TESTED: 2024 Kia EV9 | More Than an Electric Telluride | Range Test, Performance, Interior & More! 

Does the Kia EV9 have the performance and range stats to justify its price? Let us know what you think in the comments!

I feel beyond lucky to have randomly showed up at my local Kia dealership the day after the EV9s were delivered last month. I signed that day. I have put over 3k miles on my GT and it is easily the single most enjoyable purchase of my life.

i can’t believe you complained about the 3rd row not being power folding. it’s so much easier to pull the strap and lower it. plus nothing to break and it’s lighter.

I don’t understand why price is an issue when 1/2 trucks in US is $80-90K? McD Big Mac meal deal is $10.00!! Average minivan is $45K EV isn’t for all but those who are convinced, most of them are not going back to ICE. This is a great vehicle and for what you get at any price is better than anything out there. Especially better than any Teslas!! Test drive it and talk.

Just got the call from my dealer today that I can pick it up on Monday next week - GT Line Launch Edition in Ocean Blue Metallic 🎉

Ordered the GT-Line AWD and received it 6 days ago. OMG I love it!! Mine is fully loaded and has power seat drop. So comfortable and so smooth! And like you commented, feels expensive. Compared to other luxury 3 rows though, it is much less expensive. It also has more 3rd row leg room than any other 3 row EV. I travel with adults that need to sit in the 3rd row and this has more room than my Highlander Hybrid. I’ll follow up after my first full month 😊

Seeing six adults in this thing got me to make a reservation for one

great looks, very powerful GT line, loads of room, Kia just nailed it. Compared to model X and Volvo SC90, it is 20 thousand dollars cheaper. Right Now this is the only real electric SUV available. Well done Kia. Already ordered one.

Just test drove GT & Wind yesterday. Absolutely blown away. Road feel, suspension, & dampening is just spot on. Ride is excellent. Interior is just so nice. Second row leg row is just massive. Best 3row EV suv on the market. And one of the best 3row SUVs period (ICE, EV, Hybrid, etc). I would have purchased the EV9 already if not for one thing - charging. As this will be my long hauler, on road charging has to be convenient. I have a Tesla MYLR. Long road trips are doable but slightly inconvenient/pain utilizing the Tesla Supercharger network. And the Tesla Supercharger network is AMAZING! I just can’t imagine getting an EV that can’t be a part of the Tesla Supercharger network. Chargepoint, EV Go, etc is just unreliable and not confidence inducing. I understand Kia is “in talks” w Tesla to be a part of their network. But until that’s official, it’s hard to pull the trigger on an EV9. An EV9 with a NACS charging port and access to Tesla Supercharger network will be the game changer. Many people will buy it then. (An onboard spare tire would be nice too! And 2nd row bench option on GT and other upper level trims as well! Please Kia!!!) Was about to get a Rivian R1S before driving EV9. EV9 is just so much superior is so many ways. Though R1S would crush it off-roading. I’ve driven and owned a lot of cars. It’s not too often that a new car exceeds my hopes and expectation. But man, did the EV9 impress! Can’t wait to get one.

I ordered a Land trim. The thing that made me go for the EV9 was the interior space. I'm 6'7" and any other vehicle I was interested in there was not much room, if any for someone to sit behind me, that includes the Tesla model X, Audi etron (current vehicle), Audi Q7, BMW iX, and literally any four door sedan. The EV9 though, even with the driver seat in my typical driving position (all the way back and slightly reclined back) I even had room to sit behind the driver's seat, that alone impressed me because that has literally never happened. The price doesn't really bother me because I already drive an expensive EV, I'd actually be saving money with the EV9 and able to have a ton of room for my infant's accessories that are needed when we travel. I went with the Land because I don't want the 21 inch wheels and the higher estimated range of the Land compared to the GT Line was better for me for when we travel.

Ummm why would price be the problem here? Classic: ”Because it’s a Kia?” It’s tens of thousands less expensive than its main rivals and the availability beats the EX90 by over a year in waiting time. I actually dont see why the Kia actually has to be cheaper than the volvo when you look at in in terms of factual features, charging perfofmance, room, design and ownership costs.

No power folding seats is a pro imo. One less system to break.

We reserved the EV-9 GT line. I have been watching for it since about January 2023 when I first heard about it. I have a family of 6, with all of us being over 5'9" (except the baby of the family, but he's still growing and is currently over 5'5"). We got to sit in it and play with controls, just not test drive it. However, the concern was the cargo space and leg room for kids clearing 6' in the third row! We believe it will pass, but the dealership has agreed to put on a tow package to ensure extra space on the tail if we need it. We are also excited to tow a pop-up camper with this vehicle!!! We were expecting to have to wait until March-May, but have just been told we will be receiving one of the first ones in mid-January!!! We are so excited and grateful for this opportunity! Now we just upgrade the house for an EV!!!

