Trims, Powertrain, and Performance
The EV9 makes its debut in trim levels called Light, Light Long Range, Wind, Land, and GT-Line. The Light is configured with a single electric motor producing 215 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. While a 76.1-kWh battery providing 230 miles of range is standard, the Light Long Range gets a 99.8-kWh upgrade that boosts driving range to 304 miles. Both are rear-wheel drive, with a single rear-axle motor.
The Wind, Land, and GT-Line get a motor on the front axle as well, giving them all-wheel drive and a total system output of 379 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque (or 443 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque in Boost mode). While the Wind and Land can both travel up to 280 miles before needing a recharge, the sportier GT-Line dips in range to 270 miles. The Wind, Land, and GT-Line can reach 60 mph from 0 in five seconds, which is a major feat for its size.
As far as towing, the Light and Light Long Range can handle up to 2,000 pounds, while the others reach their limit at 3,500 lb. This can be increased to 5,000 lb. with the Land and GT-Line, provided they are properly equipped.
Charging
When it’s plugged into a standard 240V charger, the Light will reach a 10 to 100 percent charge in as little as 6 hours and 45 minutes (8 hours and 45 minutes with the other trims). A more efficient charge can be achieved using a 350-kW DC fast charger, which can supply a 10 to 80 percent charge in 20 to 25 minutes. Like most carbon-neutral vehicles, the EV9 has a helpful regenerative braking system, which works by capturing the kinetic energy created during braking and converting it into electricity for the battery.
Features and Options
The ’24 EV9 is a modern marvel that’s equipped with truly fine amenities. The Light has a one-touch sliding-and-folding 60/40-split second-row bench seat and a 50/50-split folding-and-reclining third-row seat that give it seven-passenger capacity (there’s even a Quiet Mode setting to shut off audio to those rows). As for its other standard features, it has tri-zone automatic climate control, SynTex upholstery (for the seats and steering wheel), power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, power-folding and heated side mirrors with built-in turn indicators, automatic LED headlights, Digital Key, push-button ignition, and rain-sensing wipers. For tech, it gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, two 120V power outlets, an in-car PA system (Passenger Talk), and a sweeping 24.6-inch digital dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. One step up the trim ladder, the Light Long Range swaps in second-row captain’s chairs in place of the bench, reducing seating capacity to six. It also adds a HomeLink universal garage door opener.
The Wind goes back to seating seven with the second-row bench seat and receives low-profile roof rails, a heated steering wheel, two large sunroofs, and a drive mode specifically for snow. Meanwhile, the Land is issued unique 24-cube LED headlights, a segment-first customizable digital grille with dynamic lighting patterns, a digital rearview mirror, auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, an enhanced driver’s seat with leg extension, position memory settings (for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and side mirrors), multi-colored ambient interior lighting, and a 1,920-watt V2L onboard power generator. The second row is improved with heated and ventilated captain’s chairs, a slide-out center console, and integrated window sunshades.
The sport-oriented GT-Line augments performance with a self-leveling rear suspension and an acceleration-enhancing Boost mode. Its luxury and convenience factor increases with raised roof rails, a driver’s seat with power-adjustable bolsters, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat with leg extension, and a 12-inch head-up display. More comfortable second-row Lounge Seats with improved headrests and leg extension are available for the Land and GT-Line.
Advanced Driver Aids
Every Kia EV9 trim comes with a full suite of standard driver-assist technologies and safety systems. The list includes blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection, as well as oncoming lane change and evasive steering assist), rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, navigation-based adaptive cruise control with highway driving assist, intelligent speed-limit assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, and safe exit assist.
The Land and GT-Line get even more: a blind-spot view monitor, side parking sensors, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, and a 3D surround-view monitor. The GT-Line also gets front parking collision-avoidance assist, side parking collision-avoidance assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, each of which is available for the Land.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All trims come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system featuring navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone/audio streaming. While the Light, Light Long Range, and Wind get an eight-speaker sound system, the Land and GT-Line get a premium Meridian system with 14 speakers.
