Reimagined three-row pushes
boundaries of design and innovation
    
(January 18, 2024) IRVINE, Calif.  — The rolling hills and curving two-lane back roads of California’s Napa Valley played host to the media test drive of the all-new 2024 Kia EV9 three-row EV SUV. Furthering Kia’s reputation of building segment-above vehicle excellence, the EV9 delivers sought-after features packed into one powerhouse EV SUV — striking exterior design, rich interior appointments, generous interior volume and cargo space, towing capability, leading vehicle dynamics, and fast charging capability.

Arriving at Kia dealerships now with limited availability, the EV9 is available in Light, Light Long Range RWD, Wind, Land, and GT-Line trim levels, offered in two battery sizes and rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD configurations. The EV9 is expected to be assembled in Kia’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, GA, later in 2024.

The EV9 is the second Kia model based on the E-GMP platform, and the first to feature fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density. From launch, the EV9 will be available with a choice of two powertrain options. Standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that drives the rear wheels.

An optional 99.8-kWh battery is available in a single-motor configuration (201-hp) that achieves an EPA-estimated 304 miles of all-electric range (AER), or a dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) torque vectoring all-wheel-drive configuration with up to 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Drive modes available at launch on all trims include Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode, while AWD models add Snow Mode.

The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast charging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes. With a maximum DC charging speed of up to 235kW, the EV9 can facilitate quick charging with compatible DC chargers, while the 10.9kW onboard charger enables expedient Level 2 charging, as well.

The EV9 embodies the rugged yet sophisticated appearance befitting a flagship SUV. The boxy, triangular design language of the EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long 122.0-inch wheelbase, pushed to the corners over the modular E-GMP electric underpinnings. At 197.4 inches in length in the GT-Line (all other trims are 197.2 inches long) the EV9 is slightly longer than the Telluride SUV and comparable in height (up to 70.1 inches in the GT-Line with raised roof rails) and width (77.9 inches). Despite its boxy shape, the EV9 has a coefficient of drag of 0.28, on par with other luxury SUV EVs.

At the EV9’s forefront is the Digital Tiger Face, a reinterpretation of the signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grille characterized by standard Star Map daytime running lights that emphasize the width of the EV9. Enhancing the EV9’s front lighting is the available Digital Pattern Lighting Grille (not available on matte paint colors), a Kia first feature available on upper trim levels.

Integrated into the body-colored front grille, this hidden lighting system lends the EV9 a clean aesthetic when the vehicle is off; when the vehicle is turned on and the concealed lights illuminate, the EV9’s front grille displays captivating light formations that animate as part of the available Dynamic Welcome Light feature. A variety of other lighting options will be available for an additional cost in the Kia Connect Store as part of Digital Features and Services.

In the rear, slim Star Map taillights draw attention to the corners of the EV9’s body. Standard flush door handles with automatic deployment are elegantly integrated into the sheet metal, underscoring the EV9’s clean side profile lines.

Design is in every detail of the EV9, with each trim presenting a distinct appearance. Base trims get thin-lens horizontal projection LED headlamps, body-colored exterior side mirrors, silver touches on the beltline molding and available flush roof rails, standard 19-inch geometrically designed wheels (20-inch wheels are optional) and aero flaps on the front bumper.



Stepping up to the upper trims introduces a range of enhancements such as standard 20-inch wheels, small cube projection LED headlamps and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with the standard “Complete” lighting pattern. Black high gloss exterior trim on the front bumper, fenders, and side moldings add a touch of refinement.

The GT-Line elevates its appearance with a number of upgrades. Raised roof rails and exterior side mirrors are finished in gloss black, while body-colored pockets on the front fascia incorporate a sense of ruggedness. Front and rear bumpers are adorned in black with gunmetal trim, complemented by dark-colored beltline molding. The Digital Pattern Lighting Grille illuminates in a “Focused” lighting pattern unique to the GT-Line, while 21-inch exclusive dark colored alloy wheels complete the look.


At the core of the driver cockpit is an elliptical-shaped dash, artfully designed to have a floating effect. A wide combined panoramic display sits on top, enhancing digital usability with standard dual 12.3-inch screens and a 5.0-inch HVAC screen neatly integrated into one single panel for a modern and simple aesthetic.

Underneath the screen are centrally mounted, hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features that appear when the EV9 is turned on. While this is a futuristic touch to the interior, physical switches for functions like volume, temperature control and fan speed add practicality and familiarity.

Depending on trim level, the driving experience can be elevated with an array of available features, including a 12-inch full-color head-up display that projects driving information directly onto the windshield within the driver’s line of sight. An available Full Display Mirror replaces the conventional rear-view mirror with a camera view with a flick of the of the lower tab, while an available 14-speaker, 708-watt Meridian Premium Audio system adds impressive levels of tonal clarity.