Car review: 2023 Kia EV9
Introducing the most expensive Kia ever sold in Australia – the all-electric EV9.
Pitched as a large family car, you’ll need serious cash to park one in your garage, with prices starting at nearly $100,000. However, the lack of competitors in the seven-seat, all-electric SUV market could attract affluent buyers who haven’t considered a Kia before.
Driving range
The EV9 comes in three variants – Air, Earth and GT-Line. The Air has a rear-wheel drive, single-motor powertrain with a 76.1kWh battery, giving it a range of about 440km. The Earth and GT-Line variants have all-wheel drive, dual-motor powertrains, which feature a 99.8kWh battery and have a range of about 505km.
Design and function
The upside of the EV9’s boxy exterior is the roomy interior. Stepping into the EV9, you’ll notice lots of rear leg and headroom. The split-and-slide middle seat can be adjusted – and laid flat – for more leg room in the front or space behind for third row passengers. The small EV start button – with fingerprint recognition – integrated into the column-mounted gearshift, frees up the centre console for more useable space. There’s a massive tray between the front seats that extends to the second row. Even when using all three rows of seats, there’s still space for luggage in the rear, and you can fit more in the large storage area at the front of the EV9.
The tech
The EV9’s dash-mounted panoramic wide display has two 12.3-inch cluster and infotainment touch displays and a five-inch segment display, with at-a-glance climate control information. The GT-Line model comes with digital side mirrors and a digital centre mirror. Despite its tech advantages, I prefer the wider view and easier-to-read conventional mirrors on the other models.
Charging and other functions
The EV9’s multi-charging 800-volt architecture gives it ultra-fast-charge capability. The 350kW charger means you can charge the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 20 minutes. The EV9 features standard interior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, so occupants can plug in and power their appliances or charge their devices wherever they travel. The GT-Line goes one better, with its exterior V2L enabling users to charge devices when they’re outside the vehicle. The EV9 also uses the Kia Connect system with over-the-air (OTA) updates providing regular improvements to the vehicle.
On the road
The EV9’s standout features are its power, handling and comfort. At about three tonnes, the EV9 is a big car, yet loaded up it can still sprint from 0km/h to highway speeds in between 5.3 and 8.2 seconds, depending on the model. A suspension and handling package that can wrangle such a weight is a feat, but Kia has done it. The Australia-tuned suspension provides confident handling and foam-lined, sound-deadening tyres also add to the EV9’s quiet comfort.
The bottom line
We’re seeing the beginning of the next generation of large family cars entering the market. Although the EV9 is expensive for most family budgets, it’s the best value considering the tech and capability it delivers.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Specs Price | $97,000 (EV9 Air); $106,500 (EV9 Earth); $112,000 (EV9 GT-Line) |
| ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars |
| Range | 443km (Air); 512km (Earth); 505km (GT-Line) |
| Warranty | Seven years with unlimited kilometres |
| Battery warranty | Seven years or 150,000km (whichever comes first) |
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