Let's be honest, finding the perfect family electric car these days often feels like an impossible task, as there are just so many options.

For instance, you need loads of space, but you don't want to drive a bland, boring box just to have it, now do you?

Then you will need the latest tech, but it has to be simple enough to use when the kids are creating chaos in the back to help not distract you, and now, more than ever, you’re probably thinking about making the switch to electric at the same time.

Enter the all-electric Kia EV9.

It looks like it has driven straight off a sci-fi film set, with its massive road presence and futuristic design, and it is a full seven-seat SUV that promises to do it all - without a single drop of petrol.

But what is it really like to live on British roads? Can it handle the school run, the big weekly shop, and a family holiday?

Well, let’s find out if this is going to be your next best car or a bit of a letdown, shall we?

Table of Contents

       
• So, What Will This Kia EV9 Review Cover?
• What is a KIA EV9?
• Having a Look Outside
• The Interior Space and Comfort
• Lighting
• Safety Features and Gadgets
• How It Drives, Range, and Charging?
• Kia EV9 Models
• Warranty
• Kia EV9 UK Insurance Groups
• Dimensions
•  KIA EV9 Review, Final Thoughts
• Test Drive
• Related New Car Reviews & Car Guides
• Who is Chippenham Motor Group?

So, What Will This Kia EV9 Review Cover?

In this review, we'll look at its bold design and what it’s like to live with every day.

We’ll then dive into how practical it is for a big family, check out all the gadgets inside, and see just how it drives on today's British roads.

Then, finally, we'll cover its real-world battery range and charging to decide if it’s good value for money.

What is a KIA EV9?

Well, the Kia EV9 is the South Korean brand's flagship all-electric SUV, and it’s one of the biggest and boldest electric cars you can buy today; as a result, that is no easy feat to see in our view.

Designed from the very beginning to be purely electric, it sits on the same really advanced underpinnings as the popular Kia EV6 does but on a much larger scale.

SUV Body Style

For instance, it's a full-size, three-row vehicle that provides you with proper seating for up to seven adults, putting it in a class of its own for families needing maximum space without burning any fuel in doing so as a result.

Futuristic Design

With its futuristic, boxy design, the EV9 is also a statement piece as well, as it really does show Kia’s ambition to compete with premium brands like Land Rover, BMW, and Audi here.

The interior, for instance, is equally forward-thinking, featuring a huge, minimalist dashboard dominated by screens, dual-colour ambient lighting, and extensive use of sustainable, recycled materials as well, which is really good to see.

It’s also packed with the latest technology and gives an impressive real-world battery range, as well as featuring some ultra-fast charging that can add over 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes.

In short, the EV9 is Kia’s vision for the future of the large family car - spacious, luxurious, and completely electric, and they may just have done it.

Having a Look Outside

Walking up to the EV9, the first thing that just hits you is its sheer size – it's a huge car with a bold, boxy and modern shape that stands out in any car park.

The front is dominated by striking 'Star Map' LED lights as well, which give it a unique, futuristic face here.

The rest of the car is then clean and simple, with some flush, pop-out door handles that add to the modern look as well.

Overall, it's certainly a head-turner, and it looks strong, confident, and very different from anything else on the road here as a result, which is in part thanks to many things, such as its front bumper design.

Front and Front Bumper

Here, the first thing you’ll notice is what Kia calls its 'Digital Tiger Face'.

Gone is the traditional grille, and instead, you get a clean, body-coloured panel that just emphasises really well the car's width and electric nature for all to see in our view.

This is then framed well by its incredible vertical 'Star Map' LED headlights that create a unique and very unmistakable signature here, especially at night, we should add.

The front bumper is also simple but strong as well, with clean lines and subtle air intakes at the bottom that just help to improve its aerodynamics a bit more, making the car look both imposing and intelligent as a direct result here.

Side Profile

From the side, the EV9’s sheer length and boxy shape are also immediately apparent as well.

For instance, here, it has a classic, upright SUV stance, with some sharp, creased lines that give it a chiselled and modern look.

