2024 Kia EV9

Over the years, we've often been disappointed when an adventurously styled concept emerges as a far more timid prospect by the time it reaches production. Fortunately, this has not been the case for the three-row Kia EV9 electric crossover, which largely stays faithful to the bold lines of the Concept EV9. Three-row electric crossovers are rare, with the Tesla Model X being one of the few, but the EV9 will have a much more appealing price tag than that does. Built on the same Electric Global Modular Platform as the EV6 and with dual motors, the EV9 should also be good to drive with far swifter acceleration than the brand's popular three-row Telluride. Here's a closer look at Kia's new flagship SUV.

The release date for the Kia EV9 is set for the fourth quarter of 2023 when it goes on sale in the USA, although US-based production will kick off in 2024 for those hoping to benefit from potential tax rebates.

This information remains speculative as the 2024 Kia EV9's price hasn't been revealed yet. We can make a few calculated guesses, however. The EV9 will be more luxurious and larger than Kia's other electric model, the EV6, and the same applies to the Telluride. As the EV6 starts at $48,700, we expect the EV9 to begin at around $55,000, and that correlates with information gleaned from a customer survey leaked earlier this year. However, a hot EV9 GT could be considerably more expensive, possibly getting close to a cost of $75,000 MSRP. The EV9 is expected to be assembled in the US using globally-sourced parts, so at least a portion of federal tax rebates should apply.

Rivals in the USA will include mid-sized electric SUVs with premium badges on the nose, such as the Cadillac Lyriq and BMW iX, although the EV9's size - based on the Concept EV9, at least - straddles both the mid- and full-size segments. It should, therefore, also prove to be a worthy alternative to the likes of the Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX7, and even base versions of the Hummer EV.

There is nothing shy about the exterior design of the new Kia EV9 SUV, which successfully carries over many of the styling cues from the concept. Like the concept, the production model has chunky, boxy lines and a polygonal design theme; if the Kia Soul was a middle-school student with a cool dad, the EV9 would be that dad.

The distinctive profile is complemented by intricate lighting front and rear. That includes the Digital Tiger Face with dual clusters of small cube lamps which are embedded in the bodywork alongside each headlamp. Most of the good stuff is still there, including the beltline that sweeps up in the vicinity of the third row. Substantial fenders and flush-fitting door handles define the side view, but the rear-hinged rear doors of the concept are unsurprisingly replaced here with more traditional rear doors.

Futuristic 21-inch wheels are wrapped in Michelin tires, and these wheels have off-center Kia logos, another quirky touch that somehow works on the EV9. Kia notes that wheel options range from 19-inch items all the way to the 21-inch wheels we see here. The blacked-out A-pillars give the EV9 a floating roof effect, and there is a sporty spoiler at the back. From the side, it's also notable how short the overhangs are, leaving as much space as possible for the passenger compartment.

Two models - one with a conventional closed roof and one with dual sunroofs - have been pictured. We also know that the EV9 GT-Line gets raised roof rails, exclusive wheels and tires, and model-specific exterior features.

Many details are yet to be confirmed, however, including the colors that'll be available for the Kia EV9. Kia notes that there will be a choice of gloss or factory matte finish paint options, though.

Dimensions for the Kia EV9 include a length of up to 197.4 inches, a height of 70.1 inches, and a width of 77.9 inches. This puts it in the same size category as the Kia Telluride, although a tad longer. We assume the concept's wheelbase measurement of 122 inches will be comparable to the production model.

Curb weight figures are unknown, but considering its fully electric powertrain and size, this is likely to be the heaviest Kia model yet. Considering that the Telluride already weighs almost 4,500 pounds in its heaviest guise, the 2024 EV9 is likely to come in at over 5,000 lbs quite easily.

Although confirmed to ride on the same Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the smaller EV6, the EV9 will be the first model from the brand to use fourth-gen battery tech. It will be available in two powertrain options: A standard 76.1-kWh battery with 215 horsepower sent to the rear wheels or an optional upgrade to a 99.8-kWh battery which comes with either a single motor or as a dual-motor setup. With two motors, you get 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque as well as torque vectoring all-wheel drive. Specs for the single-motor setup are still unknown, but Kia has confirmed that the most potent dual-motor configurations target a 0-60 mph time of five seconds. Base models are likely to take almost double that to complete the benchmark sprint.

While that may sound a little disappointing for an EV, we like that Kia seems to have invested in a base model to keep the starting price somewhat palatable. Besides, this is a family vehicle, not a sports car.

The base model appears to be unrated for towing, but the automaker notes that there is a capacity to tow up to 5,000 lbs "available" in the range - we assume with the most powerful powertrain and AWD. The latter figure is in Telluride territory but will undoubtedly reduce range significantly.

The Concept EV9 promised a range of up to 300 miles, and Kia says that for the production EV9, the 99.8-kWh battery and single motor setup will match that. Recently leaked information suggested that the production EV9 will have a range of between 220 and 290 miles, so it's safe to assume that the dual-motor models will have a range more in line with the former figure.

The battery can be replenished from 10 to 80% in under 25 minutes, thanks to its 800V electrical architecture. The EV6 has the same maximum charging speed but takes a quicker 18 minutes to get its battery from 10-80%; unsurprisingly, this is because the EV9 will have a larger battery.

The Concept EV9 has a hood vent duct area with a solar panel that can recuperate a small amount of energy, but it's unclear if the production version will retain this functionality. EPA ratings remain some way off, so the MPGe specs are unknown. That said, heavy electric SUVs aren't especially efficient, as evidenced by the BMW iX's best mpg figure of 86 MPGe combined. The three-row Tesla Model X is a better benchmark for Kia to aim for with its 102 MPGe combined.

The changes to the interior of the production Kia EV9 are more substantial than the exterior, but this is no surprise since the concept was quite bare inside. Seats in the Kia EV9 will be able to accommodate six or seven occupants depending on the trim or how it is configured, and the manufacturer promises lounge-like space in every row.

Unlike most other three-row vehicles, there is more versatility here in terms of how the seats can be arranged. This capability is buoyed by the E-GMP platform, which enables a flat floor and long wheelbase. Occupants in both the first two rows can recline their seats simultaneously, but the swiveling second-row seats we saw in the concept won't realize on production models bound for the US. Although it would create a truly lounge-like atmosphere, that setup doesn't meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

The floating dashboard design is modern and clean, and the tasteful neutral colors used in the model pictured here create an upmarket look. The manufacturer takes pride in stating that only "forward-thinking" materials will be used, naming non-leather polyurethane seating, BTX-free interior trim, recycled fabrics, and animal-free products as options.

Kia says there are dual 12.3-inch touchscreens, which is unusual since the display ahead of the driver is typically not a touch display. These screens are integrated with a five-inch segment display. There are hard controls for the climate control and volume adjuster below the air vents, though, and tri-zone climate control is standard.

The EV9 can also be used as a power source, and it has an Integrated Charging Control Unit and outlets that can power external devices. A noteworthy debut on the EV9 is the brand's lidar-based Advanced Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist, which we assume will be optional and possibly standard on top trims - we know that Highway Driving Assist 2 will be equipped across the range. An extensive suite of safety features and driver assists will be standard, alongside ten airbags.

As for cargo space in the Kia EV9, 20.2 cubic feet is standard behind the third row, with the maximum amount of cargo volume being 81.9 cubes when both rows are folded down. For reference, the similarly long Telluride has 21 cubic feet of volume behind the third row. Kia also made mention of the spacious center console storage space.