Kia EV9 Review: A Confident New Flagship for the Electric Age
With the EV9, Kia has taken a decisive step into full‑size electric SUV territory, delivering a vehicle that feels every inch the brand’s new flagship. Bold, tech‑heavy and genuinely family‑friendly, the EV9 isn’t just another large electric SUV – it’s a statement of intent.
Big, Bold and Unmistakably Electric
From first glance, the EV9 looks purpose‑built for an electric future. Drawing inspiration from Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, its boxy silhouette combines rugged SUV toughness with clean, modern surfacing. Vertical LED headlamps, a striking Digital Tiger Face and distinctive star‑map rear lighting ensure the EV9 stands out on the road, while flush door handles and aerodynamic detailing hint at the tech beneath the surface.
Size matters here. Measuring just over five metres long, the EV9 is the largest Kia ever sold in the UK, positioned confidently above the Sorento, it is huge. On the road, it feels substantial without being unwieldy – a testament to careful design and a wide stance that prioritises presence and stability.
A Lounge on Wheels
Inside, the EV9 leans heavily into its flagship status. Thanks to Kia’s dedicated e‑GMP electric platform and long 3,100mm wheelbase, the cabin is impressively spacious across all three rows. Seven seats come as standard, with a standout six‑seat option on GT‑Line S models featuring swivelling second‑row chairs that transform the interior into a lounge when parked.
The overall design is minimalist but premium, anchored by twin 12.3‑inch digital displays and a clever 5.3‑inch climate control screen. Physical buttons are sensibly retained where they matter, while ambient lighting, high‑quality materials and thoughtful storage solutions reinforce the EV9’s family‑first credentials.
Kia’s sustainability push is also evident. Leather alternatives, recycled plastics, bio‑based materials and fabrics made from recycled PET and fishing nets underline a genuine effort to reduce environmental impact without compromising perceived quality.
Electric Power with Real‑World Usability
Every EV9 comes with a substantial 99.8kWh battery, offering reassuring range and flexibility. Rear‑wheel drive versions deliver up to 349 miles (WLTP combined), while all‑wheel drive GT‑Line and GT‑Line S models still manage a respectable 313 miles despite their added performance.
Thanks to 800‑volt ultra‑fast charging capability, the EV9 can replenish its battery from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 24 minutes on a high‑power DC charger. That makes longer journeys far less daunting, especially when paired with Kia’s smart EV route planner and battery pre‑conditioning.
Performance is equally impressive for a vehicle of this size. The range‑topping all‑wheel drive versions produce 378bhp and 700Nm of torque, sprinting from 0–62mph in just 5.3 seconds – quick enough to surprise passengers used to traditional diesel SUVs. Towing capability is strong too, with AWD models capable of hauling up to 2,500kg.
Comfort‑Focused but Confident on the Road
On the move, the EV9 prioritises refinement over outright sportiness, and that feels entirely appropriate. The low‑mounted battery delivers a stable centre of gravity, while multi‑link suspension and self‑levelling rear dampers smooth out bumps and keep the ride composed, even when fully loaded.
Multiple drive modes allow drivers to tailor the experience, and all‑wheel drive models benefit from a Terrain Mode system with Mud, Snow and Sand settings – a rare and welcome feature in the electric SUV world.
Technology and Safety to Match the Ambition
The EV9 is one of the most technologically advanced cars Kia has produced. Digital key access, fingerprint recognition, over‑the‑air updates and optional digital upgrades underline its future‑facing credentials, while Vehicle‑to‑Load (V2L) functionality allows owners to power external appliances directly from the car.
Safety is equally comprehensive. All models come with a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, nine airbags across all three rows and a five‑star Euro NCAP safety rating. Kia has clearly engineered the EV9 with families in mind, and it shows.
Verdict: A Serious Electric Contender
The Kia EV9 succeeds by being unapologetically big, bold and practical, while also delivering modern electric performance and cutting‑edge tech. It combines long‑distance usability, genuine seven‑seat versatility and premium comfort in a way few rivals currently manage.
For buyers looking to move into a full‑size electric SUV without stepping into luxury‑brand pricing territory, the EV9 makes a compelling case. It’s not just Kia’s new flagship – it’s one of the most convincing family EVs on sale today.
Line‑Up and On‑the‑Road Pricing
- EV9 Air (RWD) – from £66,035
Up to 349 miles WLTP range - EV9 GT‑Line (AWD) – from £74,035
Up to 313 miles WLTP range - EV9 GT‑Line S (AWD) – from £77,035
Up to 313 miles WLTP range - EV9 GT‑Line S six‑seat (AWD, swivel second‑row seats) – from £78,035
At the top of the range sits the EV9 GT, Kia’s performance halo model:
- EV9 GT (AWD) – from £82,235
502bhp, 0–62mph in 4.6 seconds, up to 280 miles WLTP range
As Tested
The model tested and photographed here – a GT‑Line S six‑seat – proved genuinely impressive. Its biggest test came during a trip to the Ulster Rally, where the Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive served as both the journey in and the base for parking up for the duration of the event.
The 90‑minute drive there, mostly along A‑roads, highlighted the EV9’s ability to cover distance in real comfort. The miles were dispatched with ease, the cabin remaining calm and refined throughout. As we queued to convoy into the extremely narrow, tight, twisty and bumpy roads of the Ring of Gullion, the Kia’s sheer size began to draw attention from a few petrolheads lining the route.
That size became even more apparent once on the scenic drive itself. Open to the public and far from ideal driving conditions, the EV9 filled the road from verge to verge. The registration plate – AB16 BEV – said it all: this is a big battery electric vehicle, both in presence and ambition.
Inevitably, sharp bumps revealed the car’s considerable weight, but even so, the EV9 remains one of the most competent and composed large SUVs I’ve driven on our undulating, potholed roads. After the first rally stages, time was easy to pass. With a picnic laid out, it was a pleasure to recline in the spacious front seats featuring foot rests.
Warranty
- 7‑year / 100,000‑mile vehicle warranty
- 8‑year / 100,000‑mile battery and electric motor warranty
- 12‑year / unlimited mileage anti‑perforation warranty
- 5‑year / 100,000‑mile paint warranty
- 1‑year Kia roadside assistance