Then, with its flush, pop-out door handles, these really help to keep things smooth and help with your airflow, all while the angular, black-trimmed wheel arches just add a touch of toughness here.

This is then complimented by its long wheelbase (the distance between the front and back wheels), which is a clear sign of the huge amount of space just waiting for you on the inside.

Roofline

The roofline is also long, flat, and purposeful in our view as well.

This is a design feature that is really needed for the EV9’s best feature - the volume of its interior space.

Unlike many SUVs that slope down at the back, for instance, the EV9 keeps its height, which is why adults can sit comfortably in the third row.

This then helps further on the GT-Line models as well, as here you get a beautiful tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof that just floods the cabin with light.

Then, for those who need extra storage and carrying capacity, the roof here also provides you with some well-integrated roof rails, which also come as standard - adding to its practical, go-anywhere appeal here, you will be glad to know.

Rear

The futuristic theme continues even more at the back.

Here, the slim, vertical LED tail lights brilliantly mirror the design of the front lights, giving you a car with a very cohesive look from every angle.

The rear tailgate is also vast and cleanly designed as well, with the new Kia badge sitting proudly in the centre.

This is all while it comes with a neat spoiler that is just integrated into the top of the boot lid really well, which in turn really helps to improve your aerodynamics and to help to keep the rear bumper simple and robust as a result.

Overall, here it’s a design that is both stylish and incredibly practical, we must note.

Wheel Options

For your wheel options, the EV9 comes with a choice of alloy wheels that are designed to be both stylish and efficient.

The standard 'Air' model, for instance, comes with 19-inch alloys, which are really designed to maximise your battery range.

Then, for those who want to step up to the top-spec 'GT-Line' here, you will get the larger, more striking 21-inch wheels with a unique, blocky design that perfectly complements the car’s powerful look in our view.

Consequently, both options also feature aerodynamic elements to help the car slip through the air more easily as well, which is good to see.

Paint Options

For your paint options, here Kia offers you a very good palette of paint colours for the EV9, moving away from bright, flashy shades to more contemporary, premium finishes as a result.

For instance, you can choose from options like the stunning matte-effect Ocean Blue or Ivory Silver, which really make the car's sharp lines stand out.

Alternatively, for those who prefer a more classic look, there are metallic finishes available as well, like the Aurora Black Pearl, Flare Red, and Pebble Grey.

Each colour of which has been chosen to really improve the car’s modern feel here - and they have done a good job of it in our view.

The Interior Space and Comfort

If the outside of the Kia EV9 is futuristic, the inside just feels like a luxurious, high-tech lounge, to be honest.

Kia here has really focused on creating a calm, comfortable, and incredibly practical space for the whole family, and that is clear to see the second you open the door.

Dash

For instance, starting with the dashboard just gives you a masterclass in modern, minimalist design.

For example, it’s wide, clean, and uncluttered, which really does an amazing job at creating a sense of space - and it does this really well.

Instead of being covered in buttons, for instance, the focus here is really on a stunning single panel that houses three screens.

The materials used also feel very upmarket, with lots of soft-touch fabrics made from recycled plastics and other sustainable sources as well.

Overall, it just feels solid, beautifully put together, and far more premium than you might expect.

Infotainment System and Driver Cluster

The star of the show here, though, is the huge, panoramic display that stretches across two-thirds of the dash.

It's actually made of three screens seamlessly blended together: a 12.3-inch screen for the driver showing speed and range, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen for navigation and media, and a clever 5.1-inch screen in between for the climate controls.

The system is also bright, responsive, and easy to navigate as well which we really liked.

Furthermore, it also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, so connecting your phone is just really simple.

Front Seats

The front seats are then some of the most comfortable you will find in any car.

This then goes a step further with the GT-Line model, as they are also heated and cooled and even have a massage function to keep you relaxed on long journeys as well.

As a result, they are electrically adjustable in multiple ways, so finding the perfect driving position is just easy, to be honest.

