09Jan
In a climatic announcement on January 4, 2024, the all-electric Kia EV9 3-row SUV was named North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ by the prestigious North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This esteemed recognition marks the third time in five years that Kia has dominated the category and the second time a Kia electric vehicle (EV) has taken the top honor.
Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, expressed pride in the company's innovative achievement.
"The Kia EV9 sets a new standard in the three-row SUV class," Yoon stated. "With EVs being favored among the finalists for the second year running, it's clear that the automotive future is electric. Claiming this award affirms the EV9's position as a leader not just in utility but also in electrification."
See also: The 5 Best And Worst Model Years Of The Toyota Corolla
2024 Kia EV9: Quick Review
The 2024 Kia EV9 is positioned as one of the first true family-friendly electric SUV options, offering three usable rows of seating with an attractive entry price and a decent driving range.
It’s a game-changing addition to the electric SUV market, combining the best aspects of Kia's popular EV6 and three-row Telluride. This section covers the key features, performance, and overall impression of the Kia EV9.
Performance
The EV9 is available with a choice of two motor configurations: a rear-drive setup with 197 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive layout with 375 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
The battery pack is a whopping 99.8kWh (96kWh usable), providing a range of around 359 miles between charges. The EV9 offers fast charging, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour.
Standard Features
Standard features on the 2024 Kia EV9 include LED headlights, gloss-black exterior trim, body-colored flush door handles, an eight-speaker audio system, and power-adjustable front seats.
Higher trim levels offer additional features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, two-tone upholstery, and electric adjustment on the steering column.
Boons And Banes Of The 2024 Kia EV9
Boons
- Spacious cabin with three usable rows of seating
- Polished ride and handling
- Generous standard features
- Lightning-fast charging
- Relatively low starting price
Banes
- Leisurely acceleration for the longest-range model
- The base model comes with a smaller battery
- Single-motor performance may lag behind dual-motor configuration
Verdict
The 2024 Kia EV9 impresses with its spacious and comfortable interior, generous standard features, and practicality. It sets a new standard for family-friendly electric SUVs and is poised to become a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile and environmentally friendly vehicle.
The EV9's combination of range, performance, and pricing makes it a compelling option in today’s competitive electric SUV market.
Choosing The SUV Of The Year
The distinguished NACTOY jury, composed of 50 top-tier automotive journalists from a variety of media outlets, conducted rigorous evaluations across an array of vehicle types.
The jurors examined several aspects, including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and overall value.
Hot on the heels of the success of the Kia EV6, the previous year's winner, the all-new Kia EV9 has been heralded as the first of its kind in the American market – an affordable, mass-market three-row electric SUV. With an entry price of $54,900*, the EV9 fights competitively against rivals like the Volvo EX90 and Tesla Model X.
The vehicle boasts an impressive EPA-estimated 304 miles* of electric range on the Light Long Range RWD model, targeting the growing consumer demand for high-range EVs. Available for immediate sale with limited inventory, the Kia EV9 has rolled out nationwide*.
The SUV has been engineered to deliver an authentic experience, featuring an optional 7.8 inches of ground clearance and a substantial cargo capacity of up to 81.9 cu-ft with the second and third rows folded. Moreover, the small SUV demonstrates a robust build with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs*.
Coming To A Plant Near You
Later in the year, the EV9 will join the ranks of vehicles assembled in the United States, with plans to produce the SUV at Kia's manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, further solidifying Kia's commitment to the U.S. market and eco-friendly automotive solutions.
The Kia EV9's recognition as North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ is not only a triumph for Kia but a clear indicator of the shifting dynamics in the automotive industry towards sustainable and electric-powered vehicles.
2024 Kia EV9 Pricing Across Trim Levels
The 2024 Kia EV9 possesses the qualities to redefine the electric SUV market with its sleek design, innovative technology, and impressive performance. With a variety of trim levels to choose from, there's an EV9 to suit every driver's needs and preferences.
1. The Entry-Level EV9 Light: Starting at $54,900
At the base of the lineup sits the EV9 Light, priced at $54,900. This entry-level trim is anything but basic, featuring a 76.1-kWh battery pack capable of delivering 215 horsepower.
Drivers can expect an estimated range of 223 miles on a full charge, making it a solid choice for daily commuting and short trips. The Light trim is perfect for those looking to enter the electric vehicle segment via a reliable and stylish SUV without breaking the bank.
2. The EV9 Light Long Range: Starting at $59,200
For range-conscious car shoppers, the EV9 Light Long Range is an excellent upgrade at $59,200. Equipped with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, the Long Range model extends your journeys to an impressive 300 miles on a single charge.
Interestingly, the power output takes a slight dip to 201 horsepower, but the trade-off is a substantial increase in range, which is often a priority for EV buyers.
3. The EV9 Wind: A Midrange Powerhouse at $63,900
The EV9 Wind, available for $63,900, is where performance begins to ramp up. This trim level introduces a second electric motor, turning the EV9 into an all-wheel-drive powerhouse with a combined output of 379 horsepower.
Although the additional motor decreases the range slightly to between 253 and 270 miles, the acceleration and handling improvements make it a tempting choice for those who prioritize a more dynamic driving experience.
4. The Luxurious EV9 Land: Premium Features for $69,900
Stepping up to the EV9 Land at $69,900, drivers can enjoy the same robust dual-motor powertrain along with a host of premium amenities.
Key features include heated and ventilated rear seats for passenger comfort and a surround-view camera system for enhanced safety and convenience. This trim is tailored for those who want a bit more luxury and tech in their electric SUV.
5. The Top-Tier EV9 GT-Line: Ultimate Luxury at $73,900
The pinnacle of the 2024 EV9 range is the GT-Line, priced at $73,900. While the range slightly decreases to 243 miles, this model amps up the luxury with cutting-edge features such as remote parking assist and a self-leveling rear suspension.
Kia tailored the GT-Line for discerning buyers who demand the very best in their vehicles, both in terms of luxury appointments and advanced technology.
Which Kia EV9 Model Should You Buy?
After considering the various options, we recommend the EV9 Wind for most buyers. This trim strikes an excellent balance between performance, range, and price.
With an all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in various driving conditions and a notable boost in acceleration over the rear-wheel-drive models, the Wind trim seems a well-thought-out choice.
Additionally, with an expected range of up to 270 miles on a full charge, the EV9 Wind trim should satisfy customers who dig a practical and fun driving experience without compromising on mileage.
Footnotes:
- The manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excludes taxes, title, license, options, and destination charges.
- Based on EPA estimates of the Light Long Range RWD model. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.
- Availability may vary by region and is subject to change.
- Towing capacity depends on the towing package and may require additional equipment.
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