Kia EV9 Review: Our Honest Road Trip Experience
I never thought I’d be reviewing another car after my Hyundai Sonata review, but here we are. This time, we are diving into something completely different: the all-electric 2024 Kia EV9. My amazing girlfriend recently got one, and we decided to do more than just a typical review. We took it on a 7-hour family road trip to experience what a "day in the life" with an EV is really like.
If you are curious about making the switch to electric or just love cars, stick around. We are covering everything from the futuristic design to the often-frustrating reality of public charging.
Key Specs at a Glance (2024 Kia EV9 Wind AWD)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| MSRP | Starting at $63,900 |
| Drivetrain | Dual Motor e-AWD |
| Horsepower | 379 hp |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | Approx. 5.0 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,000 lbs |
| --- | --- |
| Battery Size | 99.8 kWh |
| EPA-Estimated Range | Up to 280 miles |
| DC Fast Charge Speed | Approx. 24 minutes (10% to 80% on a 350kW charger) |
| --- | --- |
| Seating Capacity | 7 Passengers |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cu. ft. (behind 3rd row) |
| 81.9 cu. ft. (max with seats folded) | |
| Frunk (Front Trunk) | 3.2 cu. ft. |
| Ground Clearance | 7.8 inches |
| --- | --- |
| Warranty | 10-Year / 100,000-Mile (Limited Powertrain & Battery) |
Pros and Cons: The Car vs. The EV Lifestyle
This review is a tale of two experiences. On one hand, you have the car itself, which is fantastic. On the other, you have the lifestyle and infrastructure that comes with owning an EV, which can be a mixed bag.
What We Liked (Pros): 👍
Futuristic, Minimalist Design: The EV9 turns heads. It looks like something from a sci-fi movie with its clean lines, boxy shape, and slick LED headlights. It is unique without being too loud.
A Joy to Drive: The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. And the acceleration? It is instant. The torque pushes you back in your seat, making it surprisingly fun and effortless to get up to speed on the highway.
Spacious & Airy Interior: The cabin feels open and inviting, thanks to the dual sunroofs and smart layout. There is plenty of room for the family, with comfortable seats and good headroom, even for a six-foot-tall driver.
Low Maintenance & No Gas Stations: Not having to worry about oil changes or the fluctuating price of gas is a huge plus. The convenience of "fueling up" at home for daily driving is a major perk.
Great Tech & Concierge Service: The panoramic screen is impressive, and the car is loaded with safety features. Kia also offers a concierge service to walk new owners through all the features via Zoom, which was incredibly helpful for first-time EV owners.
What Could Be Better (Cons): 👎
The Charging Scramble: This is the biggest con. There isn’t one unified app for finding chargers, planning trips, and paying. We had to juggle four different apps (Kia, Electrify America, ChargePoint, PlugShare), and each has its own process.
Charger Roulette: The public charging network can be frustrating. On our trip, we pulled up to a station only to find the app would not work. If a helpful stranger hadn't used his own account to start our charge, we would have been stranded with hungry kids in 100-degree heat. There is also no way to know if a charger is in use or when it will be free, so you can show up and find yourself in a waiting line.
Range Reality vs. Estimate: The sticker says up to 280 miles, but that is under ideal conditions. Packed with six people and luggage for our trip, our real-world range was closer to 222 miles. You have to plan your stops carefully.
Quirky Interior Design Choices: The center console storage is oddly designed and not very practical, especially for anyone who carries a purse. Also, the steering wheel can block your view of the climate controls on the giant screen, making simple adjustments a bit of a pain.
Final Verdict
The Kia EV9 is an excellent vehicle. It is comfortable, stylish, fun to drive, and a fantastic option for a family looking to go electric. We are genuinely impressed with the car itself.
However, the question of whether you should switch to an EV is complicated. It depends entirely on your lifestyle, your driving habits, and where you live. If you do mostly local driving and can charge at home, it is a no-brainer. But if you take frequent road trips, you need to be prepared for the adventure of navigating the current public charging infrastructure. It requires patience and planning that you just don't think about with a gas car.
Do your research on the chargers in your area and along your common routes before making the leap.
Conclusion
The EV9 is a glimpse into the future of family cars, and it is a very bright one. While the car is ready for prime time, the ecosystem around it still has some growing to do. We love the car, but we are also keenly aware of the challenges that come with it.
If you want to see our full road trip experience and a deeper dive into all the features, check out the full video on the YouTube channel. Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on EVs!
