Space-age and spacious: Kia EV9 GT-Line S full detailed review

With more than 300 miles of range, charging in under 30 minutes, and space for up to seven adults, is the Kia EV9 the best car for large families?
In this review I go through everything from boot measurements to remote parking.
If you haven't already seen the family review, watch that here: • The massive Kia EV9 ge...
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Chapters:
00:00 - What 7-seat EV options do you have?
00:49 - Design
02:00 - Measurements
03:14 - Cost
04:14 - Boot/cargo space and measurements
05:27 - Vehicle-to-load (V2L)
05:48 - Boot features
06:24 - Frunk/froot
06:49 - 12-volt battery
07:34 - Turning circle
08:04 - Towing
08:12 - Access
09:03 - Sitting in the back
12:00 - Interior
21:09 - Key fob/remote parking
22:19 - Charging
24:46 - Driving
33:14 - Summary
#EV9

[@calumthornton1918]

The charge limit of 100% in the route planning, comes from the limit you set for charging in the EV menu for DC charging. Also if you touch the section on the map page with the estimated arrival time, it will tell you the estimated arrival charge. It's normally within 1% accuracy, but it is in a pretty small font size in my Niro

[@MrEV]

I'm annoyed with myself for missing that. Thank you!

[@Jaw0lf]

It is a large vehicle, but seems very well made. Usual Kia system with all it's bings and bongs. Great and thorough review.

[@Gullimagga]

More Flav please

[@agustinmartinez9798]

Amazing video!! ( i just started watching)

[@DavidS-ev4er]

love your reviews. And yes it's massive car. Believe or not it is too big for many of older cities across the pond. Not only difficult for our narrow streets, but takes up to one in half of our limited street parking space. But go figure people still buy them for city cars. Living out in the burbs or exurbia, that's a whole different story. Keep your reviews coming.

[@kathrynmoll86]

You remind me of another reviewer of European cars. Harry’s Garage. Really appreciate the thorough reviews. Thanks!

[@MrEV]

That's a big compliment, thank you!

[@nicholasrigg8999]

Except Harry is a petrolhead and isn't yet convinced by BEVs

[@bertlevis]

Excellent review thank you

[@justinbennett486]

Turning circle I completely agree with, a few times on a mini roundabout I've had to do a 3 point turn!! The one lacking feature which would be fantastic in a gen2, is rear wheel steering.

[@vboost]

Loved the video Andrew. Does the older Niro that you had do V2L or did it only turn up in the newer style version?

[@MrEV]

Just the newer one unfortunately! I shame as I miss it quite often!

[@Lewis_Standing]

Car club culture would make so much sense for vehicles like this. Would allow me to downsize my kona to a zoe, saving money on purchase and fuel costs, ease of parking. Because if i could reliably hire this locally for camping or long journeys I wouldn't need the medium sized car trying to do all those roles. I've updated my konas infotainment and it looks much better but still the route planning is behind and theres no filters for charging speeds so destination charging is mixed-up with rapid 😢

[@Lewis_Standing]

There is reasonable filters form charging speeds but not enough CPOs on there and only updated once a year Vs the constant updates on Teslas and seemless integration you can get.

[@alecporter1784]

I love it, when the kids were small we had an Espace so I think this is great

[@MrEV]

The Espace is/was great. Renault seem to have regressed with the new one by the looks of it.

[@alecporter1784]

@@MrEV I didn't know the still made 7 seaters but i loved my purple one even though it was purple😂

[@ObiePaddles]

Great colour. Turning circle is actually not bad for the size…said as a Model Y owner where the turning circle is similar (for no good reason!)

[@AndrewLumsden]

You walked past me at the ExCel as I was waiting to test drive the EV9. As I said, Way out of my budjet and far too ostentatious to have one parked in my humble road! Still a great ride and so totally practical for what I would use it for.

[@regandamien]

I can't wait to see Flaviana review EV3!!!

[@dartmoorrambler]

I had a test drive in one of these. Considering it as a multi-purpose rural vehicle. One huge problem - that big bonnet blocks the drivers view of the road when you need to squeeze into passing places. You cannot be stopping and turning on the cameras before you pass someone else. Then my wife sat in the drivers seat to try it out - and there was no way the drivers seat would go high enough for her to get a good view over the dash. She is used to driving big pickups without any problem. We had a test drive in the ID Buzz, the drivers view is superb, so this is really a KIA design problem!

[@peterbrook6866]

I want one. Looks smaller and better to use day to day compared to the EQV.

[@roygardiner4002]

Excellent review Andrew and a brilliant spec. car except for the detail software defficiencies! There is no substitute still for a Tesla though.

