9 Things I Hate About The Kia EV9

[@bond_andrew]

As EV9 owner (and previous Volvo S90, Ford Explorer PHEV, BMW 7 series, Volvo XC60, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes E class 63 AMG, BMW X5 and more cars): 1) Havier steering is a plus. I connect with the car much more and feel it much better 2) Square weel is a plus for me. My palms naturally rest on the lower part during long legs 3) Separate cruise control and autosteering are amazing features. I constantly appreciate it on my wife's EV6 and mine EV9. Can't understand why others don't do the same 4) beeping - pain in the... you know. But it is EU regulation. I hope KIA will make some software updates to switch it off with a long press of a button (like BMW and Mercedes); now I have it on a shortcut button to reduce the number of steps. 5) I can't comment on air suspension, as my EV9 is super soft and comfortable. But I never agree EV9 is "similar" to EV6 (confident statement, as I drive both cars on the same roads) 6) I had Bower & Wilkins in Volvo S90 and BMW. AMAZING (Volvo is better, for sure). I come from the Hi-End music world (not Hi-Fi). Meridian in EV9 is good. It would be better if they had an upgrade for a better setup for a fee (like Range Rover). Still, the audio system is very good at no extra cost (for that reason, I call it a great system). What makes it totally different is when you directly stream from Amazon Music (they are known for their lossless audio). This is when it sounds amazing! 7) The car is very reasonably priced. I paid 89000 euros with all the bells and perks. EX90's best offer was 116000 euros. We have one exposition car, and I didn't find anything that would push me to spend more on Volvo (even though I was in love with Volvo). In many aspects, EV9 might place 2nd compared to Volvo, but it is 27000 euros cheaper. So, if that is not a reasonable price, what is then? Still, some minor issues I found in EV9: 1) The central armrest area is dark, with no ambient lighting (cupholders area). Two small LEDs on the ceiling would do the trick. Missed opportunity by KIA. 2) Wipers are leaving a big gap from the driver-side pilon. Reduced visibility in "dirty" days. 3) Door handles are popping out only when a passenger is detected. I go to the gym every working day. I leave my bag on the rear seat. I must press the "unlock" button whenever I leave the car. Otherwise, I can't open the rear door.

[@KrisRifa]

I am glad you are happy with your EV9 and don't find as many negatives as me. But with that being said I wholeheartedly disagree with you on a few things. 1) Heavy steering does not make the car more connected or give any more feel. Sorry, but this is a false belief may people hold. When I hopped into my Porsche Taycan after driving this, It just solidified what I thought about the EV9s steering. My Porsche has much lighter steering, but also so much more feel and communication. The steering in the Porsche is one the things that makes that car so enjoyable to drive. EV9s steering is major weak point IMO. 4) As I said in the video only VISUAL speed warning is mandatory, not AUDIBLE. 6) Sorry, but if you think this sound system is great you are either deaf or blind (pun intended)! Point in case that you can get an EX90 with B&W for the same price as this is testament to how not good this system is. After hopping into my Porsche, which has the Bose sound system, it just reaffirmed my thoughts about the EV9s stereo. The Bose in the Porsche is just decent at best, nothing great. But my god is it miles better than this system. Even the base sound system in the BMW i4 is better.... 7) Seems like EV9 is priced better in other markets than Norway, here it is too close in price to EX90. But at 25K cheaper, it makes much more sense. So good on you!

[@bond_andrew]

@@KrisRifa I appreciate your honesty, no hard feelings! In my understanding, comparing a big SUV to a sports car is wrong. Heavier steering in a car with a much higher seating position is advantageous. Try the Ford Explorer PHEV (latest model). It does have very light steering, and I drove the car for 2 years. You do not feel the wheels, and you drive with the constant feeling of a car trying to lose its grip. This does not come from a "feeling" but from over 25 years of driving experience and passing the BMW Winter Driving Academy in Finnish Lapland. Audible notification allows you to get more points in crash tests. I'm sure VOLVO will do the same. My apologies, I missed your comment in the video. Like I said, Meridian EV9 is good (not excellent, best, or anything). It would be very good if you considered no extra cost for the system. I did connect Amazon Music, and this is when Meridan shows its bright side. I would agree to pay an extra 2500 EUR (something I paid for the B&W in Volvo S90 back in 2017) to get a Hi-Fi system. KIA may offer it one day. You are right about different markets. Like in the USA, the Tesla Model X is priced similarly to the EV9, but in Finland, it starts at over 100.000 EUR. At the end of the day, it is hard to put it to the "hate" list, as it is a specific thing. I really like your videos. Easy, yet informative. But with EV9 (as it goes to direct competition with the car of your choice), I sometimes feel a biased attitude from you. Please, don't get me wrong or mad. Continue doing what you are doing and bless us with more Videos! 😃

