The forthcoming Kia EV9 three-row SUV is rated an EPA-estimated 304 miles in the Light Long Range RWD trim, besting an internal AER target of 300 miles, Kia announced. All five EV9 variants were rated higher than the company’s initial target estimates.
The EV9 is the second Kia model based on the E-GMP platform, and the first to feature fourth-generation battery technology designed for improved energy density, the company said. It will be available with a choice of two powertrain options: standard is a 76.1-kWh battery with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor that drives the rear wheels and an optional 99.8-kWh battery will be available in a single-motor configuration (201-hp), or a dual-motor, 283-kW (379-hp) all-wheel-drive configuration. The two battery sizes yield five variants: Light (short-range or long-range), Wind, Land and GT-Line.
Kia said drive modes available at launch on all trims include eco, normal, sport and “My Mode,” while AWD models add a snow mode. The EV9’s standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultrafast charging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10% to 80% state of charge in under 25 minutes, Kia said. With a maximum DC charging speed of up to 236kW, the EV9 can facilitate quick charging with compatible DC chargers, while the 11kW onboard charger enables expedient Level 2 charging.
Beginning October 16, Kia America will take reservation requests for the EV9 for $750, which can be applied to the purchase price. Customers who make a reservation request through November 27 are eligible to receive a suite of gifts after their purchase or lease of an EV9 if finalized, including a Webasto Go Dual Voltage Portable EV Charger, a complimentary three-year Kia Maintenance Plan5 and one-year of available Digital Features & Services, the company said. Additionally, all customers purchasing or leasing the all-new EV9 will receive a credit for 1,000 kWh of charging with Electrify America.
The EV9 is expected to arrive in dealer showrooms in Q4 2023.
