacious, comfortable and high-tech
When we got into the EV9, we were greeted with an interior that was both luxurious and futuristic. Kia had clearly focused on maximizing space, comfort and technology, making the all-electric a true contender in the SUV segment.
The cabin was expensive, offering up three rows of seating with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The second row featured captain’s chairs that can swivel 180 degrees, creating a more social seating arrangement — a feature that’s perfect for long road trips or when parked for a spell. The third row was also surprisingly spacious, making the EV9 a true seven-seater without compromising on comfort.
Materials used throughout the cabin were of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery and futuristic accents of metal and wood. The overall design was minimalist, with a focus on clean lines and uncluttered surfaces.
The centerpiece of the dashboard was a massive 27-inch curved display that housed both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The display was crisp, responsive and easy to navigate, with intuitive controls and customizable options.
In terms of technology, the EV9 was packed with features. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the vehicle came equipped with a premium sound system that delivered fantastic audio quality. Wireless charging, multiple USB ports and a head-up display were also included, ensuring that we had everything we needed for a comfortable and connected journey no matter the destination.
Performance: Powerful and smooth
Underneath its stylish exterior, the Kia EV9 GT-Line packed a serious punch in terms of performance. The GT-Line was powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivered an impressive 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the EV9 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size and weight.
We found the driving experience in the EV9 GT-Line to be smooth and refined. The electric motors provided instant torque, making acceleration effortless and responsive. The all-wheel-drive system ensured that the vehicle remained stable and composed, even in challenging driving conditions.
The suspension was tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease, while still providing enough firmness to prevent excessive body roll during cornering.
A great standout feature of the EV9 GT-Line was its range, as it would be with any electric vehicle. Thanks to its large 99.8-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the EV9 offered an estimated range of up to 300 miles on a single charge.
This made it a practical choice for both daily commuting and long-distance travel. When it comes to recharging, the EV9 supports fast charging at up to 350 kW, which means you can add up to 80% of range in just under 30 minutes. We were also able to charge to 100% overnight on our level 2 charger at home in a few hours.
Safety: Advanced and comprehensive
Safety again was a top priority for Kia, and the EV9 was no exception. The vehicle was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that provided an extra layer of protection for both the driver and passengers.
Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The EV9 also featured Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience on highways.
For families, the EV9 offered a rear occupant alert system that reminded us to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle. The vehicle’s strong safety credentials were further bolstered by its solid build quality and use of high-strength steel in the construction of the body.
A new era for family SUVs
The 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line represented a bold step forward for Kia and the electric vehicle market. It combined cutting-edge technology, impressive performance and a spacious, luxurious interior in a package that is as practical as it is stylish.
For families looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on space, comfort or capability, the EV9 would be an ideal choice. Its long range, advanced safety features and commitment to sustainability make it a forward-thinking option that is ready to meet the demands of modern life.
Base price: Pre-production vehicle
Estimated starting price for GT-Line: $75,395
