Kia EV9 review – the seven-seater EV to beat?

Verdict - Is the Kia EV9 a good car?

The Kia EV9 successfully moves the brand into direct competition with some of the world’s most respected manufacturers, such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo. It’s a truly impressive large electric SUV, with up to seven seats, a range of over 300 miles and very fast charging. It's expensive to insure, though, other cars offer a more premium feel at this price point, and it's not the most efficient EV in real-world conditions. However, it should prove to be a great family car and, for now, it’s the seven-seat EV to beat.  

Kia EV9 models, specs and alternatives

Kia’s rise in popularity and status in the UK has been impressive, and the brand topped 100,000 sales to British owners for the first time in 2022. This year it’s hit another milestone, albeit one that’s harder to put a pin in. With its all-new EV9 SUV, Kia has a new flagship that starts from just under £65,000 – ramming home the fact Kia is no longer just a manufacturer of budget, reliable cars.

This full-size electric EV9 isn’t far off the length of the electric Range Rover arriving in 2024, and its rivals are also set to include the Volvo EX90 (which starts from over £90k) and models such as the Tesla Model X, Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes EQC. 

The Kia EV9 has already made quite an impression, with our sister title DrivingElectric awarding it overall Car of the Year for 2024, as well as Best Premium Electric Car. That was thanks to its “huge space and practicality, premium feel and competitive range”, said the judges.

The Kia EV9 is available from launch in three trim levels: ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’. Entry-level Air models are only available with the single-motor rear-wheel drive powertrain. GT-Line S models can be had in the standard seven-seater, or an optional six-seater configuration. We’ve tested the latter, which swaps out the middle row for two larger, more comfortable captain’s chairs, but commands a £1,000 premium. If your priority is to enable rear seat passengers to travel in utmost comfort, then you might think it worth the extra outlay. If you’d rather the added practicality of the extra seat, the mid-row bench will be spacious enough – Kia expects this seven-seat model to make up the majority of sales in the UK.

Equipment is generous, with all models getting three screens: a 12.3-inch digital dash display, 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wireless phone charging, plus niceties such as heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard.

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Ambient lighting helps create a premium atmosphere, while the exterior is set off by alloy wheels from 19 inches in diameter. Amongst other things, GT-line will bring bigger wheels, replace the traditional door mirrors with cameras and upgrade the headlights to LED units. GT-line versions will also get a different bodykit and darkened exterior trim.

The EV9 is based on a stretched version of the E-GMP platform found in models such as the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. While a 76.1kWh battery will be offered in some markets, UK models get the larger 99.8kWh battery as standard. This can be had with a single 201bhp in a Long Range version, which can top 336 miles if travelling long distances is your priority over speed. Alternatively, there’s the AWD (all-wheel drive) version we’ve had a chance to test out, with 380bhp from its two electric motors. Even more torque can be ‘downloaded’ via an over-the-air update called Boost, cutting its 0-62mph time to just 5.3 seconds.

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What struck us most about the Kia EV9 was just how quiet it was on the move – while electric vehicles are always quieter than their combustion-engined counterparts, the EV9 was particularly so, with not even the faintest hint of whine from the motors or noise from the tyres. It certainly is a departure from the clattering of a big diesel engine – a mainstay of large SUVs of old.

Kia EV9 alternatives

There aren’t a huge number of seven-seat EVs on the market yet, and the majority of those hail from luxury manufacturers. While the EV9 may seem very expensive, it undercuts most of these premium electric SUVs, giving the Kia a fairly unique market position until more manufacturers get in on the act. 

Electric SUVs

• Volvo EX90
• BMW iX
• Audi Q8 e-tron
• Mercedes EQC
• Tesla Model X

While it’s astronomically priced compared with the Kia models we’re used to, the EV9 undercuts most seven-seat luxury electric SUVs launched so far. Kia and Hyundai are at the cutting edge of EV technology, and the E-GMP platform the EV9 is based on offers an impressive driving range and charging speeds.

The large electric SUV’s size also means there’s plenty of space under the floor for a big battery – all UK models get the 100kWh sized unit, enabling the model with the rear-mounted motor to travel up to 336 miles between charges. The dual-motor GT-Line models get an official 314-mile range, although our test car failed to meet the quoted efficiency figures, averaging about 3.0mi/kWh – we’d expect most drivers to be able to get up to 250 miles to a charge in dual-motor versions, with the rear-wheel drive models capable of slightly more range.

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Every EV9 gets Kia’s 800-volt charging technology, with peak charging speeds of around 230-240kW at compatible public stations. According to Kia, a 10-80% recharge is possible in around 24 minutes if you find a fast enough public charging point.

