Overview

Kia has been steadily reinventing itself over the last decade, but the EV9 is its first flagship EV.  A full-size, three-row SUV sitting on the brand’s E-GMP platform, designed to compete with the likes of the Volvo EX90 and BMW iX.

With a choice of rear-wheel drive or dual-motor AWD, two battery sizes (76.1kWh or 99.8kWh), rapid charging capability, and seating for up to seven, the EV9 is marketed as a do-it-all family vehicle. Price wise they start from around £65,000, rising to just over £76,000 for the range-topping GT-Line S AWD.

Design

The first thing you notice about the EV9 is its sheer size and presence, sitting at over five metres long and two metres wide, it’s definitely not subtle . The angular edges, blocky proportions and “Digital Tiger Face” lighting style give it a futuristic look that is distinctive from the more rounded designs of many rivals.

Inside you are met with a widescreen digital dashboard, combining a 12.3-inch driver display, 5-inch climate panel and 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It feels modern and well thought-out, though at times a little light on physical buttons, with some settings buried in menus. The interior uses recycled fabrics and soft-touch materials in the places that matter, but some harder plastics remain lower down. Overall quality is good, but it doesn’t live up to the premium feel you might expect.

Where the EV9 does excel is space and flexibility. You can choose six or seven-seat layouts, with options to swivel second-row chairs and reclining “relaxation” seats complete with footrests. The third row is genuinely usable for adults on short trips, and with everything folded flat the boot is enormous. This combined with the small frunk and masses of in-cabin storage confirms that Kia has designed the EV9 with family life in mind.

Driving

I tested the dual-motor AWD version with 378bhp and 516lb ft of torque. It was surprisingly quick off the mark for such a heavy car, reaching 62mph in 5.3 seconds, and seemed to pick up speed confidently when joining motorways or overtaking. The single-motor RWD version on the other hand is reported to be more efficient but slower, especially when loaded.

The EV9’s steering feels light and easy in town, but as you pick up speed you will notice some body roll. Ride quality is generally comfortable, soaking up the majority of bumps, but larger potholes are noticeable. At motorway speeds the cabin stays quiet, with only a touch of tyre roar on rougher tarmac.

The driver-assist tech is comprehensive, including adaptive cruise, blind-spot cameras and a clever parking assistant. Most of it works smoothly, though I found the lane-keeping system a tad intrusive on rural roads, with it regularly nudging the steering wheel.

Range and Running Costs

In the AWD version I tested, Kia claims a maximum range of around 315 miles, in reality I saw between 280–300 miles in mixed conditions. Still respectable for such a big SUV, but not quite as exceptional as the brochure suggests. The long-range RWD version with the 99.8kWh battery does fare better, Kia claims up to 349 miles, but most reports suggest it can achieve around 320 to 340 miles in everyday use.

Charging is one of its big strengths. Thanks to its 800V architecture, the EV9 can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes on a 350kW rapid charger. Even on more common 150kW chargers, it tops up quickly. On a home 11kW wall box, a full charge takes around 10.5 hours.

Running costs are typical for a large EV SUV (lower than a petrol or diesel equivalent) – but insurance is high, with top-of-the-line models sitting in group 50. Kia does however offer a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty to sweeten the deal, and the battery is covered down to 70% capacity in that period.

Comfort and Practicality

The EV9’s flat floor, wide-opening doors, and clever interior layout make it one of the most family-friendly EVs I’ve tested. The middle row offers generous legroom, while the optional swivel seats are a clever addition for longer trips – my kids loved the novelty of facing each other. The third row is more spacious than most rivals, providing enough room for adults on shorter journeys. The boot is also excellent, even with all three rows in place there is decent space for luggage, then once you fold down the back rows it becomes enormous. Safety is also a strong point, the EV9 scored five stars in Euro NCAP testing, with particularly high results for child protection.

Technology is another highlight. The infotainment system is slick and clear, and Kia includes Vehicle-to-Load functionality so you can power devices from the car’s battery. Again, ideal for family trips, camping holidays or even working remotely.

Verdict

Driving the EV9 left me genuinely impressed. Kia has entered a market usually reserved for premium brands, and while it doesn’t quite match them on quality of interior or overall efficiency, it does get very close – and for noticeably less money.

If you need a genuine three-row EV, where the third row isn’t just an afterthought for kids, your choices are limited. The EV9 actually delivers on that promise, and deserves to be near the top of the shortlist. It’s spacious, thoughtfully designed, safe, and includes tech that makes life easier. The sheer size and real-world efficiency may put some buyers off, but for families wanting to go electric without compromise, the EV9 is a solid choice.

Key Specs

Kia EV9

Price (RRP OTR): from £65,025; GT-Line S AWD £76,025
Top speed: 124mph 0–62mph: 5.3 seconds
Power: 378bhp
Torque: 516lb ft
Driving range: up to 349 miles (WLTP, RWD Long Range); around 280–300 real world (AWD)
Charging time: 10–80% in ~24 minutes on 350kW DC; 10.5hrs on 11kW AC
Insurance group: 50 (GT-Line S)
Vehicle warranty: 7 years / 100,000 miles
Battery warranty: 7 years / 100,000 miles (70% capacity guarantee)