Is The 2024 Kia EV9 Is The Boxy 3-Row EV We've Been Waiting For?

[@spinmouth4114]

Boxy Lover All Day! The Long Range base model does not have a sunroof and thats why I WILL buy it. I hate sunroofs, they leak, break and are a headache long term. Cloth seats unfortunately are not an option. I love cloths seats and wouldmlove to see this option. As for size, ive sat in this model early on and wasnt impressed much, but it is bigger than the little EV6 and much more comfortable and roomier than any Tesla ever made. With the cyberflop, Tesla aero fan boys are eating crow for the next two years.

[@idigbebop]

Ditto on pano- roofs. Down south it is an easy bake oven. AC can barely overcome the heat w tint or not. Give me steel and insulation any day.

[@mdribblecastle]

The legroom king! That's why I bought it as a 6'6" Dad with rear facing car seats. So far I love it.

[@michaels3689]

What trim did you get? I was wondering if I would regret not getting the Land with the captain's chairs. You lose a seat, but the captain's chairs make it so much easier to access the third row I'd imagine.

[@atrampabroad8318]

22:21 These extra-cost purchases for capabilities the car already has are ridiculous. If all it takes is a software to unlock a function, then in reality you already paid for it and the manufacturer is just trying to get more money out of you.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

I have no use for this thing, but I love it.

[@cranfktubner7677]

Excellent. I knew about the second row massage seats removed, the powered third row cancelled, but did not noticed the Lidar 🙄 Especially for the same price as the one in Korea with these goodies … Feels like US medication. Pay way more for less … 😅

[@aliens.8560]

Just test drove one over the weekend. I was really impressed by the ride and cabin noise levels.

[@brandonl8039]

In before the “lol who would spend 75k on a KIA” and “EVs suck never buy one ever” comments.

[@rkalla]

Not possible, Alex adds those as first comment automatically 😂😂

[@GaryKetchum808]

A buncha jokers tbh. Kia has been on the upswing for a while now.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Ugh, why would we do that?

[@Fdjt4ever]

They are snowflakes afraid of a changing world.

[@santiagohills3997]

@@AAutoBuyersGuideengagement! 😅

[@mikefarrington7141]

I knew there would be no LIDAR, just like there would be no rear swivel seats. No dashcam recorder. Hyundai and Kia always rip out features for the US market. The swivel 2nd row may have been a regulatory restriction, but my point still stands... they always whittle away features to try and overcome the chicken tax. I understand why they need to do it, but I still hate it.

[@garyclark6747]

The LIDAR was said to not be implemented yet even if it was physically there, so they really should’ve reduced the MSRP after removing it. Buying and keeping features is silly at $79,000. I think they made enough profit already wouldn’t you say. I’m going to wait until a J3400 delivers 800V EV6 type charging curve reliably like CCS currently does so I’m not taking a step back.💯🎯

[@jonathonalsop2120]

The 5000lbs of towing and 11.5kw V2H at least make me look at the numbers and consider this as a replacement for my car and truck while adding a nice home backup in a blackout. But $90k CDN is too steep for me, but competitive in the current EV market.

[@al73r]

Woah v2h is now available. Now if they qualified for the tax rebates I would hit the dealer this week

[@davidws5439]

Any new brand that has the NACS connector should move the charge port to the left rear and / or right front. This would help them when charging and make ports more standard. I would like an option for both ports to fit more customer needs when towing or having a rear carrier on the tow hitch or for handicap vehicles.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It appears that Tesla is moving towards longer cables that will charge on either side. It seems unlikely that ports will move on many (if any) EVs, and Chargepoint, EA and others have said the cables will remain long on their chargers,

[@Wasabi9111]

Totally agree, especially for the newly released EVs.

[@lancecorporal7605]

looks better than any tesla

[@benniewalker312]

Love the looks, practically and tech of the EV9. Price is probably pushed out of what I’m willing to spend for a three row with a plug. Still holding out for the ID Buzz. Not nearly as pretty but perhaps even more practical. We shall wait and see.

[@Wasabi9111]

I’m also excited for the buzz for the ultimate practicality. But family EVs need to have at least 300 mi range for the extended day trips. W my rivian I could do longer days trips wo the hassle of fast charging, something I couldn’t do w my prior Ioniq 5 w much lower range.

[@kwykwyk8447]

Hoping you guys will do a base model review when its available

[@ChrisParayno]

If this is the direction of EVs, i like it

[@bradyb9929]

The 20k is going to prevent mainstream adoption. If EVs want to take over they have to make that gap close.

