Kia EV9 promises a U.S.-made 3-row EV for a new era

Kia's three-row EV9 crossover will be built alongside the popular Telluride large crossover in West Point, Ga., next year and promises to bring a similar mix of utility and style to the U.S. electric vehicle market, the automaker said.

The EV9, presented Wednesday at the New York auto show, is the flagship model for Kia's global transition to EV technology, according to the brand, and follows the 2022 U.S. launch of the two-row EV6 crossover.

"The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market with a serious commitment to electrification," Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, said in a press release.

Kia said the big EV offers "premium accommodations rivaling ultra-luxury SUVs," with a dual-display cockpit that includes multiple camera feeds for tech-hungry buyers. The EV9 will come in six-seat and seven-seat configurations.

Like the gasoline-powered three-row Telluride that launched in 2019 to critical acclaim and booming sales, the EV9 offers utility vehicle features such as significant towing capability with luxury touches such as swiveling captain's chairs with heating and ventilation, Kia said. The EV9 has similar dimensions to the Telluride, including nearly 8 inches of ground clearance.

The EV9 is scheduled to launch in the U.S. in the fourth quarter with imported vehicles from South Korea. "It is expected to be assembled in West Point, Ga. beginning in 2024, making it the first Kia EV to be assembled locally," the automaker said.

One advantage of local assembly is that the EV9 could be eligible for the federal EV tax incentive of up to $7,500.

Under last year's Inflation Reduction Act, only vehicles made in North America that also meet battery sourcing requirements are eligible for the incentive. There is also a price cap of $80,000 for crossovers. Kia did not announce EV9 pricing.

"We continue to study all of the components of the IRA as it related to the federal tax credit and are looking forward to production of the EV9 at our plant in West Point," a Kia spokesperson told Automotive News.

The Telluride marked an important shift for Kia into the large crossover market, offering a high-quality interior, attractive styling and solid performance at a reasonable price. The 2023 base model starts at $37,255, and the top trim starts at $54,350. Both prices include shipping.

The EV9 is likely to carry a higher sticker price than the Telluride since the two-row EV6 starts at $50,025, with shipping. Electric vehicles generally carry higher prices as manufacturers spend billions of dollars on new technologies.

"Developed on the proven E-GMP architecture dedicated to electric vehicles with fourth-generation battery technology, the EV9 enhances space with seating for up to seven passengers, with a long wheelbase and flat floor that provide both flexibility and comfort for all," Kia said.

The EV9 also shares the boxy design of the Telluride.

"The EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long wheelbase," Kia said, with the wheels pushed to the corners of the skateboard platform carrying the battery. Slim taillights draw attention to the corners of the body, and flush door handles underscore the clean side profile, the automaker said.

One advantage the E-GMP platform has over competitors is the use of 800-volt battery technology for faster charging on public networks during road trips or long commutes. Most mainstream EV makers use 400-volt systems. By using high-power DC chargers, Kia said, the EV9 is designed to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 25 minutes.

Kia also said the EV9 is its first vehicle to use higher-density batteries. The standard pack is rated at 76.1 kilowatt-hours, and the optional pack is rated at 99.8 kWh. The automaker is targeting up to 300 miles of range with the optional battery pack.

The EV9 will come in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions with up to 379 hp. It will be capable of accelerating to 60 mph in five seconds, Kia said. Some versions of the crossover will be capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

"The EV9 is a beacon that points to the future of an electrified lineup for Kia as a mobility leader," the company said.