The second mannequin within the EV sequence after the two-row EV6, the EV9 is a mid-size crossover with roughly the identical footprint because the V6-engined Telluride. It is the primary three-row electrical crossover in Kia’s lineup, which makes it an alternative choice to the Tesla Mannequin Y and Volvo EX90.
Revealed in March 2023 for the 2024 mannequin yr, the EV9 has been named 2024 North American Utility car of the Yr by NACTOY. No fewer than 50 jurors had to decide on between 29 candidates, together with the yet-unreleased Mazda CX-70. The 2-row sibling of the CX-90 was presupposed to launch in late 2023, however alas, Mazda pushed it again to early 2024. Different notable candidates embrace the Toyota Grand Highlander, the 250-series Land Cruiser, Dodge Hornet, Audi Q8 e-tron, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and two questionable crossovers from Vietnamese automaker Vinfast, particularly the VF8 and the VF9.
The finalists have been revealed in November 2023 because the Kia EV9, Genesis Electrified GV70, and Hyundai Kona. Solely the Genesis is manufactured in the USA of America, however within the second quarter of 2024, the EV9 will begin rolling off the Kia Georgia meeting line. As for the Kona, autos meant for the US market are assembled in South Korea, therefore their 17-character VINs beginning with the letter Okay.
Why did NACTOY favor the EV9 over the Electrified GV70 and Kona? In response to John Voelcker of Automotive and Driver and Inexperienced Automotive Experiences, as a result of it “affords a real three-row configuration in a battery-electric SUV at a value considerably under the six-figure tab for all different three-row electrical SUVs.” He is improper, although, as a result of the Mannequin Y and EX90 are effectively under 100,000 bucks.
Picture: Kia
In the mean time of reporting, the Mannequin Y Twin Motor Lengthy Vary is $48,990. The seven-seat choice provides $2,500 to the tally, that means $51,490 sans vacation spot price and potential financial savings. Over at Volvo, the XC90’s zero-emission brother is $76,695 and comes with three-row seating from the outset. One other juror, particularly John McElroy of Autoline, says that EV9 “ought to scare the stuffing out of different mass-market manufacturers.” All issues thought of, the EV9 has the makings of a disruptor. However then again, many potential clients can be shocked by the $54,900 beginning value for the Mild RWD grade.
The Mannequin Y Twin Motor Lengthy Vary with seven seats could also be much less sensible because of its shorter wheelbase, however nonetheless, would you decide a three-row electrical crossover with the Kia emblem over one boasting the extremely coveted Tesla emblem? Primarily based on Tesla’s 2023 gross sales outcomes, the Mannequin Y will not lose its crown anytime quickly. The Mannequin 3 sedan and Mannequin Y crossover tallied 1,739,707 deliveries worldwide.
Given time, particularly after Kia begins making the EV9 regionally, the newcomer will hopefully go down in value. As of January 2024, clients are offered with 5 decisions: the aforementioned Mild RWD at $54,900, the Mild Lengthy Vary RWD at $59,200, the Wind AWD at $63,900, the Land AWD at $69,900, and the range-topping GT-Line AWD at a frankly ludicrous $73,900.
The EPA-estimated driving vary for the rear-drive setup and the usual battery is 230 miles (370 kilometers). The Mild Lengthy Vary RWD ranges as much as 304 miles (489 kilometers), whereas the Wind AWD and Land AWD are listed at 280 miles (451 kilometers). Final however not least, the overly costly GT-Line AWD affords 270 miles (435 kilometers) from a full cost of the long-range battery pack.
