Autoblog LOVES The Kia EV9

The first-ever 2024 Kia EV9 is taking the world by storm. Not only is it winning countless Car of the Year awards, but it is also being heralded as the future of full-size all-electric SUVs. Since we haven’t seen a vehicle like this from any automaker, the EV9 sits alone but will be considered the inspiration for a segment for years to come. 

A New Breed

Autoblog.com recently had the opportunity to test the new EV9 for some time and was completely blown away by how good it is from a quality standpoint, saying, “And, for now, there’s just not much to compete with it. But Kia didn’t skimp on quality or convenience to take advantage of a competitive vacuum. Even if and when other more reasonably priced three-row EVs come about, we’re confident the EV9 will still be a compelling choice.”

Trim & Battery Power

A compelling choice is exactly what the Kia EV9 is, as customers can choose between rear or all-wheel drive, as well as two different battery options. The base model EV9 Light has rear-wheel drive and develops 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 76.1 kWh battery pack, which Kia says is good for 230 miles of range. Stepping up to the Long Range trim gives buyers a 99.8 kWh battery that is good for 304 miles. The Wind, Land, and GT-Line trims feature the same 99.8 kWh battery but with e-AWD. Each output 379 combined horsepower from the front and rear motors and up to 516 lb-ft of torque. The range of the Wind and Land is 280 miles, with the GT-Line driving for 270 miles. 

Really Fast Charging

“As for charging, the EV9’s 800-volt battery architecture allows it to take advantage of 350-kW DC fast chargers, making it one of the quickest EVs to recharge. The base Light trim with its smaller battery has a peak charge rate of 235 kW, and can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The longer-range trims peak at 210 kW, going from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. Its 10.9 kW AC charger allows for rapid home charging, too, should you invest in a wall-type home charging station and have an electrical box capable to pumping out that much juice. At this speed, you could fully recharge the battery overnight.”

Interior Space

Inside, the EV9 has plenty of space for everyone and their luggage. Behind the third row, you will find 20.2 cu.ft. of space. When the third row is folded, that volume grows to 43.5 cu.ft. and will grow to 81.7 cu.ft. of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. That will be plenty to haul home weekend projects. The EV9 also has a frunk featured in the Light model. Light Long Range models have 3.2 cu.ft. of frunk space that can hold up to 88 lbs., while the top of the line Wind trim has 1.8 cu.ft. in the frunk that can hold 44 lbs. 

Inside Is The Place To Be

“The EV9 interior is spacious, comfortable and tech-friendly. Its three rows of seating are usable and comfortable, with a number of clever comfort and convenience features available. There are clever, nice storage options, including an open area under the floating center console, as well as a pull-out shelf/cubby in the rear of the center console for second-row passengers. Heated and ventilated front seats are standard, as is synthetic leather. It’s a fairly premium-feeling interior overall, especially when equipped with the available massaging driver’s seat and second-row power leg rests.”

There’s Nothing Like It

Autoblog came away absolutely loving the silence and ease of use of the EV9, saying, “So far, we’ve only had the opportunity to drive the most expensive and powerful GT-Line trim, but we came away impressed. For one thing, it’s a very quiet vehicle. Yeah, it’s electric, so there’s no engine rumbling (you can turn on an active sound mode, though), but it also uses low-noise tires and an acoustic-glass front glass. This makes for easy conversation, but also means you’ll hear any rattling from your water bottle in the cupholder. It’s also quite a smooth ride, providing good compliance over bumps and imperfections without feeling utterly disconnected from the road.”

At Kia of Mankato, we value our customers. You can find new Kia inventory, including the Kia Telluride, brand new EV9, as well as the Carnival, and Seltos, plus an unmatched collection of used car and SUV inventory at our dealership. Are you interested in leasing or financing your next vehicle? The Finance Department at Kia of Mankato can help you find the right lease offer or finance solution that fits your budget. We cultivate relationships with many banks, lenders, and other financial organizations to provide great options for purchasing your new vehicle. In addition to the comprehensive factory warranty that comes with your new vehicle, we offer extended warranty and protection programs to safeguard your investment. Get the best deals and specials available to you on a Kia. Our knowledgeable sales staff wants to help you find the perfect fit in a new Kia or used car. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Kia of Mankato family and help you find your new car or used vehicle. Your support and customer service doesn’t stop after you sign your deal. The expert Service Department at Kia of Mankato is always ready to help with any repairs or maintenance you might need to keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our Express Service Lane will quickly get you back on the road when you need basic maintenance, like an oil change or tire rotation. Would you like to make your new car all your own with personalized upgrades? Our well-stocked Parts Department has all of the authentic Kia accessories you need for the best customization of your vehicle. Make your car, truck, or SUV uniquely yours to fit perfectly in your lifestyle. We are eager to help you on your car buying and vehicle ownership journey. Visit us today at Kia of Mankato!