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I've already gone to the dealer to see it in person and I love it.

[@GeeDeeBird]

I'm really looking forward to the range test and road trip videos on this vehicle.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Lexus sales in the USA last Year were just insanely high...as were BMW sales. All look like records to me. This one visually checks all the boxes that Lexus was trying to achieve with its redesign. This whole "your new battery will cost $40,000 Dollars" is a real problem for the Industry going forward tho.

[@volcalstone]

"Baby got back" I see 😂

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I mean, she does have some booty...

[@jsiajackson4355]

I'm so glad I saw this comment. I thought I was the only one that saw SirMixALot on the screen😂😂😂

[@zschudrowitz155]

Love those easter eggs.

[@jasonhillgiant]

I will most definitely be cross shopping this with the ID. Buzz when it (finally) becomes available.

[@shanelen]

avoid VW, unreliable

[@fighter835]

It looks awesome, it's practical, it's better than the competition and is fun to drive? That's one awesome KIA.

[@naveenthemachine]

Another home run from Kia as always Even at this price point you can get a truly mediocre vehicle. The Kia is superior even with markups

[@Bahamut69]

You're still paying markups? It's MSRP around here. no big discounts but at least MSRP

[@naveenthemachine]

@@Bahamut69 i didn’t know these were marked down. I expected like the telluride this would be marked up

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@naveenthemachineit depends on the area where it’s being sold. Especially for an EV, places where no one wants one, it would be heavily discounted.

[@bradyb9929]

Holy Kia fanboy

[@bradyb9929]

@@Bahamut69tellurides in the Midwest have a 6k markup typically

[@_jg00]

I sat in one of these and a Mercedes GLE580 at a local auto show and the EV9 feels and looks better, especially inside. This is definitely worth $75k.

[@mikes8809]

lol I don’t think so but it’s your money..

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Amazing video Alex.

[@JonathanEzor]

Thank you, Alex. I'm very interested in seeing what Ford comes out with when it releases its already-announced 3-row EV SUV. With the EV6, Kia got to benchmark against the Mach-E. This time around, Ford will get to benchmark against this earlier entry into the segment.

[@MrAdamscales]

Alex, just found you last week as I was looking for CX-90 reviews. The EV9 GT Line is the other contender. I loved your child-seat review of the EV9, btw. I can't decide which one to get! Having reviewed them both, which do you like better, and why? Thanks for the reviews!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thanks! That’s a tough decision. The EV9 is much, much roomier, but whether to EV or not is going to be the core decision making component. The CX90 phev is a solid option. The range is good, performance is good as well. The main downside to the Mazda is the lack of space and storage on the inside. The main disadvantage to the EV9 is range. I hope that helps!

[@MrAdamscales]

Thanks for replying, Alex!@@AAutoBuyersGuide . Would probably do the Turbo S if I go with the Mazda. I think I can make the EV thing work, but there's so much to figure out - and it's not cheap. I'll decide soon, and drop you a line. Keep up the good work!

[@FuncleChuck]

This seems like the perfect car for the person who has too much money, 5 kids, and doesn’t care what brand car they drive. Which is apparently half of my dang town.

[@danhall3450]

😂

[@In-obscurity-n7j]

👍🏻👍🏻 Nice job. I have been inspired. I'm guessing 25-30.

[@ruturaj47]

When stinger was launched, many comments were who would pay this much for kia, I got mine and it has always done worrh more than what we paid for it but every time i go to dealership, experience makes us feel opposite. Unless dealerships are fixed, no thanks. I might give Hyundai a try but I doubt it would be much different.

[@kiwan5425]

I just saw a Stinger killing it on the snow. So much traction. 🔥

[@ruturaj47]

@@kiwan5425 lol, Texas video? Traction is more about tires than the traction control system.

[@huanronghu4432]

This Kia EV9 will be a homerun until more midsized/full sized three row EVs are available. And speaking of the model X 2nd row headroom figure, its 40.9 inches in the outboard seats. The 41.7 inches headroom figure is for the front seats. As far as the third row headroom figure for the EV9, it surpassed the new Honda Pilot by 2 tenths of an inch as the SUV with the most amount of headroom (even the Wagoneer has about half an inch less headroom without a third-row sunroof) so that is impressive. I hope when there are full size EVs available soon, there will hopefully be 40 inch headroom figures in the third row or close to that.

[@be236]

If in the market for 3-row EV, this EV9 looks nice, and I'd get the long-range 304-mile range trim.