[@MichelLemay-d4h]

Few comments and follow up questions: 1) I haven’t heard of the speed limit warning here in Canada. Is it possible that it’s gonna get even worse and intrusive in EU starting in 2025 with modulated power when going over the limit? 2) I love square wheel :) 3) did you notice a difference in the steering wheel feel when the car is in sport mode? My Audi is a lot more connected when it is in sport mode and the direction is quite precise and brake pedal is more aggressive. However, when driving in the city traffic, I like having more relaxed settings. How would you compare the steering to other mid level suv like the Honda Pilot? Thanks for the video!

[@JonathanRootD]

I agree with almost everything you've said. Side note, you can go through settings for door unlock and have all doors enabled.

[@ukasz1002]

True! As I've switched from BMWs the thing I lacked in KIA is heavier steering feel. In new Niro and EV6 it makes sense in sport for me. EV9 in custom mode: power in eco - steering in sport. Love it. @@KrisRifa

[@alexsanchezch]

Just checked both car configurators. The Kia EV9 GT-Line in Switzerland with the highest specs retails at 85k, the Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin engine with similar specs at 120k… how is that comparable? Even the entry level lowest spec EX90 is 97.5k -with a speed limit of 160km/h... Is the Volvo worth the 35k extra?🤔

[@YooooouKnowwwww]

as a car lover, having owned several exotics (Ferraris, ect), full size pickups, couple of prius', small sport cars and large SUVs, minivans, and cross overs I can say I fully disagree with the comments on the steering and steering wheel. It is fantastic steering, just the right connection to the road, which I was worried would be zero due to presumably being all electric, and just enough weight of resistance. I can fully turn the wheel with one hand only friction of touch with no problem or fear that it'll slip off. Also, shape of the wheel is a must both for fitting legs in car and for driving experience for countless reasons. Everyone has a right to their opinion but complaining about the steering wheel shape not being round is like the old guys complaining about fuel injectors replacing carburetors. Please don't take as criticisms, I've very much enjoyed your reviews and vids and it's good that people hear both sides of an opinion

[@synpol]

Good Video man .... I have ordered an EV9 now as a Volvo owner I like the look and idea of the EX90 but here in the UK the cheapest one looks like its going to be at least £20,000 more expensive than my EV9 GT-Line S 6 seat .... thats too big a gap to justify on the few minor points you favour the Volvo on ..... By the way I think my XC90 was probably the best car we ever owned but I want electric to replace my BMW iX (too small) and the Kia is a clear winner for us.

[@推倒柏林墙]

I think you're too optimistic about the EX90... I've seen the interior of it and it's noticeably smaller than the EV9, more like 5+2 emergency seats

[@KrisRifa]

Well I have sat in both of these cars extensively and also made a comparo video talking about specs. They are pretty much the same size on the interior. I can sit behind my self in the third row of both.

[@Leon-hl1nv]

Don't forget that the EX90 is a Chinese car. That's a fundamental issue for many people...

[@Alexdiaz727]

@@KrisRifa how tall are you for reference.

[@gregpalmer9949]

We use “lane departure” just like we do “automatic emergency braking”. Always on. The car will jerk the wheel if it thinks you are making a mistake, but it does not overpower one

[@kakashi3543]

Very biased review. So, you are sure that the Volvo EX90 will beat EV9 at "almost" every aspect... How can you say that when you didn't check the EX90?!?

