Kia beat some of the recognised names in the automotive business to become one of the first to launch a large, seven‑seat electric SUV. The EV9 is also one of the most expensive cars from Kia with versions that offer seating for up to seven people, while the comfort, refinement and levels of technology onboard are up there with more established luxury manufacturers. With up to 349 miles of WLTP range and ultra‑rapid charging capability, the EV9 is a solid choice as an all-electric full-size electric SUV.
There is limited choice when it comes to large six or seven-seat electric SUVs, with only Kia, sister company Hyundai, Volvo and Mercedes‑Benz offering something that ticks the boxes. The Kia EV9 is arguably the pick of the bunch, offering a well thought‑out and well‑rounded package that manages to bring elements of luxury without compromising on everyday practicality. The drive is quiet and refined, while the usable range and charging speeds ensure it can also go the distance.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioPricing in the UK starts from around £66,035 for the EV9 Air, which is the only model to come equipped with a single motor that powers the rear wheels. This configuration is the one to opt for if maximum electric range is a priority, as the single motor is more efficient and allows the large SUV to travel up to 349 miles WLTP on a single charge.
The EV9 GT‑Line with dual motors and all‑wheel drive is priced from around £74,035 in UK specification and delivers a WLTP range of around 316 miles due to the additional power and weight.
Finally, the most lavishly‑appointed GT‑Line S models are available in both seven‑seat and six‑seat configurations, costing £77,035 and £78,035 respectively. The six‑seat version commands a premium as the rear seats can swivel and recline to create a luxurious lounge‑like experience, where occupants can face each other or relax on long journeys.
Used prices for early EV9 examples vary, but the EV9’s positioning as a premium large SUV means second‑hand values generally remain high compared with smaller Kia EVs.
All Kia EV9s use the same 99.8 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack and either one or two Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors.
Rear‑wheel‑drive Air models develop 268 hp and 350 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–62mph sprint in approximately 9.4 seconds despite the EV9’s substantial mass (over 2.5 tonnes).
The dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive models produce around 507 hp and 700 Nm of torque, allowing the EV9 to complete the 0–62mph dash in around 5.3 seconds. Top speed for both configurations is restricted to approximately 114mph(rear‑wheel drive) and 124mph (all‑wheel drive) — plenty for UK speed limits.
While not an outright off‑roader, the EV9 does offer terrain modes such as Mud, Sand and Snow to aid traction on low‑grip surfaces when required.
The EV9 is very easy to drive, with predictable and reliable modulation through both the brakes and accelerator pedal. At slow speeds, the ride can feel unsettled over broken surfaces, but it is silky smooth when travelling along motorways.
The rear‑wheel‑drive models have enough power for most situations, but extra credit should be given to the dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive variants, as they have sufficient torque to deliver impressively swift overtaking even at higher speeds.
Despite its size, the EV9 picks up pace with ease and the electric motors do a great job of delivering that power in a smooth and almost seamless fashion, with simply one long surge of acceleration.
Overall, the ride is very good on most surfaces, with only the odd jolt through the cabin when hitting a pothole or bump at slower speeds. But that’s to be expected when rolling on 20‑inch or 21‑inch wheels, as some EV9 models do.
The steering is light most of the time, but can feel firmer when selecting Sport mode. Eco mode lessens throttle response significantly in a bid to conserve energy, while Sport mode makes the steering and throttle responses feel sharper.
Kia also offers an adjustable regenerative braking system, with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel that allow drivers to alter the strength of the regen. Switched off, the EV9 will coast; at higher settings, it will slow dramatically when lifting off the throttle.
The final thing to note is the sheer amount of driver assistance technology at play here, which — while designed to be safe — can be distracting and annoying.
A driver distraction alert sounds if you look at the touchscreen for too long, while lane keep assist can tug at the steering wheel when navigating narrow country roads. There are shortcuts to turn these systems off, but you’ll have to dive through menus to work them out.
Plus, there is no getting away from the fact that the EV9 is a very large car, and this is no more obvious than when trying to navigate a narrow country lane or squeeze through busy urban traffic.
There are plenty of cameras and parking sensors to help with tricky manoeuvres, and the steering is light, but anyone stepping up into a vehicle of this size will likely need some time to adjust.
The third row of seats, which is often cramped and impractical in rivals, is perfectly comfortable enough for adults, and Kia supplies multiple cubby holes and USB‑C charging points for anyone riding in the rearmost seats.
Even in entry‑level Air models, the fit and finish in the cabin is excellent, with Kia opting for fresh and modern “eco‑fabrics” rather than traditional wood and leather. It feels premium, yet robust enough to withstand the battering of daily family life.
