Raising the Stakes in Electric SUVs: Kia EV9 Is in a League of its Own

Remember the days when an electric SUV seemed like a distant dream? The 2024 Kia EV9 is here to show that times have certainly changed. As the trend of green transportation has risen, automakers have scrambled to meet the demand of consumers, resulting in a push for electric SUV options more recently. While the Volkswagen ID.4 and Chevy Blazer EV fit the needs of drivers in terms of size and budget, the Kia EV9, which first debuted last spring, is the only electric SUV to offer three-row seating.

Kia is dominating EV production, and the EV9 is evidence of their success

Kia is gearing up for its grandest launch yet in 2024 with the introduction of the all-electric EV9. This massive seven-seater SUV is set to attract a new demographic of affluent buyers to the Kia brand, competing directly with luxury SUVs like Land Rovers, that come with double the price tag. And it stands a good chance of doing so.

What’s more, Kia has outpaced its sister brand Hyundai in bringing this groundbreaking vehicle to market. While Hyundai’s Ioniq 7, built on the same platform, is set to debut later this year, Kia has stolen the spotlight by launching the EV9 first. With Hyundai keeping details of the Ioniq 7 under wraps, Kia has a prime opportunity to establish itself as a leader in the electric large SUV market.

Exploring the Kia EV9

The EV9 boasts a distinctly SUV appearance, characterized by bold, angular lines and prominent wheel arches, clearly signaling its off-road capabilities. Buyers can opt for either a 99.8-kWh or a 76.1 kWh battery, alongside a choice of two motor configurations: a single motor rear-drive or a dual-motor four-wheel-drive, offering impressive power and torque.

Starting at $54,900, the entry-level EV9 comes generously equipped with features such as 19-inch alloys, LED headlights, flush body-colored door handles, power front seats, and a sophisticated triple-screen dashboard. With its six USB-C sockets and eight-speaker audio system, the EV9 offers a blend of luxury and technology. While this price point may seem ambitious for Kia, it’s a testament to the brand’s evolution and its competitive stance against pricier rivals in the market.

Standard in the EV9 are various driver-assistance functions, such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking. Additionally, Kia provides a hands-free driving option, exclusively available in the EV9 GT-Line, which comes paired with an upgraded adaptive cruise control system.

Final thoughts

The Kia EV9 stands out in all the right ways, positioning Kia as a frontrunner in a highly competitive segment nowadays. While similar models like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Toyota’s upcoming electric three-row are on the horizon, they won’t hit the market until later this year.

While it’s evident that more large-size electric models are entering production, the Kia EV9 has set the bar high. Show your support for this three-seater electric SUV by liking the article or leaving a comment to share your thoughts!