2025 Kia EV9 Review

More of its type are on their way, but at the moment the 2025 Kia EV9 stands (almost) alone amongst mainstream models as a three-row all-electric family hauler.

It comes in three trims, each with slightly different propulsion, and in six- or seven-passenger seating. The entry-level Light is rear-wheel drive (RWD) and is $62,145, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,150; the Wind is RWD, too, but comes with a bigger battery for $65,145. My tester was the Land, which has standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and starts at $67,145 before incentives and tax. This one was further optioned with a $5,000 Plus package and a $250 coat of red paint, bringing it to $72,395.

Styling: 7/10

The EV9’s design is a mixed bag. It’s good-looking at the rear and the interior is stylish. The nose is a bit too clunky but features an interesting optional and customizable light pattern alongside the headlights. However, to my eyes, Kia makes some of the ugliest wheels in the industry, and the 20-inch ones on this tester continue that trend. [I can send you the address of a good optometrist, Jil.–Ed.]

Safety: 9/10

The EV9 gets the top five stars in crash-testing by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It was also named a Top Safety Pick by the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but results for the updated moderate front overlap crash test, which assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in front, weren’t published as of this writing.

Standard driver-assist features on all trims include emergency front and rear braking, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning and keeping assist, highway driving assist, driver attention warning, and the backup camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. 

Features: 9/10

The entry-level EV9 Light includes such items as tri-zone climate control with an automatic defogger, heated and air-cooled front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, one-touch sliding and folding second-row seats, an auto-dimming mirror, rain-sensing wipers, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 12.3-inch digital instrument display, wireless charger, and hands-free power tailgate. The Wind adds a heat pump and heated steering wheel, while the Land adds silver roof rails and splash guards. The Land’s three available option packages can add such items as a dual-pane sunroof, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, remote parking assist, a camera-based rearview mirror, surround-view monitoring, a head-up display, and six-passenger seating with heated and cooled second-row seats.

User-Friendliness: 8/10

Most of the EV9’s functions, including climate control, are handled by simple hard switches. The infotainment system is intuitive, although the haptic switches for the menus are just touchpoints on the dash panel and they require that you first find the right spot and then tap hard. The middle seats are easy to fold or move forward for third-row access. The final row is also easy to fold down, but the straps on the seatbacks aren’t very long, and those of shorter stature may have trouble reaching them to pull the seats back upright. The flush-mounted exterior door handles pop out electrically when needed, but I’m not a fan of these in a climate where vehicles can ice over in nasty weather.

Practicality: 8/10

Cargo capacity is 573 L when all the seats are upright, and 1,233 L when the third row is folded. Small-item storage up front is excellent, with a handy cubby under the centre console for holding a small purse or pack; and a bin up top can be used for storage or its sides deployed to form cupholders. There’s a small frunk under the hood. If all that isn’t enough, the Land AWD can tow 2,267 kg (5,000 lb), although of course that will eat into its range.

Comfort: 8/10

Like most three-row SUVs, the EV9 is roomy for those in the first two rows, and considerably tighter in the third. The front seats are comfortable and supportive; and if you opt for the top GT-Line Package with the Land trim, there are power-adjustable leg rests for the front and second-row seats. The heated seats and steering wheel get pretty hot, but the cabin can take a long time to warm up.

Power: 8/10

The Land has two electric motors, and they combine for a total output of 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque — considerably more than the RWD-only Light and Wind, which rely on a single motor to make 258 lb-ft of torque. The EV9 is a heavyweight, tipping the scales at more than 2,555 kg (5,633 lb), but those two motors have no trouble moving it around, including for highway passing. Acceleration is smooth and linear, and considering this is a family hauler and not a sports machine, it feels just fine.

Driving Feel: 9/10

The EV9 drives like a gas-powered SUV but quieter, and that’s a compliment. The ride is smooth and composed, the handling is responsive, and the steering is well-weighted and doesn’t feel artificial or overboosted. As do all electric vehicles (EVs), this one has regenerative braking, which captures energy otherwise lost during deceleration and stores it in the battery. The level can be adjusted using paddles on the steering wheel, right down to one-pedal driving, where the regeneration is strong enough to bring the EV9 to a stop and you only need to use the accelerator pedal.

Fuel Economy: 8/10

The base trim has a 76.1-kWh battery that gives it a range of 370 km, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The Wind has a 99.8-kWh battery that increases it to 489 km. The Land uses that same battery, but since it’s powering two motors instead of one the range is lower at 451 km. Smaller EVs will get even more range, of course, but the EV9 is impressive for something its size.

Value: 8/10

A price tag of more than $62,000 isn’t pocket change, but the EV9 has lots of features even in its entry trim, and, of course, with that electric propulsion. While it doesn’t have many head-to-head rivals right now, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, while a far cooler nostalgic ride, starts at $80,000; and premium SUVs this size are into six figures.

The Verdict

Our AutoTrader.ca experts named the 2025 Kia EV9 the best SUV of the year for a reason: it’s great to drive, comfortable, and practical. OK, that’s three reasons. But in short, it’s a well-rounded three-row that happens to be electric. Battery power isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, have a look at this plug-in Kia.