The Kia EV9 Review

The Kia EV9 Review

The EV9 is Kia's flagship electric vehicle and its first to offer over-the-air updates.kia ev9 As such, you'll be able to purchase and download new features, including things like additional lighting patterns, post-release. The EV9 also offers 15 exterior sensors, including two lidar arrays in front, to help the driver avoid obstacles while driving.

Despite its size, the EV9 offers roomy seating for six or seven passengers in its two configurations.kia ev9 Its cabin looks modern and well-appointed, with clever touches like a dual-level center console that reveals more storage space underneath. Kia also included hidden haptic switches on the dash to control functions like HVAC. A second-row swiveling seat allows first and second-row occupants to recline together while the SUV is charging or at rest.

You'll have a choice of powertrains, starting with the RWD Long Range.kia ev9 Its 76.1-kWh battery powers a single motor that's good for 201 hp and should allow for up to 300 miles of driving range. For greater performance, you can upgrade to the EV9's dual-motor, torque vectoring AWD model that makes 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That should propel it to 60 mph in about five seconds and give the EV9 an estimated driving range of 243 miles.

We had the chance to drive the EV9 GT-Line for a few hours, and it was impressive.kia ev9 Its acceleration is swift, and it can zip up steep grades without lugging the car down, thanks to the electric motors' ability to deliver near-instantaneous torque. Even when cruising, the GT-Line feels energetic and eager to go, with responsive steering and plenty of grip.

When we took the EV9 on a moderate off-road course, we found it to be surprisingly capable in the dirt.kia ev9 Its lack of ground clearance (a modest 7.8 inches) limits what it can do off-road, but the short front and rear overhangs provide decent approach and departure angles. We'd have liked to see more of a commitment to off-road capability, however.

A reversible cargo floor provides ample storage, and you can fold the rear seats to create a cavernous 81.kia ev9 9 cubic feet of room behind the third row. All models come standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Ten airbags are scattered throughout the interior.

Kia's warranty coverage is one of the best in the industry, covering new vehicles for five years or 60,000 miles and powertrains for 10 years or 100,000 miles. You'll also be able to charge the vehicle at home using Kia's Home Connect Power Grid, which lets you return energy back to the electricity grid during off-peak hours to help lower your electricity costs. The EV9's integration with this technology is so complete that you can use your smartphone to activate the SUV's rear-view camera when it's parked in your garage. This will be a particularly useful feature if you plan on using your EV9 as a second car for weekend excursions.