Quick Recap of the Kia EV9 Range

• Discover three unique models: Read our full review of the efficient RWD ‘Air’, the well-rounded GT-Line, and the sport-tuned GT to find your best fit.
• Test the driving experience: See how each model tackles city streets, country roads and highways, with a focus on comfort, control and driver enjoyment.
• Compare the performance and power: Know the differences in acceleration and powertrain between the versatile RWD, exciting GT-Line, and the expected power of the GT.
• Consider family-friendly utility: Experience the EV9’s cavernous interior, spacious seven-seat layout, and flexible storage solutions.
• Explore innovative technology: Take a tour of the fully digital cockpit, the driver-assistance features, and special touches such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L).
• Know what it costs to own: Examine real-life range, charging speeds, and the financial returns of EV9 ownership in the UK.
• Get our definitive take: Our final recommendation will help you decide which EV9 is right for your family’s lifestyle and driving habits.

On-Road Dynamics: How Each Kia EV9 Navigates UK Roads

The biggest takeaway of the Kia EV9 is undoubtedly the size. It looks like it would be intimidating to drive, but going inside and pulling away, you find a car that is surprisingly easy to handle. The rear-wheel-drive ‘Air’ version that I was testing was stuck in the predictable chaos of the Monday morning school run. The EV9 shines in such a setting. Acceleration is so smooth and nearly silent that you’ll find yourself relaxing inside rather than stressing out outside in traffic. The light, responsive steering makes tight manoeuvres and parking less intimidating than you might assume for a vehicle this size. It never seems scary; instead, it feels calm and safe, and perfectly capable of meeting urban needs.On the M25, with the ‘Air,’ you can stretch your legs a little and enjoy its transformation from a surprisingly nippy city vehicle to one of the most comfortable long-distance travellers around. Given its size, you might expect a coarse, buss-like experience, but the truth is much different. The EV9 cuts through motorway surfaces with a calm, grounded ride that effectively buffers occupants from wind and road noise. The single electric motor delivers enough power to be confident when accelerating onto slip roads and overtaking. But the emphasis here is very much on comfort and efficiency, for a calm and serene drive which leaves you feeling revitalised even after several hours behind the wheel. It’s a tribute to Kia’s engineering that such a large SUV can feel so effortless and peaceful on the highway.The change to the all-wheel-drive GT-Line brings a very different character. The second front motor and then a complex torque-vectoring system that will give you a feeling of higher grip and stability immediately. Driving along foggy wet Cotswolds lanes, the Cotswolds lanes, the GT-Line was simply impeccable, not a shred of drama or hesitation. You can sense the extra motor assist pulling the car out of corners, giving even more confidence in its sure-footedness.The ride is harsher than the ‘Air’, a direct consequence of the bigger alloy wheels and sport-tuned suspension, but it’s a fair exchange. You lose a little bit of softness, but you gain a lot in driver connection and control. It feels more tailored to the road, more nimble, and never jarring – an ideal mix for the driver who likes to push things along but still needs his wagon to be comfortable enough to haul the kids around day to day. Though the high-performance GT model has yet to be brought to the UK as I write, I was lucky enough to take a seat in a pre-production model and chat to the engineers behind its development.They tout a vehicle that elevates the dynamic abilities of the EV9 on all fronts. With a far stronger dual-motor configuration, stiffer suspension, and faster steering response, the GT is shaping up to attack tight, twisty B-roads with the verve of a much smaller sports car. Everything points towards a genuinely thrilling proposition for the enthusiast driver in need of seven seats, and I have high hopes for the same in terms of the seven-seat family get-around. I will update with a complete driving review when I have a chance to get out on the road, but build-up is certainly firming for what may well be a segment-best performance SUV.

• Single Rear Motor (RWD ‘Air’): Delivers a smooth, quiet, and effortless drive, making it ideal for relaxed city commuting and long-distance motorway cruising.
• Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive (GT-Line): Provides enhanced grip and all-weather confidence, offering a more engaging and controlled driving experience on challenging roads.
• Performance-Tuned Suspension (GT-Line): A firmer ride translates to sharper handling and greater driver involvement without sacrificing overall comfort.
• Anticipated High-Performance GT: Promises sportscar-like acceleration and dynamic handling for the enthusiast who refuses to compromise on driving fun.

