The 2025 Kia EV9 is one of the first three-row electric SUVs to target the heart of the family market, not just early adopters. Positioned as a full-size, battery-electric alternative to traditional gas-powered crossovers, it aims to deliver real-world range, legitimate towing, and genuine comfort for six or seven occupants. This review goes beyond the brochure to evaluate how well the EV9 actually fits into daily life, long-distance travel, and enthusiast expectations.
Design, Packaging, and Real-World Usability
The EV9 is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP dedicated EV platform, which allows for a flat battery floor and long wheelbase. That pays off in cabin packaging: the EV9’s footprint is similar to a Telluride, but its interior volume feels closer to some larger body-on-frame SUVs. The squared-off exterior and 122.0-inch wheelbase free up generous legroom in the second row and a genuinely usable third row for adults on shorter trips.
Kia leans into a bold, almost concept-car-like aesthetic, with sharp creases, a vertical nose, and pixel-style lighting. Beyond style, this design language helps aerodynamic management; an optimized underbody and active aero elements contribute to an estimated drag coefficient around 0.28–0.30, respectable for a full-size SUV. The tall, upright glasshouse improves visibility, while short front and rear overhangs aid maneuverability in tight urban environments.
Practicality is one of the EV9’s strongest traits. Depending on configuration, you can spec a seven-seat bench or captain’s chairs in the second row, some of which swivel in certain markets (availability may vary by region). With the third row up, you get a usable cargo area for groceries or carry-on luggage; with it folded, the load floor is broad and near-flat, making it suitable for bulky items like strollers, sports equipment, or camping gear. Tie-down points and underfloor storage help manage charging cables and smaller accessories.
Door openings are wide, and the step-in height is lower than most truck-based SUVs due to the unibody EV platform. That makes ingress and egress easier for kids and older passengers. Generous door pockets, multiple USB-C ports, and available wireless phone charging pads underscore the EV9’s focus on family use. The combination of design and packaging positions the EV9 as a genuinely practical alternative to conventional three-row SUVs.
Powertrains, Performance, and Driving Dynamics
The EV9 is offered with multiple powertrain configurations, ranging from rear-wheel drive (RWD) single-motor setups to dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) variants. The RWD models prioritize efficiency and range, with power outputs around the mid-200 hp range, while AWD variants push into the 370+ hp neighborhood, with significantly higher torque figures. That translates into 0–60 mph times that can move from the low- to mid-6-second bracket in the more powerful trims, which is brisk for a three-row family SUV.
The EV9 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, similar to what you find in premium EVs from Porsche and Audi. This allows for lower current at a given power level, reducing heat and permitting faster DC fast-charging rates. Kia quotes peak charging speeds in the 230 kW region when conditions are ideal and the battery is preconditioned, enabling a 10–80% charge in roughly 24 minutes on a sufficiently powerful charger. For long-range drivers, this architecture is a key differentiator versus many competitors still relying on 400-volt systems.
On the road, the EV9’s low-mounted battery pack helps lower the center of gravity, reducing body roll compared with similarly sized gas SUVs. Steering is light but accurate, tuned more for comfort and stability than outright sportiness. The suspension, often a multi-link rear setup tuned for the extra mass of the battery, is compliant but controlled; large impacts are generally well-damped, though the vehicle’s substantial curb weight is still evident over broken pavement and during quick transitions.
Regenerative braking is adjustable through steering-wheel paddles, allowing drivers to choose between coasting and near one-pedal driving. Enthusiasts may appreciate the ability to tailor regen levels to driving style, although the blend between regen and friction braking can feel different from a traditional hydraulic system. Overall, the EV9 positions itself as a comfortable, confidence-inspiring cruiser rather than a performance SUV, but its instantaneous torque and low center of gravity still offer a pleasingly responsive driving experience.
Range, Charging Strategy, and Towing Capability
Battery capacities vary by model, with long-range versions offering pack sizes around the high-80 kWh usable range (exact figures vary by market and certification cycle). Depending on drivetrain and wheel size, official EPA-equivalent range estimates (or regional WLTP figures) place the EV9 in the competitive 250–300+ mile bracket. As always, range will be sensitive to speed, temperature, payload, and tire selection; larger wheels and winter conditions can materially reduce real-world figures.
One of the EV9’s most compelling features is its charging curve. Thanks to the 800-volt system, the EV9 can maintain higher charging power over a broader state-of-charge window on compatible DC fast chargers. For owners planning road trips, this means shorter, more predictable stops when using 150 kW or 350 kW DC chargers. Kia also supports battery preconditioning, where the vehicle warms the pack to its optimal temperature if a DC fast charger is set as a navigation destination, improving peak charge rates in colder climates.
The EV9 adds further versatility with vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, which allow it to power external devices such as tools, camping equipment, or even household appliances via built-in power outlets or an external adapter. For outdoor enthusiasts and families, this can transform the vehicle into a mobile power bank, particularly useful during camping trips or power outages.
Towing is often a weak point for EVs, but Kia has engineered the EV9 with rated towing capacities that place it in line with many midsize to full-size crossovers. Select trims can tow up to approximately 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, sufficient for small boats, utility trailers, or compact campers. However, towing has a significant impact on range; depending on trailer shape and weight, drivers should expect considerable reductions, possibly in the 40–50% range on highway trips. Thoughtful trip planning with charging stops becomes essential for those who plan to tow regularly.