[@phlomisjason]

The "Barf Machine" sure is big!!

[@notacarguy_au]

Interesting to see how different it is from the models that are available in Australia.

[@judebrown4103]

The MFG station was shut a while back for some reason i never found out for at least a week. Might be why the car didnt show it when you were filming. As an ex bus driver and a fan of Kia/ Huyndai I'd love that car.... but as a sensible practical person who could never afford it anyway!😂 Ooh I've got to the bit about the bongs, no thanks it would drive me bonkers or did you say you can turn it off? Enjoying the review as ever, cheers Andrew.👍

[@MrEV]

That’s interesting. There were no reports of it being shut on Zapmap?! Perhaps just bad timing then. In which case I heartily apologise to the EV9!

[@SafeBandicoot]

More exited about the EV3 set to be released end of the month.

[@MrEV]

Agreed! The launch event is Thursday 11am

[@gregb1599]

It's crazy that this overpriced EV9 lacks so many standard features on the lower models like the EV5 and upcoming EV3, like voice control that controls car features, unlike the EV9 that still uses the old system that requires a phone to be connected! Wireless Android auto and Apple Carplay also standard. In our market the EV9 does not have OTA or an app, however once again the Kia EV5 and probably the EV3 have both!

[@bibliotek42]

My previous car was a Renault Grand Scenic. 7 seats, not pricey, incredibly practical. I would still have it if I hadn't been hit from behind by a car doing over 80 mph through road works. So it saved my and my family's lives too. And it wasn't the size of an aircraft carrier. Kia must be able to do better.

[@MrEV]

My wife's uncle has one. Great cars! And I agree, it's a far more sensible size for Europe.

[@theot6009]

Yes, and since Renault is doing a great job with the E-megane and the 5, it should do well with more compact family-proof cars.

[@RichardJoashTan]

And I am happy that I prefer the Kia over the Renault because Renault could do it better.

[@richardbaker6654]

Great review as always, and well done for being honest about the size being a personal issue for you. I am the opposite, in that I do not like driving small cars, and even now it is just me and my partner on most journeys, I would not want anything smaller than a Tesla Model 3/Y, although I think the 2.7 miles/kWh would stop me getting anything this big in an EV format :)

[@MrEV]

2.7 miles/kWh is pretty shocking for any Tesla driver!

[@richardbaker6654]

True, your reviews did get me looking at a 2020/21 eNiro but I ended up getting a 2021 Model 3. I think by my next car update the Supercharger network will not be as compelling a reason to stick with Tesla and Hyundai/Kia do seem to be the best alternatives at the moment.

[@rowde83]

@6:20 if your missus is short, the height of the boot door can be customised

[@RichardJoashTan]

I am glad that I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line S anyway.

[@Antiorganizer]

The ground clearance is useful in Canada and Scandinavian countries that get a lot of snow. After a big snowfall before the road crew shoves the snow aside, you can have foot, foot and a half, of snow. Combine this car with some good beefy snow tires, and you can plow through it.

[@Tumleren]

RE the missing dog mode - you could try to see if you can get a Vinfast VF8 to review, it seems pretty decent and has dogmode. Apparently it's improved a lot over the previous generation

[@MrEV]

We can’t get the VinFast in the UK yet I think.

[@davidpearn5925]

I've never thought of the head restraint as being a head rest.

[@ziggarillo]

It's the term used more often than not. "Head restraint" is more accurate of course.

[@DaleGTFC]

hey Andrew. What's your thoughts about buying a car at auction? (EV).

[@MrEV]

Both our EVs were purchased at auction (the Leaf and e-Niro). Here's information about the e-Niro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYC6qGd9pdeVbMU So yes, I'd have no hesitation doing it again, but do it through a company like eco-cars.net as they know what to look for. A neighbour of mine got a Leaf at auction and it was a lemon! (Video coming soon...)

[@Wesley_Juakali]

LOL, I have the EV9 and we are only with 2, my wife and me. I have the 6 seats with relaxation captain seats on 2nd row 🙂. Do I need it no, do I like it, YES

[@MrEV]

I don’t judge! 😀 I’m glad you like it!

[@herrtomas6729]

What is the vehicle like to control when you are moving it using the key... on a steep slope? either if you are moving up the slope, or down.... I'd be nervous about it rolling uncontrolled, and not being in it to hit the brakes.

[@MrEV]

I'm sure it would be fine - I'm pretty positive there'd be no rolling on a steep slope.

[@AndrewLumsden]

I assume that the odd £25 is for putting air in the tyres? 🤔

[@Antiorganizer]

I'm confused about the 6 seat vs 7 seat option. Is the 7 seat an option or it this standard?