[@_CarlosA]

Very impressive vehicle! The Koreans are going for it all in the EV space!

[@Zhenocnra]

The firm ride is definitely not a plus in my book. I wasn't expecting an air suspension but that just means I will have to wait and see what the Ioniq 7 and Genesis variants come equipped with. It's really too bad because I love the boxy styling and interior room because it's a box. The Ioniq 7 is going to be cuvry and less roomy going from the spy photos. I'm expecting the Genesis to follow the same curvy, less interior room form too which is truly unfortunate all around. If Kia would add an option for an air suspension on the upper ends, I would go finance that model immediately.

[@MrAdamscales]

I test drove this thing, No one is going to mind the absence of air suspension.

[@kimle01]

I reserved the wind it doesn’t have memory seating for a 65k car. It the only trim with awd with 7 seats. I am waiting for the model with nacs version.

[@stargate25645]

How do you rate the lane centering? Future full steering? On a side note, why was this not put on the EV channel?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

No future full steering that we know of now, although that's supposedly what the Lidar would have been used for. So while EV9 might get a SuperCruise like feature at some point, it's not going to be able to be added to an existing model.

[@ALMX5DP]

Given OEMs all take a slightly different approach to how they measure interior dimensions, are there any that stand out as being bad offenders for overstating their dimensions as it relates to what a customer might feel it should be?

[@josej.6329]

You know, Alex should start including the interior smell of the test drives lol. For some reason the interior of this Kia looks like it doesn’t smell that good . I’m not sure why 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

Kias are really good now and EV’s are awesome. But I’m waiting for the four row. Maybe five row.

[@kimle01]

Did you get a chance to test the charging speed on the Magic Dock?

[@10lawngnomes37]

Where's my affordable boxy 2-row?! right now it looks like this used might be the same price as the Rivian R2 when that comes out

[@CMCNestT]

Lucid Gravity starting price is " under $80k" not $85k. This is closest to EV9 with some physical controls while the Volvo is more Tesla like extreme minimalism.

[@thechett3699]

Love the car but the price of the GT-Line needs to come way down before I'd consider this over the R1S or the Gravity. The buzz is a definite 'no' based on what I've seen from their other electric models. EX90 is compelling but I don't expect to see many on the lots anywhere near base price.

[@Zhenocnra]

I'm not too sad by the fact that LIDAR isn't available with the Korean-built EV9's. I will be very disappointed if the LIDAR does not make it to the US-built EV9's though.

[@MadMadOne]

300 mile EV9 is 72K. 310 mile R1s is 79K. Its a no brainer. R1S needs a heat pump though.

[@heidiwilks5316]

Interesting that the US doesn't seem to get the power folding 3rd row seats that appear to be standard here in Canada (and I believe Europe as well). Wonder why the penny pinchers at Kia made that decision?

[@sportzain]

The range should be 400+ for this much money

[@yournumberonepal]

Love it, but I need something Ford Transit sized. 😉

[@TahoeKing]

Oh Alex, what have you brought? 😅

[@justinke729]

I really wish MPVs from Chinese car maker, such as Xpeng X9, Li Auto Mega, become available in US market... So much cheaper and more capable

[@binz7087]

a full size suv with that tiny back trunk?

[@bradyb9929]

The Kia fanboys in review comments are crazy.

[@Aegisx5]

That interior looks cheap, and short on range/power compared to the Rivian R1S for the price of the GT-Line trim. Maybe when they discount it by 10K...

[@marcusgilliam3269]

I'm very disappointed with the EV9. I walked into the dealership ready to sign because of all the glowing reviews. The third row is very cramped. We didn't even take it for a test drive after gettin the kids situated because they were so uncomfortable in the rear seat.

[@KickerHandle]

Does the weight of these 6000lb cars reduce tires' treadlife?

[@sportzain]

way too expensive they need to bring down the price

[@andresmattos7541]

YOU WANT THIS KIND OF VEHICLE FOR LIKE 30K? LOL

[@SahilMalik]

Those captain chairs in the middle row for top trims is a pretty stupid idea.

[@lagardena8551]

HATED Alex keeps mentioning Volvo. Not even close. This looks so much diff

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

And yet it's the only other option that's the same size and price as the top end GT-Line....

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

This should have been branded as Genesis. What's the point of selling this under Kia branding?

