Meet the 2026 Kia EV9, an all-electric SUV with three comfortable rows of seating and a range that tops out at 304 miles.
And in our opinion, those two qualities are among a sizable list of positives that make the EV9 a viable option for folks seeking an affordable electric SUV that doesn’t require constant recharging.
Making its debut in 2024 and mostly unchanged the last two years, the EV9 has an affordable starting price of around $54,900 and can climb just under $72,000. Among its electric three-row competitors are the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and Volvo EX90.
The exterior stands out with its boxy, modern design that’s both efficient and aerodynamic. The range is solid (230 to 304 miles) and the charging of its two battery options (76.1-kWh, 99.8-kWh) is super quick – 10% to 80% in about 20–24 minutes at 350kW DC chargers.
The EV9 also provides spacious and comfortable seating, plus many standard features for the money. It rides smoothly and all but the base Light model deliver excellent performance. The SUV can be a six-or-seven-passenger SUV, depending on whether the second row has a bench or captain’s chairs.
The Kia EV shares its platform and electrical powertrain with the Hyundai Ioniq 7. The EV9 is about the same size as the Kia Telluride, a popular gas-only SUV that had sales of 123,281 last year. The EV9 had impressive first-year sales of 22,017 two years ago, but dipped to 15,051 in 2025.
The EV9 offers standard rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is an option. It comes with single or dual-motor options like the KIA EV6, a two-row SUV. The EV9 towing capacity varies and tops out at 5,000 pounds when equipped with the dual electric motors. The EV9 gets 80-89 MPGe, depending on the choice of drivetrains.
The base model EV9 has a single electric motor and generates 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s modestly quick, going 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
If performance is your thing, choose the dual electric motors that come with all AWD models. The dual motors combine for 379 horsepower and 516 square-feet of torque, and travel 0-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds.
Standard driver safety features include forward collision avoidance; blind spot collision assist; lane following assist; highway driving assist; rear cross traffic collision avoidance; smart cruise control; and safe exit assist.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 KIA EV9
- Performance: electric motor, 215 horsepower; dual electric motors, 379 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 80-89 MPGe
- Price estimate: 54,900 to $71,900
- Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; Drivetrain: 10-year/100,000-mile; Roadside assistance: 5 years/60,000; Corrosion: 5 years/100,000 miles; Battery: 10 years/100,000 miles
The EV9 delivers a quiet, stable ride with solid handling, even on challenging roads. The Kia SUV comes with standard features that include second-row captain’s chairs, a heat pump for the climate-control system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and numerous driver-assistance features.
We prefer the captain’s chairs because they mirror the front seats, offering heating, ventilation and massaging. Unlike many three-row SUVs, the third row in the EV9 can accommodate adults with no problem.
The EV9 offers many of the latest advanced technology features. It has a pair of 12.3-inch screens (gauge cluster, infotainment) and provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration that can also function wirelessly.
The cargo area measures 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expands to 43.5 cubes with the third row down, and has a maximum 81.7 cubic feet of space with both rows folded to the floor.
The 2026 Kia EV9 is in its third year and is the company’s first all-electric three-row SUV. The interior is roomy, techy and can accommodate up to seven passengers. It charges quickly, provides a well-behaved ride and solid acceleration, making the EV9 an SUV worth checking out.
Weidel on Wheels is featured regularly on www.tahoeskiworld.com. Auto writer Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at skiweidel@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jeffweidel.bsky.social