[@KrisRifa]

First of, this i NOT a review. I have made a full review on this car that you will find here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqGZmIGvabV7laM Second, this is topical video piece about what is negative regarding this car. You do understand that a topical video focused on negatives by definition won't be balanced right? Complaining about this is like complaining that a range test doesn't cover interior color options or doesn't talk about how good the high beams are on dark roads. My next video will be a topical video focused on what I love about the EV9. Third, based on this week of testing and the five videos I have filmed about the EV9 and four years of XC90 ownership over 150 000km and the time I've spent with the EX90 - I believe the Volvo will be better in almost every way.

[@kakashi3543]

@@KrisRifa you just cannot make such important assumption before to test it!

[@KrisRifa]

@@kakashi3543 of course I can make assumptions. I am not saying anything definite one of the other way, I am very clear that I am assuming based on previous experience. But this being my job and having testing most of the cars (EVs) on the market, there is no problem for me to make assumptions. For example, before I drove the EV9 these where my assumptions: - It probably drives like a bigger EV6 - It will have the same challenges when it comes to battery management on route - It will have a higher quality interior that EV6 - It will probably not have the best steering - The Medridian Sound system will probably dissappoint Most if not all my expectations where pretty much spot on. Having owned two XC90s, having filmed one EX90, two Polestar 3s, and tested the Lotus Eletre (all very close related cars) these are my assumptions: - It will probably drive a little better than the XC90 - It will most likely be more comfort focus than the Eletre, but not as sporty - It will probably be more quite and refined than the XC90 - It will at least have a better sound system than the B&W from XC90 it being an updated version of that sound system - It will have an infotainment system as good as Polestar 3 These are all safe assumptions, and if true makes it better than the EV9. Plain and simple. I have spent time inside the EX90, and I know the materials are better and nicer, I know the seats are more comfortable and I know it is almost as roomy. I mean, all of this is pretty basic.

[@haritpk]

You're right, there is bias. But, I think he's right having driven the EV9 and even considering purchasing it. The volvo brand is more premium. I can tell you though that between the ev9 and the rivian R1S, while the Rivian is more refined overall, the Kia is better for drivers transitioning to EVs.

[@evatrics5902]

I use the auto steer without my cruise control all the time on my Ioniq 5. There are many well marked roads in the US that are perfect for auto steer, but due to traffic or speed limits going up and down constantly make cruise annoying. I would say I use auto steer probably 25% of the time without cruise control. It probably the thing I would miss most after the super fast charging curve if I bought another brand of EV.

[@axion8788]

I have an Ioniq 5 and I drive with auto-steer on 100% of the time. I also drive with cruise control on almost 100% of the time, including in a 'city' or stop and go conditions. It makes causing a fender bender impossible, it's safer and very relaxing.

[@MagnenoExtra]

I actually use auto steer without the cruise control most of the time on my Ioniq 6 (On city roads). I prefer that they're two buttons, and if you activate cruise control on freeways specifically it also activates auto-steer since it has a better auto-drive mode on freeways

[@GTI_CHHA]

Brutally honest review. Chapeau!

[@tricky86]

Regarding the speed limit signal: The star/favorite button on the steering wheel is customizable, so you can set it as a short cut to the Vehicle menu. It is still a few clicks to disable it but it does skip a few steps and clicks to turn it off.

[@bobbituka123]

You’re right about the steering. But you come from driving Porsche Taycans and Audi S series. Most EV9 owners won’t know the difference.

[@seanmartin203]

Volvos are crap compared to this Kia . I have owned this Kia for 3 months very happy with it

[@bobbituka123]

That’s harsh. The Volvo is very well built and designed. To each his own. KIA 12 volt issues remain a big problem.

[@Stan-at-KangarooIslandTV]

You raise interesting points and the chimes would drive me crazy, but I think you misjudge the market for this car, it’s American soccer moms and dads who want a minivan. Also, I’m all for round steering wheels!

[@expansivenature]

Fellow Norwegian, I was itching to get to the end of the video so I can comment! :) Mate you are an EXCELLENT car reviewer and just my kind of Geek! Love every detail of your review! Thanks for being different and talking about the negatives of the KIA EV9! I loved it at first and was considering purchasing one but after doing tonnes of research am a bit on the sidelines for now. Would love to hear what you think about the Hyundai Santa FE 2024! And is it coming to Norway? Love its looks! What other 3 row SUV below 1MNOK would you recommend for Norwegian Weather? Does not have to be an EV. BTW did I over-hear that there is a rule that all Fossil Fuel cars will be banned in Norway at some point? When is that?