Compared to vehicles such as Mercedes‑Benz or Volvo, it doesn’t feel quite as luxurious, with hard‑wearing surfaces deployed over areas that would feel softer and more opulent in rival premium SUVs, but then it is designed to withstand family life.
All seats are motorised and easily adjusted — folding them flat simply requires the press of a button. So, when you have to throw a bicycle in the back, it’s possible to adjust the rear seating arrangement in seconds with just one hand.
All models come with Kia’s excellent 12.3‑inch touchscreen, which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There is another 12.3‑inch screen behind the steering wheel that replaces analogue instrument dials, and a head‑up display is included on higher‑trim models.
This is one of the largest and most practical electric SUVs money can buy, with plenty of room in the seven‑seat variants for adults.
It also features four ISOFIX child‑seat mounts for families with young children and the third row quickly folds to allow for 828 litres of stowage space with the seats up. If you drop all seats, it practically turns into a van with 2,318 litres of cargo space in the seven‑seat layout and 2,393 litres in the six‑seat variant.
On the subject of six‑seat models, this option (in GT‑Line S trim only) transforms the rear into a business‑class‑style experience. The seats recline, they have folding armrests and footrests that allow passengers to fully relax, making it ideal for long journeys.
The EV9 is a tech tour de force and a vehicle that ushered in a host of new features to the Kia brand overall. A fingerprint recognition system in the centre console allows drivers to quickly access preferred driver settings, including seat position and infotainment profiles.
A digital key, stored on a compatible smartphone, can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle, while the massive 12.3‑inch infotainment system is constantly connected and can be updated to house preferred music and video streaming apps, among other features.
Step up to higher trim levels and a powerful 14‑speaker Meridian Premium Sound System comes as part of the package, delivering excellent audio quality to all seats onboard.
It is also worth noting that the Kia EV9 runs on the same 800‑volt electrical architecture as the EV6 and other EVs in Kia’s range, which allows for high‑power DC charging speeds that can add around 154 miles of range in 15 minutesunder ideal conditions on a compatible ultra‑rapid charger.
Air is the entry‑level trim and sees cars equipped with 19‑inch alloy wheels, dual 12.3‑inch displays for the driver and infotainment, navigation with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, blind‑spot collision avoidance, lane following assist and advanced Highway Driving Assist 2.
GT‑Line adds 21‑inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights and GT‑Line exterior styling, plus a power‑adjustable steering column, heated and adjustable front seats and premium interior touches. Customers also receive a 360‑degree camera view to make parking safer and simpler.
The top‑spec GT‑Line S adds a tilt and slide sunroof, the 14‑speaker Meridian Premium Sound System and a head‑up display, alongside some more premium‑feeling exterior and interior design touches.
Only Aurora Red comes as a standard colour on the EV9 Air, with other finishes such as white, black and blue considered “premium” and commanding a £750 price premium.
It is also possible to specify more expensive alloy wheel designs and features like aluminium side steps to further enhance the exterior styling.
The Kia EV9 has been awarded the maximum five‑star safety rating by Euro NCAP, with the safety body highlighting its strong protection for occupants and road users alike.
In the latest tests, the EV9 scored around 84% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child occupant safety, 76% for vulnerable road users and 83% in the safety assist category, which evaluates crash avoidance technologies and active safety systems that can sometimes feel intrusive.
Euro NCAP highlighted the EV9’s stable passenger compartment in frontal impact, excellent side impact protection and comprehensive suite of assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and speed assistance, all of which contribute to its top overall score.
The EV9 is too new to have a definitive picture on long‑term reliability and customer satisfaction scores, but Kia was one of the first automotive manufacturers to offer a seven‑year warranty in the UK, which further bolsters confidence in the EV9’s long‑term ownership prospects.
There are no local CO2 emissions to speak of here, thanks to the electric powertrain. All‑electric range is solid across the range, but is best in the entry‑level Air model with rear‑wheel drive, which can manage up to 349 miles WLTP on the combined cycle. Opt for the more powerful dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive model and that figure drops to around 316 miles WLTP.
As with all large electric vehicles, range can vary significantly in real‑world conditions, especially at sustained motorway speeds, where figures can easily drop below 300 miles.
In the UK, electric vehicles like the Kia EV9 are no longer exempt from annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). From April 2025 onwards, EVs registered on or after that date pay a first‑year VED of £10, and from the second year onwards they pay the standard rate of £195 per year like petrol or diesel cars.
Because the EV9’s list price is over £40,000, it also attracts the Expensive Car Supplement of £425 per year for five years starting in the second year of registration.
Stevenage
Bedford
Peterborough
Connect with us
