The 2024 Kia EV9 makes its North American debut
April 19 2023, World Cars Kia
After months of rumors and endless anticipation, Kia finally presents its EV9 SUV in a major North American premiere. This is the first 100% electric three-row SUV for the Korean automaker. In addition to its ultra-modern look, the Kia EV9 offers advanced technologies, a refined interior, and breathtaking performance.
• 0-100 in less than 5.0 seconds
• Towing capacity of 5,000 pounds
• Ground clearance of 7.8 inches
• 800-volt architecture
• Alternatives to real leather for the interior
Family resemblance
I imagine I'm not the first to mention it, but there's a strong resemblance between the Kia EV9 and another model in the Korean automaker's lineup that has practically become iconic over the years. You'll understand that I'm talking about the Soul here. However, the Kia EV9 is significantly more imposing than its little brother since it's a three-row SUV. In theory, the production version destined for Canada should closely resemble the model presented to us in New York during the International Auto Show.
A luxurious and sophisticated interior
Where the Kia EV9 really makes its mark is in the design of its interior, which can accommodate 6 or 7 passengers depending on the chosen configuration. The Korean automaker's SUV benefits from an ultra-modern dashboard on which you'll find a giant floating screen that houses the dashboard and multimedia system. The Korean automaker's SUV will offer all sorts of high-end features including first-class captain-type rear seats. The Kia EV9 will notably offer an electronic rearview mirror, a color head-up display, and a 708-watt Meridian audio system.
Powerful and efficient
The Kia EV9 will offer two mechanical options, starting with a two-wheel drive version that will be powered by an electric motor with a power output of 201 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. For the two-motor version, it switches to all-wheel drive and the power increases to 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It's thanks to this powertrain that the Korean automaker's SUV will be able to complete the 0-100 in less than 5.0 seconds, in addition to offering a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is certainly in the right range for this type of vehicle. As for the range, Kia is announcing an initial estimate of 480 kilometers for the two-wheel drive version and a range of 400 kilometers for the four-wheel drive version, all thanks to a 99.8 kWh battery. As mentioned earlier, the platform of the Kia EV9 is based on an 800-volt architecture, which allows it to benefit from a fast charge of 25 minutes to bring the battery from 10% to 80% of its capacity.
The Kia EV9 is set to be commercialized in Canada at the end of 2023. The first units will be assembled at the beginning of 2024, and deliveries will subsequently begin. The best part of all this is that the Kia EV9 is the work of none other than Canadian designer Karim Habib.
