The EV9 is a large, three-row, seven-passenger, electric sport utility vehicle riding on Hyundai/Kia’s E-GMP platform. It has an 800-volt electrical architecture and dual-motor all-wheel drive. The GT-Line trim adds a long-range battery pack. It’s classified as a mid-size crossover, but from behind the wheel, the spaciousness and maneuverability make it feel like a full-size SUV.

Design

The Kia EV9, which which debuted as a concept at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, stands out. The production version, now in its second year, retains much of the show car’s appearance.

Kia’s “Opposites United” design language emphasizes sharp lines and geometric surfaces. The distinctive body is full of triangular and trapezoidal forms, from the fenders to the light signatures. It has a blocky, architectural look.

Interior

The the EV9 follows the same design theme inside but with a more conservative palette. The center console cantilevers over the front floor. The look is inspired by Scandinavian design. The cabin is dominated by dark, grainy surfaces rendered in black and slate tones.

Kia has moved away from its previous awkward touch-sensitive panel that served both HVAC and infotainment functions. The EV9 has a generously sized horizontal display, spanning 33 inches in width. The display dominates roughly two-thirds of the dash and incorporates instruments, HVAC and infotainment.

The HVAC functions are dedicated and don’t require toggling between functions. It’s a welcome change. There’s no fiddling with soft keys to change the temperature or fan speed.

Comfort

The front seats look reminiscent of an Eames recliner. They offer multiple power adjustments, lumbar support, and a massage function. There’s even a leg support extension that operates like an easy chair footrest. Second-row seating also features captain’s chairs, mimicking the front seats in design, but with fewer adjustments.

Despite the adjustability, I never found a comfortable driving position. The “recliner” function doesn’t deliver for taller drivers. The leg support didn’t extend far enough to lift my feet from the floor.

Ingress and egress are excellent, with tall  door openings are tall and wide and an ideal step-in height. You slide in and out with minimal knee bend rather than climbing up or dropping down.

Behind the Wheel

Where the GT-Line diverges from its “Grand Turing” badging is in suspension tuning. Despite the name, this is not a sporty SUV. There’s plenty of body roll in corners and a general bounciness to the way the vehicle rides. Over broken pavement and larger bumps the EV9 pitches and bobs more than I’d prefer. If you see “GT-Line” badging and expect something with athletic reflexes, you’ll be disappointed.

The GT-Line model pairs a 99.8-kWh battery pack with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Output is 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is satisfyingly quick.

Driver Assistance

The adaptive cruise and lane-keeping system is one of the most impressive aspects of the vehicle. The EV9’s system is fully adaptive It will bring the car to a complete stop in traffic and then advance again. It maintains a pre-set following distance and accurately keeps the car centered in its lane.

The system is calibrated comfortably and far less annoying than some rival systems. You’re still required to keep a hand on the wheel and pay attention, but it doesn’t immediately scold you the instant you glance at the center stack, or look over at your passenger. The more relaxed calibration helps reduce stress in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Then there’s the feature I showed to my buddies. Kia’s “Remote Smart Parking Assist.” This feature permits you to stand outside the vehicle and use the key fob to move the EV9 forward or backward into or out of a tight parking space. In practice, I was able to make it back up roughly 30–40 feet while steering its way around obstacles. It isn’t the full “summon the car across the lot” trick other brands market, but the ability to command the EV9 out of a tight space and have it steer around obstructions is useful and entertaining.

Economy

Kia estimates a range of about 270 miles on a full charge, depending on equipment. My test vehicle, charged to 100 percent, displayed a predicted range of about 238 miles.

The E-GMP platform’s 800-volt architecture permits DC fast charging (up to 350 kW). Kia claims a 10–80 percent charge in about 24–25 minutes. I charged from 35-86 percent in 39 minutes at 155 kW. I rarely find a DC fast charger delivering more than 150 kW.

The Verdict

The Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD is a distinctive, quiet, three-row electric SUV with impressive driver-assistance tech and a handsome high-quality interior. Range in my test example was lower than manufacturer’s estimates. The soft suspension tuning won’t appeal to consumer wanting something sporty.

The Kia EV9 is the least expensive three-row all-electric SUV on the U.S. market with a base price of $57,995. With options, the price quickly climbs into full-sized EV SUV territory.

Adding the GT-Line trim with long range battery, the relaxation package and other options on my test vehicle adds nearly $20,000 with an as tested MSRP of $76,670 including destination. The Similarly priced and larger Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X warrant consideration

For families who want space, utility and a less stressful commute, the EV9 makes a strong case. It’s one of the more thoughtfully executed electric SUVs in the U.S. market.

Visit: https://www.kia.com/us/en/ev9