2024 Kia EV9 Pioneers the Market as the First 3-Row E-SUV From Kia (Overview)

Kia has introduced the all-electric EV9 SUV at the 2023 New York International Auto Show, marking the first time the SUV has been seen in North America. The vehicle is the first three-row EV SUV from Kia, and as a pioneer in its segment, it will be the flagship of Kia's global Plan S strategy.

Kia has a reputation for delivering vehicles with segment-above excellence, and the EV9 is no different. The EV9 brings the three-row SUV into the EV era with generous interior volume and cargo space, towing capability, leading vehicle dynamics, rich interior appointments, and fast charging capability.

The EV9 is built on the proven E-GMP architecture dedicated to electric vehicles, with fourth-generation battery technology. It enhances space with seating for up to seven passengers, with a long wheelbase and flat floor that provide both flexibility and comfort for all. The EV9's standard 800V electrical architecture enables ultra-fast recharging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes.

From first glance, the all-electric EV9 embodies the rugged yet sophisticated typology befitting a flagship SUV. The boxy, triangular design language of the EV9 emphasizes the tension of its short overhangs and long wheelbase, pushed to the corners over the modular E-GMP electric underpinnings. At the front of the EV9 is the Tiger Face, a reinterpretation of the Kia "Tiger Nose" grille that highlights depth and dimensionality, flanked by slim LED headlights.

The interior of the EV9 infuses cues from nature through creative contrast, innovative use of materials, and the interplay between humans and their environment. The EV9 introduces the "Ten Must-Have Items," a new paradigm in Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) that will also be applied to future Kia models. In the interior of the EV9, this CMF approach comes to life through the use of non-leather polyurethane seating surfaces, select BTX-free interior trim, and select fabrics and carpets composed of partially recycled materials.

Centrally mounted, hidden-until-lit haptic switches for key infotainment features appear when the EV9 is turned on. The dual-level, floating center console stretches from the first to the second row, offering under-tray stowage to front passengers and cupholders and an available sliding storage console.

Kia has integrated some of the latest in-vehicle technology into the EV9, including vehicle system over-the-air updates, ultrawideband-based Digital Key, and Onboard Power Generator (V2L) functionality. The EV9 is enabled to continue to evolve throughout the ownership experience.

Overall, the EV9 is a beacon that points to the future of an electrified lineup for Kia as a mobility leader. The EV9 is expected to arrive in Canada towards the end of 2023.