Kia EV9. The dream car that cooled my enthusiasm after a week.

The Kia EV9 was one of those cars I wanted to try out since its launch. A huge electric SUV with a modern interior, three rows of seats, and a battery that makes long trips with the whole family possible. After a week of driving, I finally got to experience what daily life is like with such a car. And although the EV9 has many advantages, its allure has somewhat faded. Not because it’s a bad car. On the contrary. I simply realized that even if I could afford it, I’d need to think carefully about whether I really need such a large and expensive electric vehicle.

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Kia EV9. Specifications

Dimensions: 5015 x 1980 x 1780 mm

Weight: 2590 kg

Battery capacity: 99.8 kWh

Maximum power: 384 HP

Maximum DC charging power: 210 kW; I managed to reach 214 kW during testing

Seating capacity: 7

V2L function: yes

Price of the tested unit: 373,200 PLN

This is not just a large SUV

After testing the Kia EV5, I thought I already knew how large of vehicles this manufacturer can produce. The EV9 quickly corrected my assumption. It’s truly an enormous car. It measures over five meters in length, nearly two meters in width, and weighs 2,590 kg. When it’s parked next to other cars, it’s immediately clear that we’re dealing with a completely different class. In this regard, the EV9 reminds me of large American SUVs, both in terms of size and its robust appearance.

From the outside, I really like this car. I tested the black version, though if I had to choose one for myself, I would definitely go with the blue paint. The front is robust, and its distinctive lights that resemble claws or sharp teeth give it a striking appearance. It fits well within the styling of Kia’s other models, but everything on the EV9 is simply larger. From the side, the car looks like a solid block that should appeal to those who prefer large vehicles. At the back, there’s a large, automatically opening trunk lid that makes it easy to access the cargo space.

Seven seats and a trunk where you won’t struggle to find enough space

The version I tested had seven seats. There are two seats in the front, three seats in the second row, and an additional two when the extra seats in the trunk are unfolded. The third-row seats unfold automatically, so there’s no need to struggle with the mechanism or worry about how to adjust them.

With the third row folded, the trunk is enormous. It’s easy to fit an entire family for a long trip without having to consider leaving some items at home. Interestingly, even after unfolding the extra seats, there’s still enough space for luggage, and passengers in the back have surprisingly plenty of legroom. I wouldn’t say three people who are 185 cm tall sitting one behind another would have ideal conditions for a multi-hour trip to the sea, but the EV9 offers far more flexibility than most three-row cars.

If someone is looking for a car for a family of 2+3 or even 2+4, the Kia EV9 is a very interesting option. There are four ISOFIX anchors at the back, and the sliding seat in the second row allows for better customization of space to fit the passengers' needs. With the seats properly adjusted, the whole family can travel comfortably. It’s one of those cars where size truly translates into everyday practicality.

I like the option to order a six-seater version even more. In that case, instead of a three-seater sofa in the second row, we have two separate armchairs, with another two seats in the third row. An additional table can be placed between the armchairs, and the seats themselves offer reclining and folding functions. This setup resembles that of a limousine, where passengers have their own space and can rest comfortably during the journey. If I were to choose an EV9 for myself, this configuration would be my favorite.

A fully equipped interior, but for this price I would expect more

The cockpit is well-known from other Kia models. In front of the driver lies a long screen panel divided into three sections. On the left is a display showing driving information, in the middle a small screen for controlling the climate system, and on the right the infotainment system. This layout is similar to those I’ve seen in other models tested by the brand, so there’s no need for much time to learn how to use it. We also have wireless Apple CarPlay, and those who prefer can use the wired connection.

The seats are electrically adjustable, with memory settings available for both the driver and passenger. There’s a heated steering wheel, heating for the front seats, heating for the outer seats in the second row, as well as ventilation for those seats. Additionally, there are sunshades on the rear doors, so no extra sun shields need to be purchased. Passengers in the back can also adjust the air conditioning independently. The EV9 has three climate zones, with vents for the second and third rows located in the ceiling panels.

This is precisely why the version I tested didn’t have a panoramic roof. It can be selected in the appropriate configuration, but with vents in the roof, one must consider how the manufacturer has equipped that specific version.

This is where we come to one of the things that show just how contradictory the EV9 can be. The test unit costs 373,200 zł, and massage is only available in the driver’s seat. The passenger can adjust their seat to a reclined position or even fold it down while driving, but they do not get the massage function. It may not be a flaw that ruins the entire car, but at this price point, I would expect such a feature to be available for the passenger as well.

There are plenty of storage spaces, and some of the solutions are truly clever

In terms of storing small items, the EV9 performs very well. There is a sizable storage compartment under the center console, and passengers have additional cup holders at their disposal. Interestingly, the front cupholders can be hidden under a sliding cover. When not in use, they take up no space and are not noticeable.

There is also space under the center console where additional items, such as a handbag, can be stored. A car of this size has plenty of room for luggage, but it’s good that the manufacturer thought about the small items we want within easy reach. The car can also be secured with a fingerprint. This is another feature that shows Kia is trying to incorporate solutions beyond basic functions in its models.

