THIS KIA IS THE CHEAPEST THREE-ROW EV FOR BIG FAMILIES
The Kia EV9 is currently the cheapest three-row EV SUVs you can buy in the U.S. today, making it a fairly attractive proposition, especially if you need to cart a large family around on a daily basis. Kia builds this model on the Hyundai Group's E-GMP platform, resulting in lower production costs, access to some efficient and powerful motors and batteries, and plenty of interior space. Three-row SUVs are typically not a high-demand product in the U.S., with EVs being an even more niche proposition. Regardless, they still fulfill a crucial requirement, which is why affordability remains a core fundamental.
The South Korean manufacturer introduced this model to its American catalog a little over a year ago, and it has been the most affordable three-row EV SUV that you can buy today ever since, with no signs of that changing anytime soon. It appears that most brands that fulfill this segment operate in the premium and luxury segments, resulting in much higher price-tags. Tesla has plans to reintroduce the three-row configuration Model Y to its range in due time, which will likely knock this model off the throne, but with a noteworthy compromise in interior space.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Kia's websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and J.D. Power.
Kia's Aggressive Starting Price For The EV9 Range
It Starts At A Shade Under $55,000
TheKia EV9 range starts at $54,900 for the base rear-wheel Light trim. Adding the long-range battery increases this price to $57,900. The dual-motor all-wheel drive Wind derivative costs $69,300, and the Land $68,900. You'll have to pay $71,900 for the GT-Line model. You have to pay a $1,495 destination fee for all derivatives. Kia still needs to reveal pricing for the upcoming flagship GT model.
The EV9's pricing is competitive, but because the model isn't built locally, you don't benefit from the EV tax rebate. All models come standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, tri-zone climate control, eight-way electrically adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, solar-controlled glass, and Black and Dark Gray SynTex seat upholstery with Metal Paint and matte plastic interior trimmings.
2025 Kia EV9 Pricing
The model also comes standard with a host of technical features, including dual 12.3-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, together with a 5.0-inch HVAC touch control panel with smart-haptic touch controls and an eight-speaker audio system. This system accommodates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get a wireless smartphone charger and several USB charging ports.
Expect To Spend Up To $81,445 For A Fully Loaded EV9
Kia doesn't really ship the EV9 with a lot of optional extras, as you have to work your way up the different trims to get access to more features. The only optional extras on the base model are two paint options, including Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl, for $695. There is also a bunch of cargo and protective accessories, as well as a $575 tow hitch. The flagship GT-Line model upgrades the standard equipment level by including the 14-speaker Meridian audio system, rear seat heating, and more premium design elements.
By selecting the GT-Line, you also get access to more premium colors, including Ocean Blue Gloss for $695, or the $995 Ivory Silver and Ocean Blue Matte finishes. Light Gray and Black GT-Line SynTex upholstery is standard, but you can upgrade to Black and Brown GT-Line SynTex and Suede combination for $495. For a more premium in-cabin experience, you can select the Relaxation Captain's Chair package for $2,000. By adding these, and all possible accessories, including the $1,500 rear seat entertainment system, we were able to get the EV9 GT-Line's price all the way up to $81,445.
Impressively Spacious Cabin
Naturally, the Kia EV9 benefits from a spacious interior setting that is perfect for big families. At the front, you get access to 41.2 inches of headroom and 41.4 inches of legroom, with a 61.6-inch shoulder room capacity. The second row benefits from 39.8 inches of headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom, with a 60.6-inch shoulder room dimension.
2025 Kia EV9 Interior Dimensions
The third row is obviously the most compact compartment, but it still benefits from 39.5 inches of headroom and 30.8 inches of legroom, with a 55-inch shoulder room capacity. With all the seats in place, you get access to 20.2 cubic-feet of trunk space, which expands to 43.5 cubic-feet when you fold the third row down. With the second row folded, this space increases to 81.7 cubic-feet. The total volume for the entire cabin comes in at 158.8 cubic-feet, and you also get access to a 3.2 cubic-feet frunk compartment.
In terms of media and market reception, the Kia EV9 performs fairly well, with a 76/100 consumer-verified overall score from J.D. Power, which includes 70/100 for quality and reliability, 89/100 for driving experience, 79/100 for resale, and 74/100 for the dealership experience. iSeeCars doesn't offer a full evaluation for the model, but it does indicate a 6.9/10 retained value rating.
A Broad Variety Of Drivetrain Options
The base Light trim only features one rear-mounted electric motor, generating 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, which scores it a 7.7-second 0-60 MPH time. The Long Range offering introduces a bigger battery, which decreases the power to 201 horsepower, resultantly slowing its 0-60 MPH time to 8.8 seconds.
Performance Specifications
| Light | Light Long Range | Wind | Land | GT-Line | |
| Motor | Single permanent magnet motor | Single permanent magnet motor | Dual permanent magnet motors | Dual permanent magnet motors | Dual permanent magnet motors |
| Horsepower | 215 HP | 201 HP | 379 HP | 379 HP | 379 HP |
| Torque | 258 LB-FT | 258 LB-FT | 443 LB-FT | 443 LB-FT | 516 LB-FT |
| Battery | 76.1 kWh net | 99.8 kWh net | 99.8 kWh net | 99.8kWh net | 99.8kWh net |
| Driveline | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.7 Seconds | 8.8 Seconds | 5.7 Seconds | 5.7 Seconds | 5.0 Seconds |
All dual-motor variants produce 379 horsepower and 443 pound-feet, resulting in a 5.7-second 0-60 MPH time. The GT-Line produces a bit more torque, which leads to a faster 5.0-second 0-60 MPH claim.
The all-new GT derivative combines high performance with practicality, thanks to a pair of electric motors that generate a combined 501 horsepower together with a claimed 4.3-second 0-60 MPH time. It also gets an enhanced set of front calipers for better stopping power together with an electronically controlled suspension, which is a first for a Kia SUV. This intelligently adjusts shock damping, steering, and braking based on drive modes and includes a GT mode for maximum stiffness and dynamic handling.
A Decent Balance Of Range And Efficiency
Up To 304 Miles Of Range
On the efficiency front, the Light Long Range is the most efficient trim, with an EPA-estimated 89 MPGe and 38 kWh per 100-mile energy consumption return and 304-mile range claim on a single charge. This model saves you $4,000 in fuel costs over five years and costs $850 to keep recharged throughout the year. Expect to spend $1.42 to drive 25 miles. The standard battery pack returns the same figures, but with a 230-mile range.
The Long Range Dual Motor configuration returns 41 kWh per 100 miles on the combined cycle and covers 280 miles on a single charge, resulting in a $3,750 five-year fuel cost savings estimate and $900 annual charging cost. You'll spend $1.54 to drive 25 miles.
As you can expect, the most powerful GT-Line derivative returns 80 MPGe and 42 kWh per 100 miles, with a 270-mile range. This will still save you $3,500 in fuel costs over five years and cost $950 to recharge every year, with a $1.57 cost to drive 25 miles estimate.
2025-06-21T04:34:57Z