Kia EV9 Powertrain Power: A Deep Dive into Performance

Power and Poise: Breaking Down the EV9’s Powertrains

Speed is not the only thing I want to know about the car, but different Kia EV9 variants have different characteristics, which I can feel when I step on the throttle. These aren’t just numbers on a sheet of paper, calculations; the differences are tangible, real-world experiences, which shape how the car feels in every situation, from an uneventful trip to the shops to an energetic merge on the motorway. Knowing these differences is essential in selecting the EV9 that best fits your vision of what a family SUV can and should be. Let’s start with the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) ‘Air’ Version. With its single electric motor outputting a not too shabby 200bhp, it can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. That number may not seem all that impressive on paper, but the reality on the road is quite different. Constant, seamless and silent: The way it pulls away from a stop is one of the defining characteristics of the ‘Air’, which feels spunky and reactive as soon as it starts turning its single motor. So you get the brisk, silent shove of the new Leaf pulling away from the traffic lights, which never quite feel like you have enough power for everyday driving. Regenerative braking, which recoups energy to recharge the battery, can take a moment to get used to if you’re new to EVs. But it’s a very short adaptation period, and I found myself comfortably one-pedal driving nearly the entire time I was in the city and barely touching the brake pedal. For daily runs and effortless commute, the Air is more than competent, and by no stretch of the imagination is it thinking slow.The GT-Line brings a huge jump in performance and driver excitement. The power is nearly double, to an astonishing 378bhp, with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. This raises the 0-62mph time dramatically down to 5.3 seconds, a time that challenges many sports saloons. The difference is immediately apparent. Accelerating past traffic on A-roads and motorways becomes effortless with a quick, sure-footed surge of power which throws you back into your seat. The children in the back were especially delighted by the burst of acceleration on a slip road. This is the powertrain for those who still want their sensible family car to feel a bit special and thrilling to drive. The EV9 gets turned up from a capable cruiser to a lively and engaging addition to every journey with the GT-Line that adds a dash of excitement. Introducing the GT model. Well, since its official UK release is pending, the specs say this thing is a really nasty performance machine. The GT is also said to have a powertrain that can get this seven-seater from 0-62mph in less than four seconds. This is real sports car ground, and promises a thrilling ride for those who consider driving excitement as the most important factor. But all these exciting numbers notwithstanding, the real test will be what the car does on the road. With the already lively character of the GT-Line, the GT will be the ultimate choice for the enthusiast parent who believes that needing seven seats shouldn’t mean losing the thrill of a Saturday morning blast down a favourite B-road.

• RWD ‘Air’ Powertrain: Instant torque from the 200bhp motor provides brisk, responsive acceleration for confident daily driving and city commutes.
• GT-Line Dual-Motor AWD: 378bhp delivers thrilling performance and a 5.3-second 0-62mph time, making motorway overtakes effortless and driving more engaging.
• One-Pedal Driving Capability: The efficient regenerative braking system allows for smooth, intuitive control in stop-start traffic, enhancing the relaxed driving experience.
• Forthcoming GT Performance: The top-tier model promises sub-four-second 0-62mph acceleration, offering sports car-level performance in a practical seven-seat package.

Inside the Kia EV9: A Masterclass in Space and Practicality

And this is the answer everyone wants to know: a true seven-seat model is confirmed. For years, families have been told they’ll get a real seven-seat electric SUV, but they ended up with third rows they had to cross their fingers about, with emphasis on the kids only taking short trips. The Kia EV9 radically changes that expectation. Every time you open the door and slide over to any model’s cavernous interior, you are taken immediately aback. It’s not just the number of seats, but the quality of the space. The high roofline and broad interior promote a new feeling of spaciousness, giving all three rows of seats plenty of head and shoulder room. Now, this is real, grown-up, you-could-live-with-it space, designed to be comfortable on long trips rather than just dashes to the grocery store.The interior flexibility is where the EV9 shines most as a family vehicle. Even with all seven seats in place, you get a fairly generous 333 litres of boot space. This will see us through a weekly shop for the whole family, a couple of school bags and a few sports kits. But if you fold down the third row of seats, a straightforward and quick process, the cargo area increases to a mind-boggling 828 litres. This cavernous space is designed to hold all the gear an active family might accumulate, including bicycles, camping gear and even bulky flat-pack furniture. It’s a level of usability that takes compromise out of the EV ownership equation.While each EV9 is premium-feeling, the GT-Line trim further enhances the interior with practical touches that make everyday life easier and more comfortable. Having powered seats with ventilation is a welcome luxury and excellent support and cooling on long drives or warm days. The Meridian premium sound system provides crisp, clear sound that is free from distortion, however challenging the children’s playlists may be. Arguably, the most talked-about feature is the available six-seat configuration with second-row swivel chairs. My youngest passengers thought it was pure magic, being able to spin their seats around to face the third row, thus creating a sociable lounge-like ambience. This distinctive set-up is ideal for doing ‘vehicle picnics’ on a rainy day or just making it simpler for brothers and sisters to enjoy one another on a long trip. It’s a clever innovation that you won’t find in many other cars.

