Kia EV9: A “Telluride+” Three-Row EV SUV Worth Waiting For
Kia invited us to Detroit for a little one-on-one time with their latest EV, the three-row EV9. Billed as a Telluride+, the 2024 EV9 has similar dimensions and proportions but a longer wheelbase, improving interior space.
NEED TO KNOW
- Kia’s first dedicated three-row EV; slightly larger than Telluride with a longer wheelbase; seats up to 7; available in RWD or dual-motor AWD with 76.1 or 99.8 kWh battery; targeted on-sale date Q4 2023.
This Ocean Blue model is the performance GT-Line which signifies the direction the brand intends to go with this platform. When asked if the brand would consider an X-Pro or X-Line model like their popular Telluride SUV the response was more inquisitive over what I would prefer to see versus anything committal. I would expect to see a performance GT model at some point, following in the footsteps of the smaller EV6 which we have already tested.
The big news of the GT-Line is its bigger battery, dual-motor AWD, and quick acceleration. Kia targets 0-60 runs in 5 seconds flat, on par with Lexus’s first-ever EV the RZ, an impressive feat for such a large and heavy EV. While 5 seconds is not necessarily fast by 2024 model year standards, it does make for a perfectly fast family hauler capable of moving 6 people in luxury.
The nose of this model also features the “Digital Tiger Face” lighting elements, a unique use of LED lighting that is only available on glossy paint versions of the EV9. Matte paint models will feature the LED lights shown on the “Land” trim.
This example is the mid-level Land trim which boasts some interesting styling and unique wheels.
EV9 models will be available in RWD or dual-motor AWD. Two battery sizes will be available: 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh. Kia targets a maximum range of over 300 miles with the bigger battery and RWD. 0-60 times range from 8.8 seconds to 5.0 seconds depending on options. Most will make the run in mid-7 seconds.
Inside Kia implements 10 sustainable materials for a more earth-conscience approach towards the construction of their vehicles.
The 2024 Kia EV9 should go on sale by the end of this year. Pricing is yet to be finalized, more should come to light before final on-sale dates.
2024 Kia EV9 Specs:
- Eco
- Normal
- Sport
- My Mode
- 10-80% in an est. 25 Minutes
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2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line
PROS
- More interior space than Telluride thanks to EV platform and longer wheelbase
- 800V ultra-fast charging: 10–80% in approximately 25 minutes
- Impressive performance — 379 hp and 0–60 in 5 seconds on GT-Line
- 10 sustainable interior materials throughout
- Unique Digital Tiger Face LED lighting on gloss-paint GT-Line models
CONS
- Maximum range of 300 miles falls short of writer's 375+ mile threshold for East Texas lifestyle
- Pricing not yet finalized at time of writing