[@MrEV]

Sorry for not being clearer. It’s 7-seat as standard. This 6-seat version with swivel seats is an option.

[@mikeb7117]

10/10 headrest 😂

[@leejonesNPT]

The fact that the rear seats encourage nausea is surely a deal breaker for most families? Most kids don’t need much encouragement to feel ill on a long journey.

[@MrEV]

I’ve not seen it mentioned in any other review though so it could just be my driving at fault! 😀

[@leejonesNPT]

I am sure I have heard or read a similar comment from another test drive but can't remember who it was

[@davidpearn5925]

Using it to time shift your tariff means constant cycling and before long noticeable reduced range ?.

[@MrEV]

Apparently it doesn’t impact the health of the battery very much. In fact, researchers from Oxford Uni (I think?) found that V2G can be beneficial as the discharge rate is slow and ensures the EV isn’t sat at 100% (which is the worst thing!)

[@davidpearn5925]

@@MrEV our LFP Tesla sat at 100% for most of it's 2.5 years/78,000 KMs we had it - and still said 406km when we sold it. It's 118wh/km was confirmed by range delivered. I sleep better with LFP @100% under the same roof. We now have a BYD Seal with the LFP blade battery.

[@MrEV]

@@davidpearn5925 Fair enough! LFP is fantastic. I have two EcoFlow Delta 2 batteries under my desk - knowing they're LFP means I worry far less about them being a depreciating asset!

[@jeroenvanvlaanderen3643]

Did Flaviana aprove that sweater? It is a bit short, especially next to that ridiculous big car ;-)

[@0-Will-0]

And is it fat face? Feel I may have it and they do shrink!

[@MrEV]

It's one of my favourite sweaters, although I'm wondering if it's shrunk in the wash a bit. Or maybe I've grown. 😀

[@Flickerbrain]

Cool car but just waaay too big! I'd definitely feel I'm driving a Chelsea tractor driving one. I'm not sure how it will compare with an ID Buzz size wise but for some reason the ID Buzz looks smaller on the road. Maybe because it doesn't have the huge bonnet?

[@MrEV]

Yes, the Buzz looks - from the outside at least - far better packaged as it lacks that enormous bonnet. The EV9 is roughly the same footprint as the long wheelbase Buzz though. The Buzz is taller though, which probably helps explain why it's a bit less efficient than the EV9.

[@MrMannakin]

The speed related bongs would drive me mad. I haven't come across any car that always gets the current speed limit correct

[@MrEV]

It’s pretty good most of the time and I was pretty impressed with how the EV9 got it correct even with roadworks on the motorway. I think it just got it wrong once. Obviously just getting it wrong once isn’t good enough when you’re being bothered with noises!

[@decimal1815]

How's the new eNiro going?

[@MrEV]

Love it still! I’ll do an update at some point.

[@antwnpowell]

Do you have water filled solar panels? If so, how about a video on them?

[@MrEV]

It's a solar thermal system and it's great - I will do a video before we move house!

[@antwnpowell]

@@MrEV you're moving again after putting a heat pump in?

[@MrEV]

@@antwnpowell Sadly, yes. We'll make a video about why we're moving but I'm sure we'll get a heat pump at the next place as well.

[@rodden1953]

i want to know what Flaviana thinks of it. i bet she hates it , she is so funny when she goes on a rant . Good review thanks Andrew .

[@MrEV]

She’s reviewed it already actually! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnrRkoyFlqtqo5o

[@WatchDSSID]

It does look a great car and some very clever features e.g. ninety degree swivel for Child Seats - I’d find that very useful for my grandchildren. It is best for large families….sadly the “snaking” issue will be a deal breaker for many. How much is it? - sorry if I missed that, I did watch 90% of the video

[@MrEV]

This is the top model for £77k You can get a lower spec for £65k, although I think those swivel seats are only in the higher specs.

[@WatchDSSID]

@@MrEV- Wow - thanks, that’s alot of money and well out of my league. I also liked the clever way you can move the vehicle backwards and forwards from the Keyfob…for those times when a “wally” parks way too close to the driver’s door in a car park it would be great.

[@MrEV]

@@WatchDSSID I used it a couple of times with the IONIQ 5 too. Surprisingly useful!