• Genuine Seven-Seat Capacity: Provides comfortable, adult-sized seating in all three rows, eliminating the usual compromises of seven-seat SUVs.
• Flexible and Expansive Boot Space: Offers 333 litres of storage with all seats up, expanding to a massive 828 litres with the third row folded.
• GT-Line Swivel Seats: The optional six-seat configuration allows the second-row chairs to rotate, creating a unique and sociable interior lounge space.
• Premium Comfort Features: Available ventilated front seats and a high-fidelity Meridian audio system enhance comfort and luxury for all occupants.

Decoding the EV9’s Digital World: Technology and Features

If combined tech and the outdoors are your thing, the Kia EV9’s interior is a great place to be. The dashboard is tastefully taken up by a panoramic digital screen, flanked by a central 5.3-inch panel for using the climate control settings. The three-screen configuration actually looks quite cool and futuristic, and it works with a great deal of clarity and snappiness. Both displays are crisp and bright, and customizable, letting you choose what information you want to see most. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing for quick and easy smartphone integration. Throughout my drive, pairing my phone was a snap, and it brought the usual apps and navigation from my phone right to the big, easy-to-read screen with no delay or fuss.Beyond these stunning displays, every EV9 variant comes well-rounded with the full suite of high-tech driver-assist features that help keep drivers safe and less fatigued. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking are just some of the standard features. They complement each other beautifully to create a confidence-inspiring safety net, but I never found them particularly intrusive. Moving on to the GT-Line trim level adds even more advanced technology, including a smart blind-spot view monitor. When you indicate, the system shows a live video feed of your blind spot right in the driver’s instrument cluster, which allows you to see the adjacent lanes much more clearly. Combined with the 360-degree surround-view camera, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, parking and driving a vehicle this size becomes a less stressful and more exacting task.Among the most practical and smart EV9 features is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality. The technology makes the car function as a mobile power source so you can use its high-voltage battery to power external equipment. Whether you’re using a household plug adapter to fuel a laptop, a portable speaker, a small kettle, or an electric grill, you can exert power over something, for once. I put this feature to the test on a weekend trip, and it was truly handy to keep our gear running without having to lug around a separate generator. Whether you’re camping with family, working remotely on a new project, or simply as a source of backup power in your home during a power outage, V2L delivers an extra bit of flexibility that really makes the EV9 stand out and continues to position it as a practical, future-forward vehicle for families.

• Panoramic Triple-Screen Display: The expansive digital cockpit, combining two 12.3-inch screens and a 5.3-inch climate panel, offers a clear, intuitive, and modern user interface.
• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: A full suite of safety features, including an innovative blind-spot video monitor on the GT-Line, provides enhanced awareness and confidence on the road.
• 360-Degree Surround-View Camera: Makes parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces effortless by providing a clear, top-down view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability: Allows you to use the car’s battery as a mobile power source, adding exceptional versatility for outdoor activities and emergencies.

