Not fairly mainstream, however very household pleasant.
I’m undecided there’s sufficient pleasure surrounding the launch of Kia’s latest electrical car, the EV9. Not solely is it very, excellent, it’s, extra importantly, the primary non-premium-brand 3-row electrical crossover retailed within the U.S., and it is a wonderful 3-row crossover.
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2024 Kia EV9 First Impressions
Whereas a full Client Information evaluate of the EV9 is forthcoming, I used to be in a position to spend a while behind the wheel of the EV9 this week within the firm of Inexperienced Sense Present host Robert Colangelo. Listed here are a couple of of my ideas relating to this cutting-edge, household pleasant, EV.
Assume Electrical Telluride
At 197 inches in general size, the EV9 is precisely the identical size because the model’s Telluride midsize 3-row crossover. And, it most methods, it serves up the identical room, consolation and house. There’s loads of grownup house within the entrance two seating rows, and the threerd-row will accommodate most children with ease, and even keen and pliable high-school-sized passengers.
One difficulty is the cargo load flooring, which sits considerably greater off the bottom than does the ground within the Telluride. The raised flooring peak is critical to accommodate the rear motor meeting, which might be seen within the EV9 cutaway beneath.
Promising Vary
On a pleasing summer time day right here in Chicago, the EV9 was exhibiting near 300 miles of vary on a 90% cost, that is properly in extra of the crossover’s EPA estimated 270 miles of vary. Credit score the good climate, Robert’s informal driving type (perhaps?), and, maybe, the EPA for being a bit conservative in its estimates. Regardless, as a 3-row crossover, the EV9 might be referred to as on for long-distance road-trip obligation, and it’s good to understand it ought to return strong distance numbers.
Dynamically Satisfying
The twin-motor (AWD) EV9 GT-Line we hung out with was each quick and sharp dealing with. With 379 horsepower on faucet the EV9 strikes out neatly, and like most EVs, serves up rapid energy. Likewise, the brakes are certain and clean, and keep away from the inconsistent pedal response typically present in hybrid and EV automobiles. (Hybrid and electrical automobiles make use of regenerative braking techniques designed to recapture power in any other case wasted throughout braking. These techniques can prolong the electrical vary of stated automobiles.)
The Journey is Simply OK
Like the superb Cadillac Lyriq EV crossover, the EV9 rides properly, however it doesn’t experience very properly. Journey high quality is a trademark of family-oriented crossovers, and like so many electrical automobiles, the EV9 doesn’t fairly ship the street isolation that non-electric crossovers do.
The problem is probably going heft. The EV9, geared up with the bigger 100-kWh battery as our take a look at automotive was (entry EV9s make use of at 76-kWh unit) weight in at a staggering 5800 kilos, greater than half a ton greater than the gasoline-powered telluride. Whereas the EV9 rides properly on good-condition street surfaces, bigger ruts and bumps can induced extra physique movement than could appear regular, observe by some harshness because the car physique settles down after the affect.
To be clear, the EV9 rides simply superb, however the model’s personal Telluride serves up a extra snug rough-road expertise.
Luxurious Cash
The GT-Line, which incorporates the aforementioned long-range battery and AWD, comes it fairly costly. All advised, together with the extra-cost GT-Line 2nd Row Rest Bundle ($2000), our take a look at EV9 clocked in at simply over $78,000. To us, that’s luxury-car cash. Now, to be honest, premium-brand luxurious crossovers can are available in a lot greater, and the EV9 might be had extra affordably.
The Wind AWD is the least-expensive EV9 to incorporate each the long-range battery and AWD. With out choices, the EV9 Wind AWD is available in just below $66,000, or not a lot greater than a totally loaded Telluride.
Relative to the topline Telluride SX Status, the Wind would surrender some facilities, however its extra accessible entry level could also be a draw to households genuinely attention-grabbing in going electrical.
Closing Ideas
The EV9 isn’t any discount, however it’s a succesful and rewarding-to-drive giant crossover with loads of family-friendly options that, other than worth, asks little in alternate for its energy and carbon-free driving expertise.
We’re very impressed by the EV9, and stay up for the lineup increasing downward in worth, rising entry for green-minded households on the lookout for a strong bring-the-whole-clan experience.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2024 Kia EV9 Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
2024 Kia Telluride SX Status X-Line: Evaluation, Costs, and Specs