The Volvo EX90 has a longer claimed range of 363 miles and a top charging speed of 250kW, but it also costs considerably more than the Kia, starting from just over £96,000.

Like every electric car, the Kia EV9 is exempt from the restrictions and tariffs imposed on some combustion-engined vehicles by low-emission zones, and the London Congestion Charge, but its high price will mean it’s soon subject to a luxury car tax for vehicles costing over £40,000.

Insurance

Unfortunately, the Kia EV9 will be quite expensive to insure, with even entry-level Air models starting from group 45 out of 50 (50 being the highest), and GT-Line and GT-Line S sitting in the highest group 50. This isn’t isolated to the Kia, with rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Tesla all in some of the highest insurance groups.

We’ve driven the EV9 in GT-Line S dual-motor guise, and one of the key things we noticed was just how quiet it was. Of course, electric cars are usually quieter than cars with a combustion engine as you pull away, but even the slightest motor whine or tyre noise was notably absent from the EV9, which could take getting used to for some buyers. It’s no bad thing, though, as it equates to a high level of refinement and comfort for its occupants.

The EV9’s ride is generally very good, with all models getting active damping technology which helps to iron out bumps in the road. It’s worth noting, however, that many rivals allow for a greater level of adjustment to the damping settings. The EV9’s system does a decent job of reacting to the road surface to anticipate imperfections and bumps to maintain a smooth ride, although we found the system caught out by imperfections on a number of occasions, sending a jolt through the cabin. We found the system worked best at motorway cruising speeds.

The Kia EV9 is a large car, and although it’s very composed on long stretches, it can lean a fair amount on windier roads. We found the steering a little slow, too, which has a negative impact on agility, but the EV9 doesn’t do a terrible job given its size, and it’s fairly pleasant to drive.

At first, manoeuvrability might seem daunting in tighter streets where the EV9’s large dimensions become very apparent – the rear windscreen feels further back than in a Kia Sportage or Sorento. However, the EV9’s surprisingly short bonnet up front does help when parking, as do its many sensors and cameras.

The strength of the regenerative braking can be configured by choosing one of several modes which range from being barely noticeable and offering almost enough stopping power to allow for one-pedal driving. Paddles behind the steering wheel allow for extra adjustment of the regenerative braking intensity.

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0-62mph and top speed

UK buyers can choose an EV9 with one or two electric motors – which also dictates how many wheels are driven – and the standard 201bhp rear-wheel drive model gets from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. We’ve tested the dual-motor AWD version, with 379bhp which drops this figure to 5.3 seconds. 

It’s nowhere near as much power as a Tesla Model X, but we could still feel a noticeable surge in acceleration if we pressed the accelerator at any speed in the EV9. This was more noticeable in Sport mode, which also makes the weighty steering even firmer.

The EV9 is certainly a striking car that’s not lacking in road presence. Its gloss black wheelarches and lower body trim, chiselled bodywork and vertically stacked LED exterior lighting ensure it looks every inch the contemporary SUV. Features such as its flush nose and door handles also hint at the lack of a combustion engine under its bonnet. The bodywork replacing a traditional grille can also feature customisable light patterns that are hidden until they illuminate.

Step inside and you’re greeted with Kia’s most high-end interior yet, with a widescreen front display, minimalist layout and a combination of sustainable fabric and wood trim for a soft and warm aesthetic. That said, it’s still not as premium-feeling as a BMW X7 or Range Rover, despite sitting in that price range. Kia has also thoughtfully included separate fan and heater controls, along with a metallic volume knob that’s a pleasure to interact with. 

Many of the car’s other interior materials are sustainably sourced, with a dashboard made from bioplastic (which comes from vegetable oils, corn extract, sawdust and sugar cane), and the door trims are made from recycled plastics, so it’s clear lots of thought has gone into ensuring the EV9 has environmentally-friendly credentials if you dig deeper into its design.

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Kia has also thoughtfully included separate fan and heater controls, along with a metallic volume knob that’s a pleasure to interact with. The haptic buttons for the infotainment system aren’t quite as convincing, however, with a slight hesitation between prodding them and the desired response – we’d prefer traditional buttons instead.

There are attractive circular air vents in the ceiling with separate controls for passengers, and cabin quality even holds up in the back, but it’s a shame there’s no full-length panoramic sunroof. Instead, there’s a small opening sunroof over the front seats, with a fixed panel farther back.

Infotainment and navigation

Infotainment is taken care of by three screens – one nestled behind the steering wheel for driving information, a touchscreen that spans across the dashboard for media and navigation information, and a panel for heating and ventilation switches lower down. The Kia EV9 comes in three different trim levels: Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S. 