A brilliant feature here, as well, is the 'Relaxation Mode', which allows the seats to recline almost flat with a leg rest, which is perfect for when you need to wait for the car to charge.

Rear Seats

This is where the EV9 really shines, though.

The second row, for instance, gives you just an enormous amount of legroom and headroom for three adults to travel in total comfort.

Some of the higher models even offer you the option of two individual ‘captain’s chairs’ in the middle row that can swivel around to face the third row, creating a sociable, lounge-like atmosphere that feels open and luxurious.

The third row is also genuinely usable for adults, not just children, which is a rare thing in a seven-seater, that is for sure.

Upholstery

Kia has then made a big effort to be sustainable inside the EV9, and that is also very clear to see we feel.

For example, there is no real leather anywhere in the car, and instead, you get high-quality vegan leather and upholstery made from recycled materials, like fabrics which are woven from old fishing nets and plastic bottles.

Due to this, it all looks and feels fantastic – proving that luxury doesn't have to harm the planet at all.

Connectivity Options

The EV9 is also fully equipped with connectivity options to keep everyone’s devices charged and connected.

For instance, there are multiple USB-C ports in all three rows, so nobody has to fight over a charger and a wireless charging pad, which is conveniently located in the front centre console for your smartphone.

This is then complimented further as the car is always connected to the internet, allowing for live traffic updates and over-the-air software updates to be installed really easily.

Boot Space

For your boot capacity and space, here practicality is key in a family car, and the EV9 really delivers.

With all seven seats in use, the boot still offers you an instance of 333 litres of space – enough for the weekly shop or a few weekend bags.

Fold the third row flat (which you can do with the literal press of a button), and it opens up a huge 828 litres.

Then, with both back rows folded, it becomes a van with a cavernous 2,318 litres of space.

That doesn't stop there either, as there's even a 'frunk' (front trunk) under the bonnet, which is perfect for storing the charging cables as well - all in all, full marks from us here, very impressive.

Comfort

Overall comfort is also pretty exceptional.

For instance, the EV9 is incredibly quiet and refined when on the road, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum, which is good to see.

The suspension then does a great job of soaking up bumps as well, making for a smooth and relaxing ride as a result here.

This is then all complimented further thanks to a good three-zone climate control system, which allows your passengers in the front, middle, and back to set their own temperatures, ensuring everyone just stays comfortable on the journey as a result.

Heads-Up Display (HUD) Key Information in Your Line of Sight

Available on the top-tier GT-Line S models, the Heads-Up Display (HUD) then gives you key driving information directly onto the windscreen in your field of vision.

This full-colour display is then sharp and clear and gives you data such as your current speed, the speed limit, satellite navigation instructions, and warnings from active safety systems as well, all directly in your line of sight.

Lighting

The Kia EV9 is also more than just a large electric SUV; it's just packed full of tech.

Here, for instance, this includes:

Safety Features and Gadgets

The Kia EV9 isn't just about electric power and space, though; it's also one of the most technologically advanced cars on the road as well, which is, again, no small feat to say here.

From safety systems that act as a second pair of eyes for you while you are on the road to some very clever features that just make your daily life easier, the EV9 is packed with cutting-edge tech all over.

How It Drives, Range, and Charging?

For such a big and heavy car, we have to admit that the EV9 is surprisingly quick, with its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GT-Line model being particularly punchy, pulling away from traffic lights with the instant shove you only get from an electric car.

As a result, it’s also both quiet and smooth on the motorway, making it a brilliant long-distance cruiser due to this.

On a twisty B-road, you can feel its weight, but it handles corners securely and without much fuss. The ride is mostly very comfortable, soaking up bumps in the road nicely and keeping things calm in the cabin. 

Electric Car Range and Charging

Kia claims an official range of around 313 miles WLTP for the GT-Line model under ideal circumstances, and in our real-world testing, doing a mix of town, A-road, and motorway driving, we see a realistic range of about 270-280 miles from a full charge, which is very respectable for a car of this size. This is due to driving styles, more stop-start traffic, and the weather.

