What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Kia EV9? What does it compare to?
The EV9 is a three-row luxury SUV sized and shaped about like the automaker’s Telluride but powered by electricity rather than gasoline. It’s without direct EV comparison, though you could shop it against the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1s.
Is the 2025 Kia EV9 a good SUV?
It’s an appealing vehicle with a practical design and a lot of features, though the EV9 can get quite expensive. (Historically, it has been heavily discounted, though.) Overall, it adds up to a TCC rating of 8.6 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What’s new for the 2025 Kia EV9?
After its debut last year, the EV9 sees minor tweaks. The luxurious second-row lounge seats are now restricted to the top GT-Line trim, while most versions now include a sunroof.
The EV9 wears bold, fun styling that starts off with a conventional Telluride-like profile. It’s jazzed up with fun lighting details, slab sides, big wheels, and myriad paint color options. It’s simpler inside, with a modern but not overdone look and seating for six or seven passengers.
Kia offers three powertrain setups. The pokey base Standard Range has a single electric motor mounted at the rear with just 215 hp that offers a 230-mile range estimate. The Long Range version adds 74 miles of range and a more powerful electric motor for better acceleration. The top three trim levels add another motor that gives them all-wheel drive and far zippier response. The GT-Line version can hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds, which is very fast for an SUV that weighs about 6,000 pounds so-equipped. All models accelerate quietly and boast a spectacular ride, though they are far from sporty. Its long wheelbase offers a planted ride at highway speeds. The EV9 leans in corners and generally drives like the big SUV that it is; don’t expect Tesla Model X-style nimble responses, though that’s not really what the EV9 is about anyway. It’s also not about towing, though it can lug up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
This is a spacious, family-oriented vehicle with spectacular front seats and a roomy second row. Its third row can handle adults for shorter stints. Cargo space is terrific even with the third-row seatbacks upright. Innovative and fun interior materials made from recycled bits add some personality inside the EV9, though no version feels as ritzy as its prices might suggest. (Then again, EVs like this one are often discounted.)
EV9s have done well in IIHS crash testing. All models tick off the kind of crash-avoidance tech we expect from a vehicle like this, including front and rear automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control. A hands-off, eyes-on highway assistance system is included, too.
How much does the 2025 Kia EV9 cost?
Including a $1,325 destination charge, the EV9 lineup starts at $56,225. Standard equipment includes dual 12.3-inch displays in a single panel, synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats that are heated and cooled, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The Long Range version runs a reasonable $5,000 more, while you’ll need another $4,000 to unlock the cheapest dual-motor version.
Where is the 2025 Kia EV9 made?
In West Point, Georgia.