[@michaelggriffiths]

I’ve just received an email from Kia asking me participate in a survey about proposed infotainment upgrades. The survey asks participants how interested they are in certain new/proposed features, and how much they’d be willing to pay: 1) as a one-off fee, and 2) as a monthly sub. The proposed options were: 1) The ability to have a *Mini Games Package* 2) The ability to have *Display Themes* 3) Entertainment Packages. This includes Music/Video streaming. Netflix, Amazon, YT, Paramount+, Apple TV, & Disney+. (Also included TikTok & Webex) 4)A WiFi Hotspot allowing the connection of up to 8 devices. Personally I’d be more than happy to have these upgrades, but I fear that my MY20 Kia E Niro might not get them! I’d love to know more about these upgrades!

[@MrEV]

That’s interesting. Manufacturers are desperate to get extra revenue! I don’t think these things should cost any money at all personally. And I’d rather they just used Google OS instead like Megane/Volvo/Polestar!

[@matthewmason8982]

That remote driving - I wonder if it would have stopped itself from crashing. It didn’t look like it.

[@MrEV]

I tested it in the IONIQ 5 by trying to run myself over, and it did stop on its own. Thankfully!

[@0-Will-0]

Hope Volvo drop the ex90 a while after launch. For about 70k I would like air suspension and adjustable height.

[@MrEV]

Volvo are ripping off the UK with the EX90 price. I have a feeling they will reduce it quite soon. You've really got to love Volvo to pay such a premium above the Kia. And yes, air suspension would have made the ride far better.

[@cheifwhat]

'Haptic' feedback, not 'Tactic' feedback, but it was clearly on the tip of your tongue. I would say also, other cars being overpriced doesn't make this therefore reasonably priced, it means there are no real options.

[@MrEV]

Yes, haptic! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TroggyPB]

If there wasn’t that slight hesitancy in delivering the words I nearly thought “No not another new button technology!” A hybrid version of Haptic and Tactile. Oops,🤭 Hybrids not welcome here. Otherwise a relaxed review but as we’re retired a “small minibus” is not on my buying list.

[@MrEV]

@@TroggyPB As you could probably tell, I was a bit tired when I filmed those bits!

[@davidpearn5925]

You are starting to sound like a Hyundai Group salesman Andrew 😊.

[@MrEV]

I should be on commission!

[@davidpearn5925]

@@MrEV you do realise that the boss hasn't pronounced on this matter yet but we all appreciate your courage 🙏

[@johncooper5293]

Really good review. Certainly is a good rival for RR and Volvo if you want all electric.

[@davidpearn5925]

I would want LFP.

[@MrEV]

They should have LFP as an option like Volvo do. It would be a smaller range for the same weight though.

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Tyres aren’t cheap but not as bad as I thought. Yokohama £175, Pirelli £300+, Continental £270. Though I think Goodyear is having a laugh at £460+ each. Having said that, it’s a vehicle built for the US market and practically useless in Brexitania. Basically, it’s a comfy van with seats. H. Kona & the original Ioniqs and K. Niro got there with the range and efficiency, if not the charging speed. Sadly both H. & K., have decided on the looks of an IBC on wheels and the efficiency of a breeze block being dragged sideways through wet sand. If they made it a 4/5-seater and upped the range, it would make a good airport transfer vehicle. AGM batteries are better at deep cycling. But they still need recharging, so I hope Hyundai/Kia have sorted their software out. Otherwise even the AGM 12v will run down. Personally, I think both companies, should include a jump pack in the purchase price. (Apparently not. If you browse the KV9 forums, there’s an ongoing theme of the 12v battery being flat.)

[@MrEV]

After I filmed this, I heard from an EV9 owner with a flat 12v. Maddening that Hyundai/Kia are so bad at managing the 12v.

[@bordersw1239]

It weighs nearly 1000kg more than my present ICE 7 seater, that just seems excessive.

[@fryke]

smart's #1 and #3 also have a pet mode, btw.

[@MrEV]

Great to know. Thanks!

[@0-Will-0]

Kia: Please listen to Andrew about dog mode. Also while you are at it, add sentry mode, dashcam and better frunks. Tesla have their faults but these added value features make it harder to switch back to traditional manufacturers because you get used to the functionality of the extras and don't want to lose them.

[@MrEV]

Definitely! Sentry Mode is particularly fantastic.

[@tomquimby8669]

Is that car on a green screen?

[@MrEV]

Does it look like it?! It must be weird lighting!

[@tomquimby8669]

@@MrEV more like you are standing next to a monster truck

[@ziggarillo]

Yes 100kwh wouid last me nearly 2 weeks

[@jeffreycooper8408]

Got to be the first to comment, even though I've got nothing to say but Hi !! oh, other than the fact that the EV9 wouldn't look amiss with a 120mm rifled barrel sticking out the front 🤣

[@rigel1632]

It’s the right overall package for some people in the UK and offers a route to decarbonisation that other 7 seater EVs haven’t as yet. Thumbs up in my books.