Then, when it comes to charging, the EV9 is one of the best in class here as well.

For instance, if you find one of the latest ultra-rapid 350kW public chargers, you can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes.

Then, at home, on a standard 7kW wall box charger, a full charge will take all night, which is what most owners will do, allowing you to take advantage of much cheaper electricity rates to help keep your running costs down as a result.

Kia EV9 Models

For your models, they differ in a number of ways, including for instance:

Warranty

One of the Kia's most significant selling points across its entire range is its warranty, and the new EV9 is no exception, we must admit.

As a result, for buyers, this gives you a substantial level of long-term peace of mind, which is more than a key consideration for a high-value, technologically advanced electric vehicle such as the EV9, in our opinion.

As a result, the warranty package for the Kia EV9 is very comprehensive and can be broken down actually into several key areas, including:

General Vehicle Warranty

The cornerstone of the package is the 7-year, 100,000-mile manufacturer's warranty, which covers the majority of the car's components against manufacturing or material defects.

For the first three years, the mileage is unlimited as well, and then from years four to seven, the 100,000-mile cap applies.

As a result, this long-term coverage is more of a standout feature in the UK market and surpasses the standard 3-year warranties offered by many premium and volume brands by a good mile.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Components Warranty

Next up, Kia then offers a separate EV components warranty, which, for an electric car, is a must-have. As a result, here, the key EV components are also covered for 7 years or 100,000 miles.

This includes the electric motor, on-board charger, and other high-voltage electrical systems.

High-Voltage Battery Warranty

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery then also gets its own warranty as well and is arguably the most expensive component of an EV.

As a result, Kia provides you here with a specific warranty for the EV9's battery, also for 7 years or 100,000 miles.

This then covers its performance to retain at least 70% of its original capacity during this period.

If the battery's state of health drops below this threshold, Kia will repair or replace it free of charge.

Paintwork and Anti-Perforation Warranty

Then lastly, to finish the suit of warranty covers here, beyond the mechanical and electrical components, the EV9 also comes with the following:

• A 5-year, 100,000-mile paintwork warranty covering defects in the paint. </>
• A 12-year, unlimited-mileage anti-perforation warranty, which protects against corrosion from the inside out.

Kia EV9 UK Insurance Groups

For your insurance groups, here you have:

Dimensions

For your dimensions, here you have:

KIA EV9 Review, Final Thoughts

As you can see, this car is aimed squarely at large families who need a practical, spacious seven-seater but want to go electric.

As a result, if you regularly carry more than five people and want a car that’s comfortable, safe, and full of the latest tech, the EV9 is one of the best options out there for you.

Partially because you are getting an awful lot for your money, especially when you compare it to other large electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X or the Volvo EX90, for instance, which looks like a very good value here.

The EV9 just offers you more space than most and comes with Kia’s famous seven-year warranty package as well.

So, if you need a seven-seat electric car, the Kia EV9 is a brilliant choice in our view here.

It’s practical, comfortable, and just feels like a glimpse of the future, making it a fantastic family car and a massive step forward for Kia.

As a result, we think it’s worth every penny.

Test Drive

Like what you have seen in this guide, then why not book a road test drive of the new KIA EV9 at one of our local KIA car dealerships today to experience one of our test cars firsthand, and take it out for your first drive, to see if this is one of your next best small electric cars to own?

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Who is Chippenham Motor Group?

Here at Chippenham Motor Group, we are a reputable automotive dealership based in Chippenham that has been around for a long time in the United Kingdom.

As a result, we are committed to giving you exceptional customer service and offering you a wide range of new and used Kia for sale, along with others from leading brands as well.

In addition to vehicle sales, we can also give you access to comprehensive aftersales services, including maintenance, repairs, and genuine parts, and our experienced and friendly team are proud that we help every customer find the perfect vehicle to suit your needs and budget.

So contact us today if we can help you find your next car. We are here to help.