What is the AAA Car Guide?
The AAA Car Guide helps consumers navigate the evolving automotive marketplace by ranking and rating the newest vehicles, including EVs. The Guide provides consumers with reviews, based on testing by AAA Engineers, highlighting how many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are included in the vehicle, along with other criteria and information.
KIA EV9 GT-Line
Category Ranking : 1
Score : 114.98
Vehicle Type | Base Price | Price As Tested | Large SUV Electric | $73,900 | $78,430 |
|---|
Overall Observations
The EV9 is Kia’s 3-row electric SUV. Introduced as a new model in 2024, it has a relatively low price ($54,900) for the base trim. We tested it in its top-of-the-line, dual-motor GT-Line trim.
The EV9 is stylish in a bulky, rugged-looking sort of way. It’s spacious inside, with a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a third row that’s usable by adults, and plenty of room for cargo. Kia optimizes space usage with interior cubbies and a deep, retractable storage console between the front seats.
At 80 MPGe, the EV9’s fuel economy is commendable. The EPA estimated our test vehicle’s range at 270 miles, but we got more than 300 miles from a single charge. And speaking of charging, the EV9 has 350-kW fast charging, which Kia says will take the battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. A full set of advanced safety systems is standard, including sophisticated features such as rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
Downsides for the EV9 include some infotainment controls that can be difficult and distracting to use due to the touchcapacitive buttons on the dash. Also, side visibility is restricted, and some of the interior trim is made from hard plastic.
But these are minor criticisms. Bottom line: The EV9 is a great choice for anyone in the market for a large, eco-friendly SUV.
VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
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Model year tested:
2024 -
Number of passengers (F/R)
2/4 -
Curb weight (lbs):
5,886 -
Exterior L / W / H (in):
197.4/77.9/70.1 -
Wheelbase (in):
122.0 -
Number of airbags:
10 -
Warranty (month/miles) :
60/60,000 -
Tire manufacturer and model :
Hankook Ion Evo AS -
Front and rear tire size :
285/45 R21 -
Max towing capacity (lbs) :
5,000 -
Headlight type:
LED -
Transmission type:
Auto 1-speed -
Drivetrain type:
All wheel -
Engine/motor:
Dual electric motors -
Electric motor horsepower:
379
FUEL INFORMATION
PROS
- Plenty of useful cabin and storage space
- Attractive styling
- 350-kW fast charging
- Strong suite of ADAS features
CONS
- Nonintuitive infotainment touch controls
- Restricted side visibility
- Some hard plastic interior materials
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