The Real-World Cost of Owning a Kia EV9 in the UK

Demystifying EV9 Running Costs: What to Expect

Now let’s get to the part that will really matter for most families: the so-called running costs of daily life with a Kia EV9. The upfront cost is one thing, but knowing the costs of running a vehicle in the real world is vital for long-term ownership. After spending a few weeks weaving the EV9 into an ordinary family life of school runs, commutes and weekend adventures, I now have some realistic thoughts about charging costs, range expectations and the whole money-and-cents picture of owning this behemoth electric SUV in the UK.Let’s talk range and charging. The range-topping rear-wheel-drive ‘Air’ is officially capable of going for up to 349 miles on a single charge. It’s my understanding that with mixed driving, a reasonable target is about 310-320 miles, which, considering the size of the vehicle, is still nothing short of amazing. The more powerful all-wheel-drive GT-Line’s official range drops to 313 miles, and I managed to consistently achieve about 280-290 miles. For most families, that’s more than enough for a full week of driving without a top-up. When you do have to charge on the go, the EV9’s 800V architecture is a game-changer. Locate a 350kW rapid public charger, and the time to charge your battery from 10% to 80% can be as low as 24 minutes. I timed it as I grabbed a coffee and a snack, and it truly is convenient, so it makes long-distance travel feel a lot less intimidating. Stretch the wire: Charging from home saves the most money. Charging overnight and using an off-peak electricity rate is the cheapest way to fuel any electric vehicle, and it doesn’t matter that the EV9 isn’t exactly small. It never gets old waking up every morning to a “full tank” for a couple of pounds. With much lower insurable value than the EV9, it’s a great value. With a comprehensive ownership package and decent mileage from a single charge, it’s an excellent value for money.Last, but not least, there’s the long-term assurance associated with Kia’s care package. Courtesy of its long-standing confidence in its product, every new Kia is backed by an industry-leading seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty/delivery. Honda’s 4-year/48,000-mile battery EV motor warranty still stands. This all-encompassing warranty is a huge value, shielding owners from unforeseen repair bills for a good portion of the vehicle’s life. It shows Kia’s confidence in its product and offers a peace of mind that is priceless when taking a chance on new technology. This warranty also makes the EV9 a practical long-term investment for families intending to hold onto their vehicle for many years.

• Impressive Real-World Range: The RWD model offers up to 349 miles (WLTP), providing ample range for weekly driving and long journeys with confidence.
• Ultra-Fast Charging: The 800V architecture enables a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes at a 350kW public charger, minimising downtime on the road.
• Significant Cost Savings: Benefit from zero road tax, exemption from ULEZ charges, and low running costs by charging at home on off-peak electricity tariffs.
• Industry-Leading Warranty: Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty provides exceptional peace of mind and protects your investment for the long term.

Which Kia EV9 Is Right for You? A Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right vehicle for you usually boils down to how well its capabilities fit your lifestyle. That said, this is even more true with the Kia EV9. The line has three unique personalities, each designed for a particular kind of driver and family. Choosing right involves looking beyond the numbers on the spec sheet and thinking about your daily life, driving style, and what you really want in a family vehicle. So let’s take a look at who each model is aimed at and see if we can find the perfect match for your garage.

Kia EV9 RWD ‘Air’: The Practical and Efficient Choice

With the rear-wheel-drive ‘Air’ model dishing out definitive efficiency for the pragmatic family, is efficiency, range, and value all that they need? The buyer: It’s easy to imagine this buyer has a long commute, schleps through multiple school runs and makes plenty of weekend jaunts to visit family or see the country. For most, getting the most miles out of every charge is just a nice-to-have; for them, it’s a fundamental requirement. The ’Air’s very credible official range of up to 349 miles gives you the freedom and peace of mind to get through a full week of running about without constantly worrying about the location of the nearest charging station.The driver: This driver wants a calm, comfortable ride. They are not looking for brutal acceleration or tight, barge-stiff handling on windy roads. What they love instead is the quiet, peaceful cabin and the easy, smooth delivery of power that makes stop-and-go city traffic and endless motorway miles such a breeze. The ‘Air’ delivers all the key advantages of the EV9 platform, from the spacious seven-seat cabin, comprehensive safety features and cutting-edge tech, without the higher cost and additional performance of the upper-tier variants. It’s the EV9 distilled: a roomy, comfortable, and hugely practical electric SUV for the realities of today’s modern family life.

