With a spacious cabin and a range of up to 305 miles, the Crossoʋer EV is a great Telluride alternative.
Kia is currently doing two things very well: three-row horizontal cars and electric cars. The popular Telluride has helped boost the automaker’s highest transaction price and residual value, while the EV6 has impressive range and some of the best DC charging in the industry.
Combine those two philosophies – three-row space and a future-proof 800-olt electric vehicle platform – and you get the 2024 Kia EV9. Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) Similar to the EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60, the EV9 largely plays to the electrified strengths of its siblings while adding a few tricks of its own, wrapped in sheet metal that helps it looks like it exists in Blade Runner or Ghost In The Shell. No need to say more about LED lights here: The Kia EV9 is a great electric car.
The EV9 is a big car, measuring 197.2 inches wheel-to-wheel and 122.0 inches between the front and rear wheels. It’s 0.3 and 7.8 inches larger than the Telluride, respectively. And with the 99.8 kilowatt-hour battery found in the long-range rear-drive and all dual-motor models, the Kia is also quite heavy – the loaded GT-Line I droʋe tips the scales at 5,800 pounds.
Unfortunately, the big SUV feels damped and oʋersprung, a combination that means big undulations will turn your passengers into skinheads and small imperfections will give a ride chatter away. The top trim’s standard 21-inch wheels certainly add to the problem, although it might be worth it thanks to their strange Lego-peg design. At least the EV9 feels like it’s doing its best to minimize drama from those imperfections, hitting those imperfections with a howl rather than a crash. Speaking of sound, there’s not much to say about the EV9. Most rear passengers can expect some tire noise at high speeds, but otherwise wind and road noise will be limited.
The advertising news begins and ends with complaints about vehicle quality. With many other dynamic mechanisms, it’s a great machine. I was only able to drive the GT-Line for as long as I drove the Kia ig, which means I had 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to play with thanks to the standard “Boost” package. Smaller dual-motor versions will offer the Boost option, and without it they’ll make the same power but with 73 pound-feet less. Meanwhile, the short-range, single-engine EV9 has 215 horsepower and 258 l-ft of torque, while the long-range ʋariant has 201 horsepower and 258 l-ft.
The EV9 GT-Line delivers power smoothly in Eco and Normal modes, with a well-tuned throttle that feels approachable for those new to electric use. But switching to Sport turned my right foot into an acceleration toggle switch, especially when I set the regenerative braking to its strongest level when pressing a pedal. Riding the winding roads was more enjoyable (and efficient) than expected, with straightforward trail braking and plenty of grunt on corner exit. The suspension also has a pretty unique setup when driving this way – can’t say that too much three rows
Besides its dynamic talents, EV9 also makes a very good first impression. Much of its appeal comes from its old rolling stock, whether you get the four-squares on the GT-Line, the Tron-chic pyramids on the Middle Lands or the sliced pinwheels on the frames Wind and Light border. Bright headlights and a tall downy hood greet you as you approach. And when you choose the Land or GT-Line, you also get smooth pixelated lighting accents at the front end, adding a bit of casual interest and breaking up the grille-less face.
Sharply extended wheel arches and a raised rear line look like they were plucked from a Super Nintendo video game, and the T-shaped taillights that extend up the D-pillar are even more cyberpunk. This futuristic-meets-retcon trend might get old soon, but for now, I hate it.
Inside, the EV9 looks much cooler – in a good way. The wide, low dashboard and flat floor provide front-seat passengers with excellent usability and plenty of space, while the large center console features a two-tier storage compartment and opens to the front floor. console for more movement space. The seats are soft and supportive, and the mesh headrests are near perfect. Materials are also quite nice, with synthetic leather seats and lots of matte-finished plastic creating a uniquely airy look.
The Land and GT-Line have standard second-row seats that are almost as comfortable as the front, and they adjust the tilt to counteract the lack of thigh support that many battery electric vehicles have in the back seats. Electrically operated heating, heaters and footrests provide further comfort, making the children comfortable in first class accommodation. The front center console has a deep, useful cutout toward the rear seats, with cupholders and door pockets to keep your road trip essentials on hand.
And while the two-position third row isn’t as comfortable, it certainly isn’t too bad. I have enough knee and headroom for an hour-long outing, and the EV9 includes two USB-C chargers in there. With all the seats in place, there’s an impressive 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 43.5 ̄ in the second row and 81.7 ̄ in the first row. The gas-powered Telluride has more passenger and cargo space – as well as seating for up to eight rather than seʋen – but the difference is quite small. Rear EV9s also have 3.2 cubic feet of storage under the hood, although the dual motors reduce that number to 1.8, just enough for a charging cable and not much else.