The downside, however, is the phone’s induction charger. It works, but it lacks cooling, a problem I’ve noticed in several other cars as well. The phone can get very hot during charging, which hinders efficient battery recharge. With such a large and modern car, I hope manufacturers will finally take this issue more seriously.

There is also a small frunk in the front. It’s not a space for storing an extra suitcase, but it’s ideal for carrying charging cables, small accessories, or spray bottle fluid. A sports bag can also fit there. I would consider it more of a practical storage area for items we don’t want to put in the main trunk.

V2L: Kia Can Also Serve as an Energy Storage Unit

The EV9 features Vehicle to Load functionality, which allows the car to power external devices. There is a 230 V outlet in the cabin, and the kit includes an adapter that connects to the charging port. An extension cord or a device requiring power can be connected to it directly.

This is a useful solution for trips, camping, or working outdoors. With the right equipment, the car can serve as a mobile power source. With a battery capacity of 99.8 kWh, there are many possibilities, though it’s important to remember that the energy used to power devices will not be available for driving.

The size and weight of the car are noticeable at the wheel

The steering wheel operation is typical of other Kia models. The buttons allow control over the cruise control, music, and information displayed on the screen. Additionally, beneath the horn are buttons for changing driving modes and selecting settings adapted to different surfaces, such as snow or sand. After all, the EV9 is an SUV, so the manufacturer has also considered driving in conditions other than regular asphalt.

I missed a pneumatic suspension while driving. For a car of this size and price, I would expect it to be available at least as an option. The version tested came with 21-inch wheels, and the roughness was noticeably felt on uneven surfaces. Every larger pothole made it clear what we had just driven over. I didn’t have the feeling of being in a large SUV that shields passengers from road imperfections. The suspension was quite stiff, and there were limited options to adjust its firmness.

This doesn’t mean the EV9 is hard to drive, though. On the contrary, it feels pleasant to drive, and the interior space and comfort are impressive. You can also feel its power when you press the accelerator harder. For a car weighing over 2.5 tons and with such large dimensions, the EV9 is really quick. And that’s good, because with a vehicle of this size, I wouldn’t want it to take too long to accelerate. There’s definitely no lack of power here, and overtaking or merging into traffic isn’t a problem.

However, it’s important to remember that this is a very large and heavy car. On narrow streets and parking lots in Poland, its size can be problematic. This is definitely not a car I’d want to use every day to find parking in the city center.

Energy consumption? Size comes at a cost here.

With a weight of 2590 kg and such a large body, there’s no expectation of energy consumption typical of smaller electric vehicles. In the city, the EV9 required around 20-23 kWh per 100 km, and under less favorable conditions this figure could rise to as much as 25 kWh per 100 km. On highways, the situation is even more interesting. At a constant speed of about 120 km/h, the consumption was 29-31 kWh per 100 km. When accelerating to 140 km/h, it increased to around 33-35 kWh per 100 km.

Of course, the battery with a capacity of 99.8 kWh partially compensates for these figures. In the city, one can expect a range of around 450-500 km, depending on conditions and driving style. On long trips, especially on the highway, I would plan to stop for charging every approximately 300 km. It’s possible to travel further, but with such consumption levels, one shouldn’t expect to cover significantly longer distances continuously without breaks.

It is in situations like these that we truly appreciate fast charging. The maximum power specified is 210 kW, but during testing I was able to see even 214 kW. However, what matters most is how the car maintains its power level while charging. The charging curve performs really well. For a significant portion of the process, up to around 80 percent charge, the power stayed above 100 kW. This means that recharging doesn’t involve a long wait at the charger.

It took me about an hour to fully charge from 10 to 100 percent. Of course, on the road it’s not very practical to wait every time for the last few percent, but with such a large battery, one can take a break, eat something, and rest from driving. The EV9 consumes a lot of energy, but fast charging helps to partially compensate for what we lose due to its weight and size.

The Kia EV9 is a car that requires more than just money

After a week of driving the EV9, I still consider it a very interesting car. It has a huge interior, a truly useful third row of seats, a large trunk, and fast charging. For a large family that travels together frequently, it could be an excellent choice. It’s hard to find many electric cars that offer this much space and allow seven people to ride without the last two seats being treated merely as emergency options.

But the Kia EV9 is also a car full of compromises. At this price, I would expect more comfort in the suspension, massage functions for the passenger seat as well, and better solutions for cooling the induction charger. Added to this are high energy costs when driving fast, and its size, which isn’t always an advantage on Polish roads and parking lots.

In the United States, such large SUVs enjoy much greater interest, and I’m not surprised at all. The EV9 has many features that make it a perfect fit for such a market. In Poland, however, it’s a car meant for a fairly specific group of consumers, especially when considering the price of the test unit, which is 373,200 zł.

Once, the Kia EV9 was my dream car. After a week of testing, I still appreciate it, but I no longer dream of necessarily having it in my garage. It’s a very large, comfortable, and practical electric vehicle, but its purchase and maintenance require a substantial budget. As the saying goes: if you can afford a car and a horse, you can also afford food for them. This saying fits the EV9 exceptionally well.