Kia EV9 Caught Looking Quirky While Testing On US Soil

The Kia EV9 may have already made its US debut at the New York International Auto Show earlier this year, but we have not seen one on the road yet. But luckily, a CarBuzz reader has run into one example in Wilmington, Delaware, while leaving a parking lot, and what we saw was quite different from what we saw at the auto show.

Right off the bat, the spied Kia EV9 exuded a quirky-looking appearance with the extensive use of black claddings. They were found on the "grille," front bumper, rear bumper, door handles, and spoiler. Some were finished in glossy black, giving the vehicle a unique look.

The blacked-out pillars, roof rails, and wheel fenders were still in the spied example. The wheel design also hosted a few changes, including the pattern and color. Apart from those, the vehicle still had the 'Star Map' LED daytime running lights (DRLs) with similarly designed taillights.

Our tipster didn't get interior shots, but we can expect the EV to have sustainable materials in the cabin. These include bioplastic for the dashboard and console, post-consumer material plastic for door garnishes, recycled PET fabric for the sun visors and headrests, and bio polyurethane for the seats.

The swivel seat is one interior feature that won't make the US-spec version. The Korean automaker said this type of seat does not meet the US FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards). As such, the six-seater configuration won't have much advantage over the seven-seater variant.

As for the electrified powertrain, the EV9 has a dual motor setup capable of generating 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the 800-volt electric architecture, it can charge from 10 to 80% in 25 minutes. Kia America is targeting to offer stateside consumers a range of 300 miles.

The Kia EV9 will be available in the US in the fourth quarter of 2023. Starting in 2024, the EV will be assembled locally, making it eligible for certain tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.