AUTO

2024 Kia EV9 Unveiled

April 10, 2023

The 2024 Kia EV9 will be Kia’s first three-row EV SUV.
Beyond exterior styling, the interior will focus on a luxe feel with a new interior design approach.
Buyers will have two powertrain options on the new Kia EV9, in RWD and AWD.

Yes, it’s really real – the 2024 Kia EV9 is finally coming to the U.S. Unveiled at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, we got to see Kia’s first all-electric, three-row SUV. Overall, Kia is pushing this new vehicle to be a flagship of its global Plan S strategy.

With this launch of the Kia EV9, the brand says it is “incorporating our experience in producing brilliantly designed, best-in-class SUVs with our deep expertise in developing the industry’s leading EVs,” according to Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market with a serious commitment to electrification.”

Kia EV9 Exterior Design

The Kia EV9 is a sleek thing that wants to pay homage to Kia’s new logo style. At 197.4 inches long, the SUV is just slightly longer than the Kia Telluride. Meanwhile, its cargo space ranges from 20.2 to 81.9 cubic feet, depending on the configuration of the rear seats.

Kia’s chief designer, Tom Kearns, calls the EV9’s exterior styling a “master class in simplicity of form and expression.” The boxy, triangular design emphasizes the car’s short overhangs and long wheelbase. Also, the front grille features a “Tiger Face” design, which is an update of the standard Kia “Tiger Nose.”

On the other hand, for drivers who want to add a little more style to their ride, the 2024 EV9 GT-Line trim adds exclusive styling, raised roof rails, and larger alloy wheels and tires. With its futuristic yet timeless design, the EV9 wants to make a statement on the road.

Kia EV9 Interior Design

Kia’s “Opposites United” ethos is on full display in the interior design of the EV9. The interior design approach introduces the “Ten Must-Have Items,” a new brand archetype for Color, Material and Finish (CMF) that will also be part of future Kia models. The EV9 uses non-leather polyurethane seating surfaces, BTX-free interior trim, and partially recycled materials for select fabrics and carpets. So, the interior offers a lot of appealing textures without using animal products.

We knew earlier last year that the coming EV9 would have three rows. Now we know that it will be available in a variety of six- and seven-seat configurations, but the first and second row definitely get the “executive-class” treatment. These two rows get a “Relaxation Mode” that offers power-operated leg rests. Even the second row gets eight-way power-adjusted seating with heating and cooling. However, fans who were excited about the possibility of swiveling seats in the second row are sadly doing to be disappointed: No swivel chairs here, but they are still captain’s chairs.

The vehicle’s V2L outlet in the cargo area is perfect for tailgating, and standard tri-zone HVAC ensures true temperature control in the front all the way to the back. Plus, it has high-power USB C outlets throughout the cabin so everyone can recharge their devices easily.

Kia EV9 Power

The EV9 features fourth-generation battery technology that targets greater energy density. It comes with two powertrain options to choose from: a standard 76.1 kWh battery with a 160 kW motor with RWD, or an optional 99.8 kWh battery. The 99.8 kWh battery can come in either a single-motor configuration that can reach 300 miles of range. Or there’s a dual-motor, 283 kW torque vectoring AWD configuration with 516 lb. ft. of torque. The EV9 will also come with four drive modes at launch, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and My Mode.

Meanwhile, charging the EV9 should be a breeze with its maximum DC charging speed of up to 230 kW and 11 kW onboard charger for quick and expedient Level 2 charging.

Availability

The 2024 Kia EV9 is projected to make its U.S. debut in Q4 2023. We don’t know the Kia EV9’s price yet, but we do know that it will be assembled in West Point, Georgia, starting in 2024 – meaning it should be able to qualify for tax credits under the recent Inflation Reduction Act.