[@christophercamarena7451]

Nice car. Was considering this one but it’s much too big for just me. I’ll be getting a polestar 4 next year.

[@TassieEV]

My 2024 Kona has the same software stack and why didn't you program a favourite button on the steering wheel to take you to the menu, which is what I've done and I don't turn off the speed limit warning I just turn it to show the speed limit information so it doesn't alert me it still shows it though. With a recent software update I can turn it also to the same level holding down the volume control button for a few seconds. I can also turn off the driver alert eye watcher as well from the same menu that you did show.

[@Danne89]

I use auto steer with manual speed all the time in my IONIQ 5. One of my favorite features! I also love that it auto re-activates automatically! I hate how it's in for example a Tesla.

[@KrisRifa]

It's good to hear that there are people who enjoy this feature, and maybe I would get more used to it if I owned the car. Sure, autoengaging is really nice.

[@Luca-hr9vo]

@@KrisRifa hello what's about KZbin and internet browers, are they present in the EV9?

[@lplt]

KIA seems to be shooting themselves in the foot with the pricing. 80k USD, 90k Euro but amazingly only 81k Canadian... when the conversion should be 107k, but shhhhh

[@perwahlstrom644]

I hesitated on whether to risk learning something I would dislike with my new car. But happily, I feel more comfortable that I knew about all those things prior to buying the car. The biggest thing for me is the steering wheel adjustability. I don’t know how you exchange euros, but the price in Sweden is way less. I hope to own the car more than 2 years, so the warranty of the Kia is really a thing for me, especially considering the price of the car. Another thing with the EV9 compared to the Volvo is that you can get it.

[@officialstylechild]

I disagree with most of your points. I love autosteer

[@bobstevenson4396]

For safety, one should set the steering wheel distance as far from the driver that one can manage with both arms extended. If the air bag activates seated close to the steering wheel can result in increased driver injury.

[@mattsoutherden]

Air suspension. Amazing... until the bags fail. Maybe that's of no interest to people who only have leased cars, but for people who own cars for more than a couple of years they're either a massive cost, or - like you see with almost every JLR vehicle over 3 years old - they're deflated into the arches every time the car stops, and it ends up over-stressing the pumps which then also fail. In the UK, the base EX90 is £20k more than the GT-Line EV9. I'm sure the Volvo will be nice, but it's not in the same price bracket here.

[@mattsoutherden]

You probably know this by now, but you can now turn off the beeps by holding the mute button.

[@crackers2767]

I have not experienced the car yet, however your final point will be enough to make me look elsewhere first. The price does sound very high and the lease costs I've seen are comparable to some premium brands which I would consider first. Looking forward to the Hyundai Ioniq 7, perhaps that will be worth it.

[@Luca-hr9vo]

Hello @KrisRifa thanks for your impressions. One question: Does EV9 have a KZbin or an Internet browser (in case to be used during charging)?

[@charlesh9902]

Forget that. kia software is from the 2010s

[@Roun801]

yes it has KZbin app ! in future updates they will include more media options .

[@Roun801]

Sorry for the wrong reply... it has youtube but only in some countries...but in the future they will include in further updates. It will be available in kia connect store.

[@KevinT3141]

I actually love that the autosteer on my classic Ioniq is just on for as long as I leave it on (which is 4.5 years now). Having to turn it on endlessly in my wife's Tesla just pisses me off and leads to my never using it.

[@mansini1000hk]

I have an ev6. It also has autosteer and lane assist. I don't like driving with lane assist at all. But I love driving with autosteer. So I think Kia's system works really well. But it's super annoying that I have to turn off lane assist every time I start the car. 😃👍🏻

[@brokeboy87]

After watching the first 10 minutes of this video. I recall why stopped watching your content.

[@xeniyav8559]

why

[@georgemarkopoulos]

In my Volvo C40 2024, I only have a visible working for the speed limit and I cannot even turn it of. There is no option in the menu....

