Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The 2024 Kia EV9 steps up big in the world of electric vehicles. Kia continues to push forward in staying relevant with the changes of the automotive world. The Kia EV9 is further evidence of just that. Kia released the EV9 in the North American market in October 2023. In May 2024, Kia began local assembly of the EV9 at the Kia Manufacturing Georgia plant, as the first Kia battery electric vehicle to be assembled in the United States.
The 2024 Kia EV9 is an electric mid-size crossover SUV. Upon first look you notice the futuristic look with the digital pattern lighting grille, LED turn signals and a Smart Power Tailgate. The EV9 also has power-folding heated mirrors and dual sunroofs. The model that we tested arrived in an ivory silver matte hue. The EV9 sits on 20” alloy wheels. The EV9 features vertical headlights and taillights. The side has triangular fender structures and geometric wheel arches. Some sharper angles would give the EV9 a sleek look that would come across more enticing but it is surely an eye catcher because it screams “The Future”.
The interior of the EV9 is decked out with gray upholstery, including the heated leather wrapped steering wheel. The heated and ventilated power adjustable front seats are extremely comfortable with spacious legroom for the riders to stretch their legs. The EV9’s cabin comfortably fits 6 – 7 people. I absolutely loved the 14 speaker Meridian premium audio system. Riding around to your favorite tunes, with studio quality sound, sets the tone for great vibes. The EV9 also features Digital Exterior Side View Mirrors that use side cameras and side interior displays on the front doors, Dual-Colour Ambient Lighting, Ergo Motion Seat massage function, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 and a Relaxation Seat mode for the first and second-row seats.
The 2024 Kia EV9 EV has a great infotainment system. I loved the dual 12.3-inch screen with panoramic display that comes equipped with Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is actually a Triple Panorama Display that houses the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch HVAC touchscreen controls, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The EV9 comes with Kia Connect, SiriusXM, Smartphone Digital Key and the Homelink Garage Door Opener. Over-the-Air technology enables the EV9 to enhance onboard systems including the navigation and info-screens.
In the EV is the liquid-cooled lithium ion high voltage battery that is available in the 99.8 kWh version. The EV9 also has the dual motor e-AWD. It has a CCS charge port which enables DC fast charging at up to 150 kW. There is also an on-board power generator (V2L) connector. Kia claims a full recharge from a 240-volt level two charging station takes 14 hours and 25 minutes, which we were able to verify, while charging. There are now convenient charging stations at my local grocery store. The 99.8 kWh, Long Range AWD version has a range of around 280 miles on a full charge. The EV9 EV brings 91 MPGe in the city, 75 MPGe on the highway and 83 MPGe combined.
The EV9 comes with great safety features such as the autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and parking sensors. The 2024 EV9 was awarded “Top Safety Pick” by IIHS, which applies to vehicles built after January 2024, when Kia adjusted the headlights equipped on the Land and GT-Line trims to reduce glare.
I am convinced that Kia’s unmatched warranty is the way to go for budget friendly consumers. Kia is so confident in their new products that Kia offers a five-year, 60,000-mile limited basic warranty that includes roadside assistance and a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranties for the powertrain and battery pack.
The 2024 EV9 EV has great response upon acceleration. The self-leveling rear suspension did a great job in tight corners and turns, I didn’t feel as if I was being tossed around in the vehicle. The performance of the EV9 is perfect for that daily commute and to get out and about in the city.
The model that we tested was the 2024 EV9 Land Long Range AWD. This the configuration available comes in at $74,230.00. Key competitors that the EV9 has to go up against are the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Volvo EX90, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 9. So far, the EV9 is attracting buyers around the age of 45 which is younger than the Telluride and EV6 customers. All in all, it works. Please enjoy the photo gallery.
