2025 Kia EV9 Review

This new ride is a proven winner, earning top accolades from numerous prestigious critics. It easily earned a place at Popular Science as one of the year’s “50 Greatest Innovations.”  Newsweek gave it a 2024 Auto Disruptors Award. Autotrader declared it one of the Best New Cars of 2024.

Recognizing the new Kia EV for its unique combination of beauty and performance, it earned a 2024 World Car of the Year Award as well as the 2024 World Electric Vehicle Award. The three row EV also won a Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Family Cars category. Parents magazine named it to the 2024 Best Family Cars list.

Proving its credentials as an SUV, the EV9 took home the prestigious 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and the 2024 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Award for SUVs. Car and Driver named it as one of its 2024 10Best Trucks and SUVs. 

Acknowledging its mainstream affordability, Kelley Blue Book awarded it a 2024 Best Buy. The Car Connection gave it a Best Car to Buy Award.  Motorweek gave it a 2024 Drivers’ Choice Award. 

As Kia’s latest addition to their all-electric lineup, the EV9 is built for those who need the versatility of a large SUV but want the environmental benefits of a fully electric vehicle.  It presents a bold, futuristic exterior that commands attention on the road. The large EV has a surprisingly muscular stance that seems to reassure families that can take care of them.

This commanding curb appeal is complemented by sleek lines and a distinctive Tiger Nose grille. The EV9 also features advanced LED lighting systems, including daytime running lights and taillights that enhance visibility and add a touch of modernity. 

Despite the fact that this is a somewhat revolutionary 3-row EV, it is still available in a variety of colors and wheel designs.  Whether you're looking for a well-rounded family SUV or a feature-packed electric vehicle with all the latest amenities, the EV9 has a trim to match your needs.

Inside the 2025 Kia EV9, you’ll find a spacious, high-tech environment designed for both comfort and convenience. The three-row seating configuration provides ample space for up to seven passengers, making it ideal for large or growing families.  Two-tone interiors are available in a special brown and black or navy and gray combination.

The interior is outfitted with premium materials and cutting-edge technology, including a dual panoramic display that integrates the digital instrument cluster with the infotainment system. Other features such as wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a high-end audio system ensure all occupants stay connected and entertained. 

Applying a unique design paradigm in Color, Material and Finish, the EV9 represents a movement toward sustainability as well as beauty and durability.  All three rows enjoy this treatment, applying forward-thinking materials that look and feel welcoming to every family member. This is accomplished without BTX chemicals or animal products. Plus recycled materials are utilized in a variety of ways.  

If you are wondering how it compares to the popular Kia Telluride, the EV9 is actually longer. It shares a similar width and height, however.  The cargo hold measures 20.2 cubic feet while the total cargo volume is 81.9 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded.

Most importantly, every family member has what Kia is calling “executive class” seating. Hallmarks include ample headroom, generous legroom, and plenty of soft touches. The three-row cabin offers a maximum of 160.3 cubic feet of passenger space.  

Tri-zone automatic climate controls, 2nd-row vents and 3rd-row vents help ensure everyone can cool off in our hot Phoenix summers. USB-C outlets are spread out on all three rows. The clever front console can be accessed by the first and second row passengers.

A V2L outlet can be used for picnics, tailgate parties, camping and other activities where small appliances may be needed. A 3.2-cu.ft. frunk can handle up to 88 pounds of weight. 

An exclusive Relaxation Mode is available for the first and second row. This includes power-operated leg rests for the power adjustable, power-ventilated front seats. The second row can have their own power leg rests, power wing-out headrests, and 8-way power chairs. 

Powered by a robust electric motor and advanced battery technology, the 2025 Kia EV9 delivers strong performance and a smooth, quiet ride. With an estimated range of up to 310 miles on a full charge, the EV9 is designed to handle long drives and daily commutes with ease. 

A class leader, the 2025 Kia EV9 has 800-volt electrical architecture. This is usually reserved for luxury EVs, but it’s standard on this Kia.  Ultra-fast charging capabilities allow drivers to recharge up to 80% in just under 20 minutes, making it convenient for both short trips and extended journeys.

This ride is a true SUV with capability to match. It has 7 or 7.8 inches of standard ground clearance.  A rear-wheel drive edition produces 258 lb-ft of torque. With dual motors, an all-wheel drive EV9 offers 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The 2025 Kia EV9 is packed with a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist.  Still somewhat unique to the Kia brand, the blind spot system includes braking and steering assistance.

As part of its advanced driving capability, the EV9 has Smart Cruise Control with stop and go. It offers a more advanced forward collision system with junction turning and junction crossing capability. This system also adds the ability to recognize danger from oncoming vehicles during a lane change and obstacles while driving straight. 

Higher trims supply additional features such as Highway Driving Assist 2, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and a surround-view monitor that gives a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings. A Remote Smart Parking Assist is an autonomous device that a driver can use while inside or outside this large 3 row SUV.

Some of our favorite features include Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and High Beam Assist. Parents will appreciate the Safe Exit Warning and Safe Exit Assist that may prevent kids from stepping out into traffic.  To add protection if an accident does happen, Kia packs ten airbags into the cabin.

The 2025 Kia EV9 is available in a range of trims, each designed to cater to different driving needs and lifestyle preferences. The base model comes well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard features, including advanced safety technologies, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates passengers. 

Moving up the trim levels, the EV9 offers additional luxury and convenience features such as premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, enhanced audio systems, and more advanced driver-assistance technologies. For those seeking the ultimate in performance and style, the top-tier trims include unique exterior styling elements, larger wheels, and exclusive technology upgrades, adding to the sophistication of your EV driving experience. 

The 2025 Kia EV9 redefines what it means to drive an electric SUV, combining bold design, advanced technology, and a spacious interior. Whether you’re taking a long road trip or navigating city streets, the EV9 will deliver a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience. 

Visit Earnhardt Peoria Kia today to test drive the new EV9 and see why it’s the perfect choice for eco-conscious drivers looking for an SUV with a difference.  Schedule a test drive.