Can the new 2024 Kia EV9 achieve the stated driving range? EVs often have driving ranges estimated and based on perfect driving conditions.
How much of the quoted driving range should a vehicle achieve? For the most part, experts look favorably on those vehicles that come close to reaching the quoted figure. Of course, it would be better if a vehicle hit the manufacturer’s figures, but that’s not typically the case. The EPA ratings are generally more accurate and realistic than what you’ll see from the automaker. Let’s see how the EV9 performed.
The results are in
Car and Driver tested the new Kia EV9 to see if this new three-row electric SUV could hit the quoted figures. They chose the GT-Line, which is the top trim level with a dual-motor layout and a larger battery pack. The EPA estimates the EV9 lineup to achieve between 230 and 304 miles depending on the trim level, powertrain configuration, and battery pack.
The GT-Line trim offers 379 horsepower and uses a 99.8-kWh battery pack. The EPA rating for this model is 270 miles, but during the test, it achieved 240 miles of driving range. That’s a pretty good result overall. The EPA rating is a combined figure of highway and city driving, while the Car and Driver test was done at 75 mph on the highway. This means the EV9 was capable of 88 percent of the EPA estimate.
Did the EV9 achieve a good percentage of the estimated driving range?
The 88% result for this Kia three-row electric SUV is better than the Rivian R1S and Cadillac Lyriq when tested under the same conditions. Both the R1S and Lyriq hit 72 percent of the EPA estimate, which is a little worrisome. The Nissan Ariya reached 82 percent but still didn’t quite achieve EV9 levels. Of course, some EVs are capable of outperforming the EPA ratings, but that isn’t the norm in the market. The big size and boxy build of the EV9 make it a relatively easy SUV to trust and drive with a good driving range.
Which EV9 models have the best driving range?
The GT-Line trim of this Kia EV has a middle-of-the-pack driving range among the trims. The best driving range comes in the RWD Light model with the larger battery pack. This configuration can provide up to 304 miles of driving range. The AWD Wind and Land trims are both rated at 280 miles, but the RWD Light model with the 76.1-kWH battery pack is only rated at 230 miles. These four configurations haven’t been tested in the 75 mph test yet, which means we might see an EV9 that doesn’t achieve 200 miles during testing.
How fast does the EV9 charge?
The new Kia EV9 is the first to use the fourth-generation battery technology from Kia. This gives it improved energy density and an impressive build. The EV9 uses an 800V DC fast-charging architecture that enables this vehicle to charge from 10 to 80 percent of its full charge in less than 25 minutes using a 230-kWh Level 3 charger. This means it can add up to 148 miles of electric range in about 15 minutes, making it easy to continue the drive when the batteries are depleted.
The cabin features futuristic styling
Stepping inside the new EV9 brings you to a three-row electric SUV driving experience that’s unmatched in the current market. This SUV features a spacious cockpit with attractive ambient lighting throughout and a large screen in the dashboard, offering controls for nearly every comfort and convenience feature of this SUV. Some of the items you’ll find in the new EV9 are:
- Standard dual 12.3-inch screen
- Five-inch HVAC screen
- LED-illuminated steering wheel
- Full display mirror
- 708-Watt Meridian Premium Audio system with 14 speakers
- Ambient lighting
The interior materials are made of recycled plastic, natural wool yarn, plant-based extracts, and other sustainable/eco-friendly materials. This cabin area is available in a few different combinations, making it one of the most interesting and attractive cabins in the market.
Kia provides ample cargo room in this EV
The new Kia EV9 gives owners lots of places to store small items while also adding ample cargo space for all of your stuff. Behind the third row of seats, you’ll find 20.2 cubic feet of storage space. This area expands to 43.5 cubic feet when the third row is folded and then to 81.7 cubic feet when the second row is also folded. Kia even added a frunk measuring 3.2 cubic feet for some added storage space.
Will the new Kia EV9 become the electric three-row SUV that you love to drive and enjoy?
