Big, boxy—and unexpectedly frugal
The Kia EV9 stands at the intersection of technology and design, showcasing how electric vehicles can be both spacious and efficient. As we move further into the era of electric mobility, understanding the balance between size and efficiency will be paramount for manufacturers and consumers alike. Many families will find themselves attracted to the EV9’s spacious interior, which can accommodate car seats, luggage, and even sports equipment without compromising comfort. Additionally, the vehicle’s cutting-edge safety features, such as advanced driver-assistance systems, enhance peace of mind on every journey. The Kia EV9 is not just an electric SUV; it represents a shift in how we approach family travel and environmental responsibility.
Pulling the Kia EV9 into motorway traffic, you can feel its two-and-a-half-ton mass, but you also notice something rarer: the watt-hour gauge falls more slowly than your eyes expect. On our mixed 120-kilometre loop near Munich, the dual-motor Land AWD test car averaged 22.0 kWh/100 km, or roughly 2.8 mi/kWh—a figure some compact crossovers struggle to match. Owners on the EV9 Reddit forum report 3.2 mi/kWh on mountain trips with careful throttle use, confirming that the efficiency we saw is no fluke. Additionally, with increasing electric vehicle adoption, understanding efficiency becomes more critical for consumers. The EV9’s performance in this regard is not just a number but a representation of how design and technology can come together to create an eco-friendly driving experience.
So does size kill efficiency? Not here, and the reasons are largely aerodynamic and electrical. Kia’s designers carved a surprisingly low 0.28 drag coefficient into the bluff body, and the 800-V E-GMP platform lets the big battery flow current with less heat loss than 400-V rivals. This aerodynamic design is crucial in maintaining efficiency, as it reduces wind resistance, allowing the Kia EV9 to cut through the air more smoothly. Furthermore, the innovative battery management system contributes to maximizing range, ensuring that the vehicle performs optimally even in various driving conditions.
Range figures that live up to the sticker
Official EPA data rate the long-range Light RWD at 304 miles on its 99.8 kWh pack, while dual-motor trims land at 280 miles (270 miles for GT-Line). In cool spring weather—11 °C ambient—our Land AWD maintained a projected 310 miles at 110 km/h cruise. That real-world parity is rare for electric SUVs and underscores how important aero tuning and heat-pump management have become for the segment. Moreover, the ability to achieve such impressive range figures speaks to the advancements in battery technology and energy efficiency strategies employed by Kia, making the EV9 a standout choice for those prioritizing long distances without frequent stops.
Performance that shrinks the car around you
Stab the throttle in GT-Line guise and the EV9 hustles to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, courtesy of a temporary 516 lb-ft Boost download. Even the milder Land version hits the mark in 4.4 seconds on magazine test tracks, meaning family road trips will never feel sluggish when merging or overtaking. The ride stays calm thanks to air springs and a long 3,100 mm wheelbase, while body roll is better controlled than the EV9’s blocky silhouette implies. This performance is not just about speed—it also translates into safety and confidence on the road, allowing drivers to navigate highway merges and city streets with ease.
Charging: big battery, short stops
With its 800-V architecture, the EV9 peaks at 230 kW on compatible DC fast-chargers, gulping 10–80 % in about 24 minutes. That’s quick enough to sync bathroom breaks with range recovery. Kia says 2025-build EV9s ship with NACS hardware in North America, opening seamless access to Tesla Superchargers by year-end—a welcome upgrade mentioned by early owners. Fast charging capability not only enhances convenience for long road trips but also aligns with the growing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations, making the Kia EV9 a practical choice for daily commuters and road warriors alike.
Cabin comfort and tech
Inside, the EV9 feels closer to a premium lounge than its pricing suggests. Two 12.3-inch screens anchor the dash, now with wireless Android Auto and CarPlay for 2025. Storage nooks abound, third-row space matches a Mazda CX-9, and with all seats up you still get 333 litres of boot room. Kia’s Highway Drive Assist 2 kept the SUV centred and smooth at 130 km/h, although its manual lane-change prompt remains fussier than GM’s Super Cruise. This attention to interior design not only enhances comfort but also reflects modern consumer expectations for technology and versatility in a family vehicle.
Verdict: size tempered by smarts
After two days and 420 kilometres behind the wheel, our verdict is clear: Kia EV9 First-Drive Impressions: Does Size Kill Efficiency? Not when clever aerodynamics, an 800-V backbone, and diligent energy management answer the question. For families who want genuine three-row space without hemorrhaging electrons—or cash—the EV9 lands squarely in the efficiency sweet spot, proving that large can be lean in the 2025 EV landscape. As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable solutions, the Kia EV9 emerges as a beacon of innovation, encouraging consumers to rethink their perceptions of electric vehicles.