[@joebass5163]

😅 the EV9 is small for a mallcrawler in the United States.

[@MrEV]

"Mallcrawler" - love it!

[@davidpearn5925]

At least it's got stalks.

[@MrEV]

Definitely!

[@MSkallywagg]

Dacia jogger hybrid

[@MrEV]

A full EV would be nicer personally, but yes - I agree the Jogger ticks a lot of boxes!

[@martinwray7001]

It must be like driving a detached bungalow.

[@SuperEgleh]

EV9 is just too big also for my needs. Would be interesting with an EQB review!

[@MrEV]

Yes, I'd like to get hold of one. I see quite a few driving around, surprisingly. Probably one of the ugliest EVs out there in my opinion! 😀

[@eto2352]

EV5 suv on the way soon....

[@happysporran]

When a car makes you look 5 foot tall, you know it's too big.

[@timothybloomer8287]

Pretty ugly in my opinion and sounds like the handling could be better. In the 1970s we went on holiday as a family of 5 in an Austin 1300. Sad that in modern times everyone wants such huge vehicles.

[@MrEV]

A few electric estates are on their way this year so my hope is they regain popularity. Certainly far better handling!

[@mdshovel]

I see some authorities are now banning over-length vehicles in their car parks. The EV9 is on that list

[@MrEV]

Fair enough. It is a monster and completely impractical for some car parks.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

@@MrEVIt's about the same length as a BMW 5 series estate +\- a few mm. It's got similar width as well. It's 20cm higher though, and half a ton heavier than the entry level 520d. The 5 series estate is a fairly common car that is not usually thought of as a giant monster. So is it also being banned, or is it the 4 or 5mm that make all the difference?

[@MrEV]

@@adrianguggisberg3656 Good question and I have no answer! EV9 is the same footprint as a Tesla Model S too. It seems to be the height that most people take issue with, even though that's fairly irrelevant when it comes to parking.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

@@MrEV I came to the conclusion that some cars are more energy efficient and others are more space/footprint efficient. A model S is clearly more energy efficient than an EV9, but an EV9 is much more footprint efficient. But then an EV9 is both, more footprint and more energy efficient than a 5 series BMW estate with a 2 Litre diesel engine. An EV9 is also more energy efficient than a Model S if say you are 6 or 7 people and thus need to take two cars or drive twice. The reason we tend to find this type of cars offensive is because based on the shape we compare them to a Range Rover, which is inefficient in almost every way, even less efficient than driving twice with a 2 Litre BMW.

[@MrEV]

@@adrianguggisberg3656 Very true!

[@pol1250]

Paying like 75k pounds for a Kia seems like a pretty stupid idea especially for big families.

[@MrEV]

Why? Kias are great. More reliable than any Land/Range Rover!

[@barryh9653]

Great video but sorry, no car should be that big in Europe or the UK. That does not just apply to Kia but also other brands. Most of the time just a single person drives these stupidly big vehicles.

[@MrEV]

I've seen two other EV9s driving around - both just with old couples. I don't want to judge - perhaps they have lots of grandchildren they want to ferry around - but I do wish there were more sensibly-sized 7-seat EVs available. The Dacia Jogger seems more appropriate. A shame it's not EV yet.

[@peterbrandt5320]

£77k for a Korean car.. Wth

[@Tom-bp6no]

People probably thought the same about Lexus

[@MrEV]

I think Hyundai/Kia are doing well at repositioning themselves as more premium. I went to my local Kia dealer yesterday and it was very fancy. Certainly miles away from how the brand was perceived when I started driving: my first car was a Pride!

[@Orange_Manbaby]

Kia needs to move away from a ‘box on wheels ‘ design. Aside from that they are a very good all round EV brand.

[@MrEV]

Seeing the previews of their upcoming EVs, I think they've fully committed to the box on wheels style!

[@stepheng8779]

Run Kia's have done for a long time but this is awful. A truly pointless, fugly, monstrosity of a vehicle.

[@MrEV]

It’s certainly divisive!

[@punkandprovocation]

Can't make sense of EVs that are this big. For all the environmental credentials, the space they take up on the road and threat they pose to even more environmentally conscious travel choices - walkers, cyclists - is outrageous. I avoid owning a car that is disproportionately likely to kill a child.

[@jackblackwell2238]

The exterior design is bad.

[@MrEV]

It's obviously quite divisive. I love it!

[@RichardJoashTan]

I am glad that I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line S anyway.

[@stepheng8779]

In your dreams 😂