[@jrwaters943]

Affordable?! Really, Alex? In terms of price per kilowatt hour (or PPkWh if you prefer), this is a dismal EV value proposition. I admire Kia and Hyundai's EV offerings and have owned a few of their vehicles, but honestly, I just cannot stomach paying $65-75k on any Kia, especially given how terrible their sales/service experience is. Also, the gloss grey plastic trim looks cheap (beats piano black I guess), but it reminds me a ton of the 1st generation Chevy Volt center stack.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

"Affordable" is all relative. Given that 90% of new car shoppers are above average income earners and this is less expensive than other 3-row EVs...

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

It’s affordable if you don’t know what that word means

[@joemontana4370]

250 mile family road trip vehicle - yeah hard pass

[@GaryKetchum808]

My name is Boxxy you see?

[@falconwaver]

Alex, would you say the EV9 is a bit too big for the city?

[@JDubbs07]

It's no bigger than most other 3 row midsize SUVs, and certainly smaller than vehicles like a Tahoe or Suburban. People drive those around a city just fine, just fewer parking opportunities.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

No, I think the size is not bad. It's much smaller than a Tahoe or similar despite having interior room that's not too far off.

[@thenerdyarab7622]

It’s even smaller than a Traverse

[@jenesuispasbavard]

RIP pedestrians.

[@koenigseggkid1678]

Lol affordable. Yes at newrly 60k for base.

[@hynsum]

243-mi hwy range is some 120 in frigid winter. 👎

[@jollygreen4662]

500 mile for long distances. 300 mile for local

[@th003g]

When was the last time you drove 300 miles without stopping? Local driving can easily be done with 100 mile range.

[@dynamicremakes5592]

What is up with Hyundai Kia and Mercedes making their EVs look like weird school science projects gone wrong less is more automakers

[@hynsum]

Too much, ridiculously looking marketing gimmick, overpriced, overpriced and overpriced...

[@th003g]

How would you price it? Cheaper than a Honda Pilot? Grand highlander with the hybrid max engine? Less than a phev CX90?

[@davidws5439]

125 volts! I've heard of 110 and 120 in North America, but not 125 volts!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

125V is within the acceptable range for 120V.

[@davidws5439]

@AAutoBuyersGuide Ok. I did not know it went that high. 110 to 125 is a wide range. Generally the ac mains voltage in the US is between 110 and 120 volts. It is seldom, if ever, as high as 125 volts.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

For reasons I don’t recall, the USA re-aligned the target voltage range to 120/240 on single split phase a while back. A range of 114-126 is now the target voltage of most utilities. It has at various times in history been 110/220, 115/230 and oddly, also 117/234V.

[@davidws5439]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide thanks for your reply.

[@BumbleBeeJBG]

I couldn't possibly recommend this car as reviewed or in most widely available to buy configurations when the R1S starts at the price this thing ends up at. You barely mention that. If the GT line topped off 5-10k less maybe it'd make more sense but you're just sacrificing way too much car for the same price and since most people aren't lugging around NBA players in their third row, the extra headroom is meaningless. The other dimensions gushed over are identical to the R1S. There is no frunk by comparison. Your tire choices are the cheapest ones Kia can affix. If people were walking OTD with $56k AWD 300 mile 3-row SUVs that would be worth it. Same price as Rivian makes it not even competitive. The infotainment system won't be nearly as well developed as Rivian nor will it receive nearly (if any) as many OTA updates.

[@idigbebop]

Wow, asian designers sure know how to design ugly. The wheels and wheel well plastic is just awful. I'm a long long way from considering anything like this.

[@windwalker121]

What kind of insanity would have to grip someone for them to spend $60K-$80K on a Kia? 😆

[@ScenicD]

This thing handles like a mid size sedan, or better

[@AAR-83]

EVs, the most stupid unpractical things ever made! Don’t not why people even buy these things! # range anxiety 😂

[@anthonyc3453]

Hideous rims. Black rims always make tires look grey and dirty. 🤮

[@sprague49]

They just remind me of unmarked police fleet vehicles.

[@mikes8809]

EV’s…..💩

[@MuniTechnology]

I'll never own an EV and I'm not alone.

[@brandonl8039]

Good for you, why are you here then? Go away.

[@FuncleChuck]

You’re such a boring troll. Do you ever have anything nice to say? Do you ever enjoy a moment of your life? Don’t answer, we already know

[@bob-qi4nr]

@@brandonl8039 EV's SUCK!!!!

[@brandonl8039]

@@bob-qi4nr lol ok bud.

[@MuniTechnology]

​@@brandonl8039TRIGGERED! 😅

[@hoinam80]

You failed to mention that many people experiencing dead 12V batteries within a week of receiving the car. Just do a google search.

[@shanelen]

too much, period