[@tricky86]

Regarding the autosteer - adaptive cruise control: This was actually one of the features that I loved about this car when I test drove it. This is a great feature for down hill roads where you just "put it in neutral" and let the car steer by itself. If I use the adaptive cruise control, it will brake to not exceed the speed limit and if set on a too high speed to compensate, it will accelerate when not needed. This feature worked great when I tested it on way back home, on a 2 km downhill stretch with minor curves. I let go of the "gas pedal" in advance, which decreased the speed but then the speed increased once the car was going down hill, with Autosteer doing all of the work, and I just used the capacitive feature to touch the steering wheel.

[@speksih]

I disagree on the auto steer point. I prefer it staying on until I want it off. It's all about possible options, which caters to more people.

[@andaas4]

Did you mention the plastic cargo hooks in the boot?

[@MaMa-ql3td]

The negative points you mentioned are totally ridiculous 😂

[@The_Observer72]

Just use the star button for instant reaching speed alert menu. You know this Kris…

[@frisweddingfilms124]

great video! I have my EV9 for a few weeks now and feel the same about most of this! Nevertheless: Love the car! Ps: Whats te name of song you test played? :)

[@volcalstone]

TJ Hickey - Pressure

[@abraxastulammo9940]

How does it compare to the XPeng G9? 🤔

[@KrisRifa]

Picking a G9 up tomorrow for a week of testing, so can't wait to find out :)

Omg, you mentioned steering. Drove a Kia ceed for 5 years and the steering. My god it was so bad. I think I still have PTSD from it. I suspect it was due to using electric steering servo. But our Passat is just so much better in that regard. I can only describe the steering as having low resolution. You could never easily make it go exactly where you wanted it to go.

[@prevailz1]

Yeah I wish they would get away from Meridian, It was horrible on the EV6 GT. It's only slightly better on the ev9

[@googleplex7094]

Very good video. I agree that the price is way too high

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks mate!

[@erkimand647]

I totally disagree with you about Auto Steering and Adaptive Cruise Controll must be connected. I think its a HUGH plus than these two things are separated!

[@BGfootballfan]

Have to disagree on the EX90 “it’s going to be” sounds like a lot of promises the only guaranteed thing is the name and the 15% higher price.

[@mjsabie8517]

Disagree with you completely on the auto steer. I have a Hyundai Palisade and love using auto steer without cruise.

[@tymanot]

Man, all these sounds would drive me crazy. So annoying.

[@KrisRifa]

Yes and yes

[@seanmartin203]

You need more steering adjustability because you appear to be a short king

[@gustavwillberg2062]

I think you are spot on with the pricing of ev9. It's a really good car but if the price is equal to more luxury brands I can't see why you should buy this car.

[@samfoxton]

This is slowly turning into the "Kris hates everything and loves to moan" channel. Boring.

[@erkimand647]

I so hate autosteering! its a worst thing ever happened to car industrie!

[@MasterChief37]

Hate is a strong word, I would have gone with dislike.

[@mjsabie8517]

Hate is click bait

[@MasterChief37]

@@mjsabie8517 probably he doesn’t get many clicks, so you gotta do what you gotta do

[@mortenlund4828]

It loocks like a minivan.

[@bitcoindaddy1]

You’re reviewing a 3 ton car…😂

[@brandonl8039]

You really gonna blame kia for the speed limit warning being hard to deactivate? Maybe look at EU legislators who made such a stupid nanny state idea a requirement...

[@KrisRifa]

I’ve read the legislation, and nowhere does it state it has to be buried in a menu. So yes I am gonna “blame” the designers. Especially when other manufacturers have easy shortcuts to deactivate this feature.

[@brandonl8039]

@@KrisRifa it doesn’t matter if it’s required to be buried in a menu or not, such a requirement in the first place is ridiculous.

[@KrisRifa]

@@brandonl8039 I don’t disagree, but that was not what I answered about

[@brandonl8039]

@@KrisRifa You are complaining about the symptom and not the cause then.

[@KrisRifa]

@@brandonl8039 I’m not, I’m explicitly complaining about how Kia burry it in menus and that it beeps, none of which is part of the legislation. There is only a requirement for a visual warning.As I said, I’ve read the actual legislation

[@TinLeadHammer]

Are you testing sound quality on this horrible autotuned song? Any garbage speakers and sub will do for this crap.