Kia offers Early Peak in 2024 EV9, the first mass-market three-row electric SUV

Kia is revealing details of its highly anticipated 2024 EV9 three-row electric SUV, the first battery-powered vehicle of its size from an affordable brand.

“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, offering customers an exceptionally high-quality offering and a new EV perspective in the family SUV space,” said Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia’s global design center.

In the past, buying an electric car largely meant examining a range of smaller vehicles: sedans like a Chevy Bolt or Tesla Model 3, and five-seat SUVs like a Volkswagen ID.4. To get three rows And With an electric powertrain, consumers had only two choices: a Rivian R1S or a Tesla Model X (with a third-row upgrade). Both are considered high-end products, ranging in price from $90,000 to $100,000 or more.

The Kia EV9 adds a third option to the mix, the first from a brand that offers some of the most affordable electric vehicles available today. Kia has yet to announce the price, choosing to focus its announcement on the design details and features.

2024 Kia ​​EV9 (Image credit: Kia)

“Polygonal” is how Kia describes the vehicle and refers to its angular appearance (although it’s not quite as angular as the 2021 EV9 concept car, motorist reports(Opens in a new window).) “Kia’s designers have fused a unique combination of sleek, sculptural forms and confident, assertive geometry to create a strikingly contemporary yet gracefully quiet SUV,” says Kia.

The vehicle features flush door handles, similar to those found on Teslas and Rivians, and a slim roof for optimal aerodynamics – a key contributor to maintaining electric range.

Second-row seats pivot to face third-row passengers (Image credit: Kia)

Depending on the equipment, the vehicle offers six or seven seats inside. Both the first and second rows recline, which Kia says customers can use to “relax and rest while the EV9 is charging.” The second row takes modularity a step further with the ability to rotate 180 degrees “to allow occupants to interact with those seated in the third row.” The third row, usually a passenger’s last choice, becomes loved with cup holders and ports for charging phones.

For the driver, a panoramic dashboard extends from behind the steering wheel to the center console. Two 12.3-inch touchscreens combine for a combined 24.6-inch all-digital display. While impressive, it’s clearly inspired by the dashboard found on Kia’s current vehicles, like the mid-size EV6 SUV.

Kia EV9 Dash (Image credit: Kia)

“The EV9’s advanced HD Audio/Video, Navigation and Telematics (AVNT) screen creates a rich and immersive experience,” says Kia. “It enhances occupants’ ability to seamlessly connect and interact with the digital world. Below the AVNT screen, a series of hidden touch buttons provide start/stop functionality, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls.”

Inside the Kia EV6 at the Chicago Auto Show with a similar panoramic dashboard as the EV9 (Credit: Emily Dreibelbis)

The key details that will determine the vehicle’s success – price, battery size and range – will be revealed later this month at the official world premiere of the EV9. “During the event, Kia will disclose all product information,” says Kia.

The gas-powered, 8-seater Kia Telluride serves as a price reference(Opens in a new window) starts at $35,890. The Telluride has performed well with customers and received a 2023 refresh that Kia wanted to showcase in its 2023 Super Bowl commercial over its EV lineup.

However, despite its smaller size, the EV6 already costs more than the Telluride – starting at $48,700. Kia can target the $80,000 range for the EV9, which is the federal limit for an electric SUV to qualify for a tax credit. While Kia’s vehicles don’t qualify for tax credits because they’re produced abroad, its US-based competitors will likely aim to get under the $80,000 mark to ensure they do Do qualify, which would give them a price advantage.

According to received documents(Opens in a new window) from motoristKia sent out a customer survey suggesting the EV9 will range from $56,000 to $73,000 with multiple trim options, but we’ll have to wait a few weeks to know for sure.