Seems like a well designed large EV. Price is what it is in today’s era though would be cool to see a review of the base model to see how it differs in terms of feel, features and such.

Reserved the GT line, top of the trim. We took the test drive a couple of times, and loved it. The sheer amount of space when the 3rd row is folded, it's amazing for a roadtrip. Here in Belgium, we get electric controlled 6 seats option. Interested to see a video about the range test! Can you please share more details? Also the charging curve.

I've ordered one. Want to drive it myself to confirm what the reviewers say but it looks very good. Regarding price, yes it's expensive, BUT we'll use the bidirectional charging for power backup and to save on time of use electric rates. This thing has the equivalent of SIX Tesla Powerwalls battery storage and those things are $12K each. So, when I consider that I'm getting $72K worth of battery backup for my house, this thing is pretty cheap.

Very good review. It included what I consider essential, how it drives with passengers and items in the trunk.

Yes, would buy it! On the waitlist already at my local dealer. Still costs a whole lot less than the next available 7-seater EV options: Volvo EX90 and Tesla Model X.

Thanks for the review. I like it. But I also want to see EV9 GT variant :)

We ordered one! I've been waiting for an all-electric family vehicle with captain chairs in the 2nd row. We opted for GT to get the highest horse power and battery life with all the bells and whistles.

Waiting to see what the Ioniq7 will bring to the table

🔥 I’ve been in love with this truck since it was announced. I’m finally picking up my EV9 GT Line in the Ice Green color tomorrow and tonight I can’t sleep I’m so excited…😂

Hyundai and Kia e-gmp based EVs are underrated. Their EV technologies are the best. Yes, better than Tesla.

I don't get why people testing the third row don't move the second row forward. There is plenty of space in the second row and any real situation would move it to give folks on the back more space.

The part where the mock family was the best part. Every episode should have every seat filled in the car being reviewed. It gives you a good idea from multiple opinions on different vantage points.

Hey Clint. It was nice to meet you!

Edmunds has put together a group of nice people, and they all do a good no BS presentation.

I reserved one, and I'll decide what to do when I can actually drive it. I have seen it in person, and it looks pretty good. Also definitely spacious. A question on the Edmunds range test: Was this a simulated highway test, or a simulated city/highway combo? If that's 306 miles highway, it's an amazing result and might be enough to make me forget about range/charging anxiety. Thanks for the review!

It’s already top of the class. Kia nails it again Here come the anti Hyundai Kia comments 😂

Mine arrives January. With power folding third row! We don’t have the Telluride in the UK. For us it’s up against diesel SUVs that are at the luxury end of the market and spec for spec it’s between £20K and £50K cheaper.

65 k for 3 rows is not bad.

I would've bought one of these if it was around 20% less expensive in Australia. We don't get the Telluride here either, so I've ordered a new Sorento. I know it's a bit small, but in 3-4 years there will hopefully be other 3 row EV's within the budget to upgrade to. 🤞

Already ordered one.

What about cheaper fuel and maintenance? Does it still end up being 20k more expensive? Total cost of ownership should be comparable to ice vehicle.

If Kia made a pickup version of the EV9, it'll be so much better than the Cybertruck, especially in looks department. Of course, Kia knows that the Cybertruck won't sell well so they know there's no point.

Its around or a bit over 90k€ in Finland. Me as a 29 year old dog owner would get this in a heartbeat if I were to switch away from Model Y and I had the extra money. What a car.

any top end estimates?

Was the range test performed with or without it full loaded with passages and luggage? Assuming it was not, what was the range with a full loaded car with AC on?

Love the Porsche experience center with a Porsche. Glad to see other cars using it for test

4:29 can't you put the 2nd big bag on top of the first one and put the cabin bag to one of the passengers? I need to watch the telly video.

It's also very expensive in Canada. Startijg in the high $60k. I think it's one of the best 3-row E-SUVs, but the orice is hard to swallow.

I"m call back #1 for my local dealer. Can't wait to have it sitting in my driveway next to my Telluride.

my dealer called me yesterday mine is in transit right now will be here mid January UK. EV9 GTS

"Absolutely impressed by the in-depth review of the 2024 Kia EV9! 🌟 The range test provided valuable insights into the electric capabilities of this SUV, and it's clear that Kia has taken electric vehicles to a whole new level with the EV9. The comparison to the Electric Telluride is a great touch, showcasing the evolution in Kia's electric offerings. Kudos to the team for the thorough examination, and it's exciting to see how electric vehicles are becoming more practical and efficient. Looking forward to more comprehensive reviews like this in the future! 🔋⚡"

I have a G80 EV which is rated for 284 miles, my record so far is 324 mi and even on cold days I might get 260? It's pretty awesome.