Kia EV9 GT-Line: The All-Rounder for the Tech-Savvy Family

Pour the chrome and leather and all the good things into one GT-Line, and you’re good to go. This is the individual who wants a seven-seat vehicle that is practical but doesn’t want to give up on performance, all-wheel-drive security or the most up-to-date technology. They tend to be tech-savvy and are willing to pay for premium features, and tend to prefer a more spirited and engaging driving experience. Their lives are a constant juggling act, managing weekday commutes and family obligations with weekend excursions that sometimes require braving slick rural roads or travelling to the mountains for a holiday. The added security given by the all-wheel-drive system makes for a very comfortable… all those varied situations.The GT-Line’s extra goodies will be fully exploited by this driver. The 360-degree camera is a must-have for parking in tight city spaces, the premium Meridian sound system turns every trip into an entertainment session, and exhilarating acceleration from the dual-motor powertrain adds a little excitement to even the most mundane rides. They could be attracted to additional options like the swivelling second-row captain’s chairs, which would provide a more sociable and flexible cabin for your family. Perfectly balanced, the GT-Line is designed to appeal to the discerning buyer seeking a vehicle that is as capable and luxurious as it is practical.

Kia EV9 GT: The Enthusiast’s Seven-Seater

The Kia EV9 GT, to be released soon, is tailored for one type of person: a driving enthusiast with a family. They may have previously owned a saloon or hatch sports car, but now they need the practicality of a big SUV. But they do want the excitement of a sports car type of vehicle. Their dream car is one that comfortably performs the school run on a Friday and also provides a heart-pounding drive on a favourite country lane on a Saturday morning.Performance numbers matter to this buyer. The GT’s expected sub-four-second 0-62mph time is a huge draw, promising an acceleration level that can match some dedicated sports cars. They know and appreciate the engineering that goes into a performance-tuned suspension, providing a more precise steering feel, and a powertrain tuned to provide maximum driver enjoyment. They have their seven seats and generous boot space for family life, but secretly, it’s an emotional purchase; they want a car that’s actually fun to drive. And the GT is for the guy or gal who thinks “practicality” and “high-performance” can and SHOULD go together. If that sounds like you, the wait will no doubt be worth it.

• Kia EV9 RWD ‘Air’: Best for budget-conscious families who prioritise maximum range and efficiency for long commutes and daily errands.
• Kia EV9 GT-Line: The perfect all-rounder for tech-savvy buyers wanting a blend of strong performance, all-wheel-drive security, and premium features.
• Kia EV9 GT: Built for the driving enthusiast who needs a seven-seater but demands sports-car-level acceleration and dynamic handling.

Why the EV9 Could Be Your Family’s Next Car

I have driven an enormous number of electric SUVs, and it takes something truly special to stick in the mind. That’s not to say the EV9 (read our full EV9 review here) excels solely because of its monstrous size, eye-catching design, or because it can comfortably seat seven adults. It sets itself apart by providing a simple and significant option. Kia has created a car that lets you choose what’s most important, pushing the boundaries of range, blending all-weather capability with luxury, or delivering heart-racing performance. This is not a “one size fits all” mentality; it is a considered range that addresses the diverse requirements of today’s families.The fundamental strengths of the EV9 are the same across the range. It’s an extremely useful vehicle that addresses the space dilemma which has always haunted the electric SUV market. Its cutting-edge features, from the panoramic digital cockpit to the ingenious Vehicle-to-Load function, are truly practical and add to the experience of ownership rather than simply making it more complicated. The RWD ‘Air’ model is a masterclass in efficiency, so it’s the practical pick for anyone who needs to travel far on the cheap. For the buyers who crave a harmonious mixture of luxurious touches, capable all-wheel-drive dynamics, and a host of features, the GT-Line is an extremely attractive package. And for the driving enthusiast, the future GT is expected to deliver an unprecedented level of exhilaration in this segment.If I were buying one for my own family, the GT-Line is just the no-brainer. It is that sweet spot in the middle that is special enough to turn even the mundane drive into an event and is versatile enough to get you through your day-to-day. It’s well-balanced, confident, and it includes enough thoughtful details to make your day-to-day that much easier. In the end, the Kia EV9 has raised the bar. It goes to show that being practical, high-tech and fun to drive need not be mutually exclusive in a family car.Options for large electric SUVs. If you are shopping for a large electric SUV, well… If you want to see for yourself, book with us today, and we will set you up on a FREE test drive. You may be just as surprised as I was.