Plenty of equipment comes as standard, with the aforementioned infotainment system getting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There’s also wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, electric folding adjustable and heated door mirrors, automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dual-zone air conditioning and rear privacy glass. There are lots of USB slots dotted around the cabin, making it easier for passengers to charge their devices wherever they’re sitting.

It also comes with plenty of safety kit and driving assistance tech – cars get Smart Cruise control – which uses navigation information to adjust the speed of the car to the road you’re on – adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, blind-spot detection and monitor (which shows on the instrument cluster), and a 360-degree camera. The EV9 is an expensive car, though, so while it is well-equipped, it’s also to be expected for the price.

Step up from Air to GT-Line and the standard 19-inch alloys are swapped for larger 21-inch ones, while the overall styling also gets a sportier look. GT-Line also gains two-tone upholstery, LED headlamps with an adaptive beam, different roof rails, an electrically adjustable steering column, electrically adjustable front seats with a memory and massage function, plus a remote parking feature.

Top-spec GT-Line S brings 21-inch alloys, a front and rear sunroof – the front one gets a tilt and slide function, while the rear one slides only – a head-up display and a premium Meridian 14-speaker sound system. This model can actually be specified with a six-seat layout which replaces the middle row bench seat with two ‘captain’s chairs’ for increased comfort – these also swivel to face the doors for increased ease when getting in and out, or to make it easier to put children into a car seat. Keep turning them and they can face the rear-most passengers.

Measuring over five metres in length, and with the advantage of a flat floor with no transmission tunnel, Kia has been able to put the EV9’s vast interior space to good use. It’s available as a traditional three-row seven-seater, but also in a more luxurious six-seat layout, – both configurations genuinely allow enough space for adults to sit comfortably. The middle row in the six-seater version has two captain’s chairs capable of rotating to face passengers in the third row, for a pretty unique experience.

There’s lots of legroom and middle-row passengers can move their seats forwards to improve space for those in the rearmost seats. In this configuration, there’s a good amount of space for adults in the third row, although they’ll need to be somewhat agile to access them.

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Kia has clearly spent a lot of time optimising the cabin for family use, with features such as a large glovebox that pulls outwards instead of dropping down onto the front passenger’s knees. A large central area houses wireless smartphone charging and storage, along with pop-out cupholders. There’s also a pull-out tray and storage cubby for those in the middle row, along with USB ports dotted around the cabin and more cupholders.  

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Boot space

Even with all seats in use, there’s still a decent 333 litres of boot space – about the same as a supermini offers. Fold the third row down (electrically in some versions) and a huge 828 litres is available, easily beating the 569 litres of an Audi Q8 e-tron. If you need some extra space for shopping or charging cables, the single-motor versions of the EV9 also have 90 litres of storage under the bonnet, shrinking to 52 litres for AWD versions with a front motor.

Take a look at our 2023 Driver Power results, and there are lots of positive signs that the EV9 will be reliable and go down a storm with customers. It should also be very safe, not only thanks to its size, but also as a result of Kia throwing the kitchen sink at its flagship model.

Kia had a great showing in the latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, thanks in part to its Kia Sorento SUV coming in second place overall, and its Kia EV6 finishing seventh out of the 75 models voted for. The latter is the most relevant here, because the EV9 shares much of its technology and electric powertrain with the EV6.

Owners were full of praise for its electric motors and transmission, scoring the EV6 sixth in this category, while it came eighth for practicality and boot space – an area where the seven-seat EV9 should do even better. The EV6 also came 26th for overall quality, while reliability was ranked 63rd.

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Safety

The Kia EV9 was crash tested and awarded a five-star rating by Euro NCAP in December 2023. It scored well in all areas, but particularly high was its rating for child occupant protection, so that should offer peace of mind if you're driving with your kids in the back seats. A comprehensive suite of safety kit also meant the EV9 scored well in the ‘safety assist’ category, which should mean you’re less likely to get into an accident in the first place.

The Kia EV9 is the brand’s first model to be equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving features, including Highway Driving Pilot that can centre the car in its lane, even if the driver lets go of the steering wheel – in countries where it’s permitted. If an “imminent risk” is detected, the system can even perform an emergency manoeuvre to help avoid a collision. There’s also a blind spot camera that feeds an image to the gauge cluster when turning, adaptive headlights and a driver attention warning system.

The EV9 is the first Kia model that’s set to be offered with software upgrades that can be purchased and downloaded by owners – potentially including safety features. According to Kia, this will make it easier for customers to “stay up to date with the latest technology”. The first of these is Remote Smart Parking Assist, where the EV9 can park itself without a driver inside.