Clint is just the cutest thing!

Is one pedal a permanent setting or do you have to turn it back on every time you start it up?

Very nice review. $9,000 more for the top of the line minus some horse power. You never mention gas and maintenance savings. 5 years into owning two different EVs and I can tell you it’s a lot of savings. Currently driving the Kia EV6. Also EVs are a much better ride in every aspect. Be real about the numbers if you are talking price.

I'm one of those who's waiting for better range. Also concerned about charging stations in an area of small towns. Maybe in a couple of years both concerns will be behind us? I have a 2022 Telly and I really like it.

The EV9 ‘s 3rd row looks smaller than the telluride which can fit 3 people comfortably. Is it the same dimensions?

Ordered the top GT-line in BC Canada, considering the fuel saving it's not really costy

I was planning to buy her younger sister EV6 but I canceled when I found out that it was priced at $68,000!! (According to the local agent in my country)

just got ev9 really hard going from park to drive

@4:33 why not put the larger RED one on top of the other RED one, then you only have to deal with a smaller blue one in the car. Can instantly tell you don't actually pack your shopping at the supermarket or your own car's normally. Also "no powered rear row" .... 10x faster manually.

The base version is going to be just fine in terms of acceleration, especially for i's size.

I am waiting for mine. I am based in Ontario. They told me 3-5 months wait. :(

4:12 dude power folding sucks. When it's freaking cold out, you don't want a seat to fold down at grandma pace.

❤ watching your video. In this part of the world 🌎 we have no Kia vehicles. You didn't give dimensions and ground clearance. I would love to see the Japanese known car size comparison. Thanks 😊

Great review! I gotta trade in my Ioniq 5!😅

I think the important question is, when will the prices of EV's start coming in line with their ICE counterparts. My understanding is battery prices are going to be dropping precipitously in the next 6 months (by about 40 percent). If the car makers put strategic goals over short-term price gouging, we could finally see the market move toward EV's. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes!

Price aside it looks interesting. I think it is to bad that Kia compromised rearward visibility with those cut windows :(

On pricing, forgot to mention that they’ll very likely start qualifying for the $7500 tax credit sometime next year once production starts in the US

You think the price in US is high. In Ireland the 98kwh AWD is approx €88k so about $97k 🫣

Wireless CarPlay?

Reserved a fully loaded GT-line. As a young family of four that is interested in EV technology, there honestly is no other option that checked all of the boxes. I’m not interested in paying more for off-roading prowess that I’ll never need so that rules out the Rivian. The Model X is not large enough. Lucid just announced their Gravity SUV but initial reports were that the third row is nothing to write home about. Same goes for the Volvo EX90. The only non-EV contender in my mind was the new Grand Highlander which is a compelling option but I’m just not impressed with Toyota interiors not to mention every recent Toyota door I’ve shut has sounded like a tin can - and for “only” a 20k difference for EV power/convenience and the nicer looks and amenities, the EV9 seems like the clear winner. And aside from the fact that it fits the bill for my family’s needs, they really seemed to try and go above and beyond in all that it’s doing here. Since the EV9 was first announced a couple years ago I’ve watched for updates every few days and while every other company had the chance to put forth their competitors, no one has yet to do it in this class. Overall the choice was easy and I can’t wait to get mine.

Considering gas in my area is $2.29/gal, that would buy a LOT of gas for the price premium to get an EV the size of my Jeep Grand Cherokee L with a V8.

Amazing suv for family!

The challenge still remains if you have more than four people you have to take somewhere especially the airport. I don’t think this is gonna cut it. It’s too bad they couldn’t figure out how to get the well in the back deeper and create a larger space in the front area as a front trunk, that could actually take some serious cargo. I’m hoping that the first all electric minivan will really create some more storage in that front area as I can say with a family of six it’s hard to get all the luggage in full-size minivan. Or if you go with the buzz route and get rid of the front area put more cargo room in the back

How well protected is the battery? What does battery replacement cost? In the Ioniq5 the battery is not well protected, and costs more then the car, new.

At least you tested with a full load of passengers, but no cold weather test or with a cargo box on the top. a common way to travel with multiple passengers.

Selling points: less moving parts, good build quality, loads of features, and smooth ride. If it’s anything like my EV6, it’s gonna be a good vehicle. I will wait for the EV9 to be built in the United States and take advantage of the tax credits. The price will come down once the early buyers take possession of their vehicles.

