For years, families wanting an electric SUV had to accept compromises: Tesla's Model X offered three rows but at supercar prices; the Model Y's third row is laughably small. The Kia EV9 changes this equation entirely. It's a proper three-row SUV that happens to be electric—not an electric car pretending to be a family hauler.
Why the EV9 Matters
The EV9 isn't just another EV; it's proof that mainstream automakers can build electric vehicles that meet real family needs. At $54,900-$73,900, it undercuts the Model X by $30,000 while offering comparable space and better practicality.
Test Vehicle: 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD
Bold Design Statement
The EV9 looks like nothing else on the road—angular, geometric, and unapologetically futuristic. The vertical headlights, flat panels, and boxy proportions are divisive but distinctive. In a sea of blob-shaped crossovers, the EV9 actually has a point of view.
Size-wise, it's enormous: 197 inches long, 78 inches wide, and nearly 70 inches tall. That's larger than a Chevrolet Tahoe in most dimensions. The boxy shape maximizes interior volume rather than aerodynamic efficiency—a deliberate choice that prioritizes family utility.
"Every parking lot generates comments. People either love it or find it strange—but nobody ignores it. After six months, I still enjoy looking back at it while walking away."
�?Long-term test notes, month four
Interior: The Real Story
This is where the EV9 earns its reputation. The flat EV floor creates an interior that feels more like a living room than a car.
First Row
The driver's environment is excellent—commanding seating position, well-designed controls, and the dual 12.3-inch screen setup that Hyundai/Kia does so well. The relaxation seat function (front seats recline nearly flat) is perfect for charging stops.
Second Row
Captain's chairs (standard on GT-Line) slide fore-aft and recline substantially. Legroom is limousine-class: 42 inches with the seats pushed back. USB-C ports, climate vents, and heated/ventilated seats make this the best place to be on long trips.
Third Row: Actually Usable
Here's the revelation: the EV9's third row fits adults. Real, full-sized adults. With 31.4 inches of legroom (more than a Toyota Highlander), 6-footers can sit comfortably. The flat floor means no transmission tunnel hump stealing foot space.
| Vehicle | 3rd Row Legroom | 3rd Row Headroom | Adult Usable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 | 31.4" | 38.7" | Yes |
| Tesla Model X | 28.6" | 34.2" | Barely |
| Tesla Model Y | 16.2" | 32.0" | No |
| Rivian R1S | 26.0" | 37.5" | Kids only |
Cargo Flexibility
With all seats up: 20.2 cubic feet—enough for daily groceries but tight for luggage. Third row folded: 56 cubic feet. All seats folded: 82 cubic feet. The EV9's versatility approaches minivan levels.
Range & Charging Reality
EPA rates the GT-Line AWD at 270 miles. Our real-world experience over 11,000 miles:
Charging Speed: The 800V Advantage
Kia's 800-volt architecture enables charging speeds that transform road trips. At a 350kW Electrify America station, we consistently achieved 230+ kW peak charging, adding 180 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
The EV9 also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality—you can power camping gear, tools, or even other EVs from the vehicle's battery. We used this feature to run a small refrigerator during a tailgate party and to charge phones during a power outage.
Road Trip Reality: 1,800 Miles to Florida
The true test of any family EV: a long road trip. We drove the EV9 from Chicago to Orlando—approximately 1,100 miles each way—with two adults and three children.
Charging Stop Experience
We made four charging stops each way, typically adding 60-75% battery in 20-25 minutes. The children used these breaks productively—bathroom, snacks, stretching—and never complained about charging time being "too long."
Chicago to Orlando Trip Log
- Stop 1 (Indianapolis): 22 minutes, 15-78%
- Stop 2 (Louisville): 18 minutes, 18-70%
- Stop 3 (Nashville): 25 minutes, 12-75%
- Stop 4 (Atlanta): 23 minutes, 15-72%
- Total charging time: 88 minutes (each direction)
- Total trip time: ~17 hours (including traffic, meals)
Compared to gas-powered trips with similar meal/bathroom stops, the EV9 added roughly 45-60 minutes to the journey.
Passenger Comfort
The EV9's suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over sportiness—exactly right for family duty. Highway cruising is serene: minimal road noise, smooth ride over expansion joints, and the relaxation seats let adults truly rest during the journey.
Daily Family Use
School Run
The EV9 handles school pickup duty brilliantly. Third-row access via the walk-through second row (with captain's chairs) lets kids climb in and out independently. The high H-point means adults don't stoop when buckling car seats.
Grocery Runs
Even with six-passenger configuration, there's enough cargo space for a significant Costco run. The flat load floor and low lift-over height make loading easy.
Sports Practice
Three kids' worth of soccer/hockey/lacrosse equipment fits with seats up. With the third row folded, you could transport a small team's gear.
Home Charging
On our Level 2 home charger (48A/11.5kW), the EV9 adds approximately 30 miles of range per hour—enough to fully charge overnight from any state. We never visited a public charger for daily driving.
Technology Highlights
Dual 12.3-inch Displays
The curved dual-screen setup is responsive and well-organized. Kia's interface has improved significantly—it's now among the best in the industry. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work flawlessly.
Highway Driving Assist 2
Kia's Level 2+ driver assistance is excellent. On highways, the EV9 handles steering, acceleration, and braking with minimal driver input. It even executes lane changes when you activate the turn signal. We found it comfortable enough for extended use without feeling like we were fighting the system.
Digital Key 2.0
Use your phone as a key—walk up with the phone in your pocket, and the car unlocks. Share digital keys with family members remotely. We rarely used the physical key fob after initial setup.
Rear Seat Entertainment
The optional rear entertainment screens (connected to the vehicle's internet) kept children occupied during long drives. YouTube, streaming apps, and device mirroring worked reliably.
Real-World Efficiency
Over 11,247 miles, we tracked every kWh consumed:
Cost Comparison
At our local electricity rate of $0.14/kWh, the EV9 costs approximately $0.05/mile to operate. A comparable gas-powered three-row SUV (20 mpg combined) at $3.50/gallon costs $0.175/mile�?.5x more. Over 15,000 annual miles, that's approximately $1,875 in fuel savings.
Six-Month Verdict
The Kia EV9 does something remarkable: it proves an electric vehicle can genuinely replace a gas-powered family SUV without requiring lifestyle compromises. The third row is usable. The range is sufficient. The charging is fast. The interior is luxurious. The technology is modern.
What We Loved
- Genuinely usable third-row seating for adults
- 800V architecture enables ultra-fast charging
- Comfortable, quiet highway cruising
- Excellent interior space and flexibility
- Distinctive design that stands out
- V2L capability for versatility
What Needs Improvement
- Highway range drops significantly at 75+ mph
- GT-Line price pushes near $75K
- Software occasionally requires restart
- Base Light models lack key features
Key Takeaways
- Best three-row EV currently available for families
- Fast charging transforms road trip viability
- Third row actually fits adults comfortably
- 258-mile real-world range in mixed driving
- Approximately $1,875/year fuel savings vs. gas SUV
- 10-year/100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind
Who Should Buy the EV9?
Families with three or more children who need space but want to go electric. Frequent road trippers who can access fast-charging networks. Anyone ready for a practical EV that doesn't require sacrificing the utility of a traditional large SUV. The EV9 makes the electric transition genuinely easy.
