Kia EV9 Baggage Check: How a lot suits behind the third row (and frunk)?

Based on its inside dimension specs, the Kia EV9 electrical SUV has 20.2 cubic-feet of cargo quantity behind its raised third row. For comparability, the Kia Telluride has 21 cubic-feet, whereas most different three-row crossovers are within the 16-18 cubic-foot vary. So, in idea, the EV9 ought to have the ability to carry extra stuff behind its third row than most. It must also be awfully much like the Telluride.

After all, as I’ve discovered time and time once more, it is not often that straightforward. There are underfloor storage areas to contemplate, and within the EV9’s case, a frunk as nicely. Let’s examine how a lot can really match again there.

Right here is the house behind the third row. Instantly, I can see that that is an atypically deep house. Additionally, that is the primary time I can do not forget that the wheel wells prolonged deeper than the third row. This is able to be the results of the EV9’s electrical platform that expands the wheelbase and pushes the wheels to the corners. 

The Telluride depends upon a big, helpful underfloor storage space (above proper) to successfully decrease its cargo flooring and stuff in additional luggage than each competitor however the Chevrolet Traverse/Buick Enclave and Toyota Grand Highlander.

As you possibly can see above left, the EV9 doesn’t have this. It nonetheless offers an area to retailer the cargo cowl (goes over the lowered third row) and there may be house for the tire inflation bottle thingy and different odds and ends, however it isn’t helpful for increasing baggage capability.

Now, onto the luggage. First, for the reason that EV9’s third row reclines, I set the angle (as all the time) to what I’d deem a cushty angle. That is as scientific as that will get, I am afraid. Second, as with each Baggage Check, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that will should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 vast, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller inexperienced roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).

Fairly good! The EV9 joins the Grand Highlander as the one three-row crossover I’ve examined that’s vast sufficient to place my two greatest luggage subsequent to one another like that. They simply barely match within the EV9, although, and there was significantly extra space between them and the liftgate within the Grand Highlander. 

As you possibly can see, the EV9’s physique narrows because it rises (aka tumblehome). It does so greater than the Grand Highlander (and Lexus TX), which might match each of my medium black luggage end-to-end. The EV9 needed to go along with the shorter inexperienced bag as a substitute. The Grand Highlander/TX even have sufficient remaining top and depth to swallow the ultimate two luggage, however once more, that is the current gold commonplace. 

This end result is definitely higher than the Telluride when you do not use the underfloor space (which you could not when you weren’t capable of take away that cargo cowl cartridge). For those who DO use the underfloor space, nonetheless, the Telluride is ready to maintain all my luggage besides the flowery bag. Telluride is subsequently fairly a bit extra helpful than the 0.8 cubic-foot distinction with the EV9 would recommend.

Now, the EV9’s end result continues to be higher than the vast majority of three-row crossovers since it may well maintain each of my greatest luggage. It is really uncommon for one in every of them to suit. 

Ah, however what concerning the frunk?

No assist right here I am afraid. The frunk is method too small to suit any of my luggage. On the brilliant facet, its existence implies that the emergency cost wire and Kia’s electrical plug doo-dad (plug into automotive, plug no matter you wish to energy into plug) do not take up house within the cargo space. I am undecided why the tire-filling bottle thingy cannot go in right here too. 

To open the frunk, press the center button above left twice. There is not any latch essential to fumble to seek out underneath the hood lip.

To open the frunk when you’re an kidnapped Oompa-Loompa, carry the flap above proper and press the glow-in-the-dark button. 

Again to the cargo space, there’s a 125V outlet behind a sliding cowl. There are additionally buttons on this range-topping EV9 GT Line that decrease the power-operated second row. Whereas fancy and definitely good as soon as seated in these second-row captain’s chairs, they take FOREVER to motor ahead whereas making an attempt to entry the third row. 

This is one thing I’ve by no means seen earlier than. Underneath a flap is a liftgate open/shut button. Now, Ford and I am certain others I’ve forgotten used to place the liftgate shut button roughly right here, with out a cowl, reasonably than on the now-expected placement on the liftgate itself. That is not what that is. 

As an alternative, it appears to be for the only function for opening and shutting the liftgate from contained in the EV9. For those who maintain the button and begin to shut the liftgate from exterior, the liftgate stops when you carry your finger. I am guessing that is why the flap is there. 

Unsure if there was a requirement for this, however hey, why not?