Why would Edmunds promote the speedy 0-60 mph acceleration and why manufacturers keep putting so much power in the hands of drivers who have no business having so much power instead of focusing on range and efficiency at a much better pricing?

NACS or CCS?

You forgot to mention the added benefit of the availability of Tesla’s supercharging network.. arriving soon I suppose..

Under 5 seconds 0-60 is just about unheard of for an SUV, about the same as our Ioniq 5 that's much lighter.

For anyone that cares. I was just at a Kia Dealership and we went from an EV9 GT Line to a Telluride SX prestige and I can say the tech was similar, but the EV9 is MUCH better overall quality. Too much hard materials in the Telluride, where the EV9 was silky all over. My wife hates 'soft touch' plastic or whatever it is and it is everywhere on the Telluride. EV9 is not an electric Telluride, it is a better car period.

How is the Kia's infrastructure for recharging? Is it easy to find charging locations and how long does it take to get an acceptable percentage/ range?

$79k? Ugh. Cybertruck AWD is $79k - $7500 tax credit (yes, have a relatively low reservation number) or Model Y Performance for $52,490 -$7500 tax credit. Unless you really need the 6th seat… I dunno if it makes much sense at that price point. Even if you’re not a Cybertruck fan, there is still the Rivian R1-T Dual Motor with large battery pack that falls around $81k. As nice as the EV9 might be… that price makes it MUCH less compelling.

Wish the rear doors open slide like a van or wing up,easier to load kids and people.

No oil changes, no expensive gas it's worth it

Can you comment on IRA tax credit and shift to Georgia plant? That would satisfy half the criteria bit notnaure avout minerals and components of battery?

You can't simply compare the cost of ownership to a Telluride. You have to look at the total cost of ownership over a period of time.

I am waiting for the Tesla V4 superchargers to be able to reach 1000V charging voltage and for Kia to start having NACS sockets and access to tesla supercharging network. Their EVs are wonderful, but the charging network sucks for anything more than 300-400 miles.

I remember paying $1,200 for a microwave in the 90's. Let's hope competition will drive down the crazy high prices of EVs!

I think that the price difference from the telluride doesn't justify it. Yes it's quicker and looks nicer in and out, but for $20k you can fill up the telluride with gas for 6-7 years if you drive 16k miles a year.

I love to get it but it's too expensive specially in Canada

I’d like to know what’s added for the optional tow package: extra cooling, extra torque, both? Heat pump is a bare necessity.

the real cyber truck 😊😊

IN THE UK WE HAVE POWER FOLDING 3 rd Row

The relevant price comparison here isn’t the telluride. Rather, it’s the Volvo EV90, the Tesla model x, and the Rivian R1S. When compared to actual EV competitors, the Kia, even at the high trims, is a bargain. The telluride has nothing to do with that calculus because it’s not an EV.

Looked like all those bags would have fit if you ask me.

2 things they never discuss: 1. Repair Costs - 10x ICE vehicles 2. Insurance Costs - 3-5x ICE vehicles and there is s a growing threat of intelligent theft overriding security systems...options for disabling vehicles when parked?

개인적으로 현대 em플랫폼을 기대하고 있습니다

Being located in Europe, I must say that you guys don't even know how good you have it in terms of vehicle prices. Where I live, the EV9 starts at 70k€ (76k$) and goes up to 92k€ (100k$). And my country is considered a "cheap car country" in Europe. But we get power folding 3rd row seats.... 😁

how fast the range will deplete on full load? Dont really care about 0-60 speed of EVs

How much is a replacement battery if you drive over something in the road? Ioniq 5: $60,000!

I mean for 65k “CONSIDERING THAT DESLERS WILL NOT SCREAW YOU WHIT MARKET ADJUSTMENTS “ Could be good if they raise 5k over I would consider always a Tesla Model X even whit the flaws and everything. We always should put on the table the infrastructure of EVs and sadly still years behind the Tesla infrastructure; but, yes this SUV looks amazing it’s different from everything and looking this I would go like you said whit a fully loaded Telluride that already for me is one of the best if not the best SUV on the Market right now…I drove that thing and it’s OMG

I have a 2022 Telluride SX Prestige, it was paid for the day I left the dealer. The EV9 is too expensive, and not suitable in colder climates were I live in Northern IL.

Since we are getting $12000 government incentive to buy EV vehicle in Canada, I think this is a good buy. The Telluride is one of the best SUV 3rd row so either you buy the EV9 or Telluride you are making a good choice.

Looks good, not something I'd own but it looks good. It has to many doors, seats and ride to high for my taste!