Six-month review update on the 2025 Kia EV9 electric vehicle: no regrets thus far
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD, equipped with the Premium Package, offers a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance in the electric SUV market. Over the past few weeks, I've been driving this vehicle, and here's my take on its pros and cons.
Pros
Spacious and Premium Interior
The EV9 boasts a roomy and well-equipped interior, with three rows of seating that make it family-friendly and practical, especially in the Premium Package. The cabin exudes a classy aesthetic, with features such as 20-inch wheels, laminated glass, digital grille lighting, dual sunroofs, upgraded Meridian audio, ventilated second-row seats, and more.
Striking and Modern Design
The EV9's design is sleek, futuristic, and substantial, setting it apart from some rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 9, which favours a more understated look. The SUV's silhouette, with a flat roof and roof rails, enhances cargo and utility capabilities.
Advanced Technology and Features
The Premium Package adds many high-end features, including advanced driver assistance (Kia Drive Wise Technologies), making it competitive in tech offerings among EV SUVs. The twin 12.3-inch screens and physical buttons in the tech setup are particularly appreciated.
Good Performance
The EV9 AWD trim delivers strong acceleration and a capable all-wheel-drive system, offering improved traction and driving confidence.
Competitive Range and Charging
While specifics vary, the EV9 offers a respectable electric range comparable to competitors and supports fast charging, albeit with possibly less efficiency compared to the IONIQ 9’s 800V system.
Cons
Higher Starting Price
The EV9 generally has a higher MSRP than some competitors (like the Hyundai IONIQ 9) and its gasoline-powered Kia counterpart, the Telluride, which could deter some buyers.
Efficiency and Range
Some reviews suggest the EV9 may have slightly less efficiency and range compared to rivals like the Hyundai IONIQ 9, which offers up to 336 miles range and faster charging capability with an 800V system.
Charging Speed
The EV9 might not match the ultra-fast charging speeds of some competitors like the IONIQ 9, which can recharge to 80% in 24 minutes under optimal conditions.
Towing Capacity
Compared to the gasoline-powered Telluride and some competitors, the EV9 has lower towing capabilities.
Less Everyday Driving Ease
While the EV9 is powerful and stylish, reviews highlight that the Hyundai IONIQ 9 may handle everyday driving more smoothly and offer a more composed ride, which could be a consideration for typical commuters.
In conclusion, the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD Premium Package stands out for its premium style, spaciousness, and feature-rich package, making it a strong contender in the electric SUV segment focused on families and lifestyle-oriented buyers. However, it faces competition in terms of price, efficiency, and charging convenience, especially from the Hyundai IONIQ 9, which prioritizes practicality, range, and faster charging.
Your choice depends largely on whether you value a bold SUV design and luxurious feel (EV9) versus perhaps smoother daily driving and higher efficiency (IONIQ 9). I leased a 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD with the Premium Package for approximately $75,000, and I find it unbeatable for its price, size, real-world range, and day-to-day life. I've not yet fast-charged the EV9, but plan to do so during a summer road trip. Stay tuned for more updates on my long-term review of the 2025 Kia EV9.
[1] Kia EV9 Review: 2025 Kia EV9 First Drive Review
[2] 2025 Kia EV9: Range, Charging, and Performance Specs
[3] 2025 Kia EV9 vs. 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9: Compare Electric SUVs
[4] Kia EV9: Interior, Features, and Design Details
[5] 2025 Kia EV9: Exclusive Ocean Blue Colour and Captain's Chairs
This electric SUV, the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD, showcases a unique blend of lifestyle and technology through its advanced features and design, but it is worth considering the sports performance provided by its strong acceleration and all-wheel-drive system. For instance, its interior boasts sleek amenities like ventilated second-row seats, upgraded Meridian audio, and twin 12.3-inch screens. Yet, the sports sector might not find it as agile as competitors, like the Hyundai IONIQ 9, which offers smoother everyday driving and a more composed ride.
