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Electric SUV

Kia EV9

The 3-row family EV that finally exists. Bigger inside than it looks. Aggressive lease deals.

Kia EV9© Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Starting price (MSRP)
$54,900
EPA range
304 mi
Body style
SUV / crossover
Tow capacity
5,000 lbs
Budget tier
$35,000 – $55,000
See local listings →Research & reviews on Edmunds →

Who it's for

Family buyers who need three rows and want an EV. Until recently this was an oxymoron in the mainstream price range; the EV9 made it real.

What works

  • · Genuinely usable third row — adults fit, not just children
  • · Same E-GMP 800V platform as the Ioniq 5/6 — fast charging works the same way
  • · AWD with up to 5,000 lb tow capacity — handles family activities like boats, trailers
  • · Cabin materials and tech are class-leading at the price point

What doesn't

  • · Range loaded with three rows of passengers and gear is meaningfully less than the EPA rating implies
  • · Boxy shape is less aerodynamic than sleeker EVs — highway efficiency suffers
  • · Bigger and harder to park than the Ioniq 5 — measure your garage first
  • · The base trim feels noticeably less plush than Land or GT-Line

Context

The EV9 single-handedly made three-row EV family hauling work at sub-$60k pricing. Direct competitor to the Rivian R1S (more rugged, more expensive) and Tesla Model X (older, less practical, more expensive). The Land or GT-Line trims are the smart-money picks; the base Light/Wind trims feel like rental cars by comparison.

Owner reviews

No owner reviews yet. If you own a Kia EV9, we'd love to publish your honest take — email spencerdstone@gmail.com.

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