Interior Technology, Infotainment, and Driver Assistance
Inside, the EV9 makes a strong first impression with a wide digital display spanning much of the dash, often integrating a digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen under one glass panel. Resolution is high and graphics are crisp, with a user interface that borrows design cues from other modern Kia and Hyundai EVs. Over-the-air (OTA) updates allow Kia to refine software and add features post-purchase, a capability that’s quickly becoming a baseline expectation in this segment.
Physical controls have been reduced compared with earlier Kia models, but the EV9 still retains essential hard keys for frequently used functions such as climate adjustments and volume. A row of haptic or mechanical buttons provides shortcuts to key menus, minimizing deep menu diving for everyday tasks. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected in many markets, though exact feature sets can vary by region and trim. Multiple USB-C ports across all three rows, available wireless phone charging, and optional premium audio further enhance the tech-forward cabin.
Kia’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), often branded under names like Highway Driving Assist, combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering functionality to deliver a semi-automated driving experience on select roads. The system can manage speed, following distance, and steering input in clearly marked lanes, though driver supervision and hands on or near the wheel remain mandatory. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional surround-view cameras make the EV9 easier to maneuver and park despite its size.
Higher trims may offer advanced highway assist features that can execute lane changes or provide more nuanced lane-centering behavior, leveraging high-definition maps and enhanced sensor suites. Software-driven features—such as additional driver aids or convenience functions—may be unlockable or upgradable via OTA, suggesting that the EV9’s capabilities can evolve over time. For buyers, this raises both opportunities (continued improvement) and considerations (potential subscription models for certain features).
Ownership Experience, Cost Factors, and Market Positioning
From an ownership standpoint, the EV9 occupies a strategic space: a mass-market brand offering a near-flagship EV product. Pricing, depending on trim and market, places it among upper-midsize and full-size SUVs, but undercuts many premium-badge electric three-row competitors. This positions the EV9 as a value play for buyers who prioritize technology and space over a luxury emblem, while still desiring a high level of equipment and finish.
Total cost of ownership is where the EV9 can look especially compelling. Electricity is generally cheaper per mile than gasoline, and EVs typically have lower routine maintenance requirements due to the absence of oil changes, fewer moving parts in the drivetrain, and reduced wear on friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. However, buyers should factor in the cost and installation of a Level 2 home charger, which is effectively mandatory to fully realize EV ownership convenience. Public charging costs can vary widely between networks and regions, especially on high-speed DC chargers.
Incentives and tax credits, where available, can materially improve the EV9’s value proposition. Eligibility for federal or state-level EV incentives may depend on local manufacturing content, price caps, and income thresholds, so buyers should review current regulations at the time of purchase. Additionally, some utilities offer rebates for home charger installation or time-of-use rates that reward off-peak charging, reducing energy costs further.
Kia backs the EV9 with a competitive warranty package, often including long battery coverage (for example, 8 years/100,000 miles in many markets) and roadside assistance programs. The real-world durability of the battery and power electronics will be a key metric over time, but Kia and Hyundai’s recent EV platforms have generally shown promising reliability data. Combined with expanding dealer familiarity with EV service, the EV9 is designed to be approachable for buyers transitioning from traditional SUVs, not just tech-focused early adopters.
Conclusion
The 2025 Kia EV9 marks a turning point for three-row electric SUVs, combining serious family practicality, modern EV performance, and advanced technology in a package that’s accessible to a broader audience than many premium rivals. Its strong interior packaging, 800-volt charging architecture, and usable towing capability address many of the traditional pain points associated with EV ownership, while its robust ADAS suite and over-the-air updates position it well for a software-defined future.
For car enthusiasts and informed buyers, the EV9 is less about headline-grabbing acceleration and more about engineering balance: range versus weight, comfort versus control, and high-voltage tech versus real-world usability. Those needing a spacious family vehicle with a lower environmental footprint and long-term operating cost advantages will find the EV9 a compelling candidate to cross-shop against both electric and conventional three-row SUVs. As charging infrastructure and policy support continue to develop, the EV9 stands out as one of the most complete, forward-looking options in its class.
Sources
- [Kia Global – EV9 Product Page](https://worldwide.kia.com/int/vehicles/ev9/features) - Official technical specifications, feature descriptions, and platform information from Kia
- [U.S. EPA – Electric Vehicle Basics](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml) - Explains EV range, charging, efficiency, and factors that affect real-world performance
- [U.S. Department of Energy – Alternative Fuels Data Center](https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html) - Details on public charging infrastructure, charging levels, and fast-charging considerations
- [IIHS – Electric Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness](https://www.iihs.org/topics/electric-vehicles) - Research and insights on EV safety performance and crash testing protocols
- [Kelley Blue Book – 2025 Kia EV9 Overview](https://www.kbb.com/kia/ev9/) - Market positioning, pricing context, and early impressions relevant to shoppers comparing three-row SUVs
Key Takeaway
The most important thing to remember from this article is that this information can change how you think about Reviews.
