The past year of uneven electric vehicle (EV) growth has revealed a crucial shift: American consumers are no longer willing to make significant compromises when selecting an electric car. If a vehicle lacks sufficient range, doesn't meet size preferences, or is too expensive, buyers are opting for hybrids or traditional gasoline cars instead. The days of early adopters indiscriminately purchasing any electric vehicle are now behind us.
However, there is good news for consumers. The list of compromises required to go electric is shrinking. A prime example of this progress is the Kia EV9, a stylish, three-row SUV that has ushered in a new wave of buyers into the EV market.
The EV9 stands out in the electric vehicle market, particularly in the context of American families looking for a spacious, electric three-row SUV. Previously, options in this category were limited, often marked by high prices, awkward designs, or insufficient space. The Tesla Model X, the Rivian R1S, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV are examples of high-end electric three-row SUVs that have not found widespread appeal due to these limitations.
"It’s remarkable how every other three-row EV has some sort of major compromise," says Kevin Williams, InsideEVs Staff Writer.
The Kia EV9 breaks this mold, offering a mainstream, affordable option for those who love their traditional three-row SUVs like the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander but are looking for an electric alternative. The EV9 fills a crucial gap in the market, becoming the first mass-appeal, three-row electric SUV.
By introducing the EV9, Kia tackles one of the most significant yet often overlooked barriers to broader EV adoption. Buyers are unlikely to seriously consider an electric vehicle if it doesn’t even come in the form factor they desire.
Despite its groundbreaking features, the Kia EV9 is not the winner of our Breakthrough EV of the Year competition. While it represents a significant leap forward for its segment, its higher price point compared to gasoline-powered alternatives remains a concern.
For instance, the Kia Telluride starts at $37,585—nearly $20,000 less than the base model of the EV9. Even with attractive leasing deals, the price gap is considerable. Additionally, the EV9's pricing climbs quickly: upgrading to the long-range battery pack increases the range to 304 miles but also raises the price to just over $60,000. Adding all-wheel drive with a second motor pushes the price above $65,000, and the fully-loaded GT-Line variant tested in this review approached $80,000.
While the EV9 offers excellent value in terms of design, technology, and features, many gasoline and hybrid SUVs provide similar functionality for much less money. This difference in value is a key reason why the EV9 didn’t win our Breakthrough EV of the Year award, despite its impressive qualities.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $56,395 |
| EV Range | 230-304 miles |
| Drive Type | RWD or AWD |
| Output | 215 - 379 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 258 - 516 lb-ft |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet (81.7 cubic feet with all seats folded) |
