Kia EV9 Sole Generation (2024-present)
E-GMP platform. 99.8 kWh, 201/379 hp. 800V architecture, 350 kW charging. Swiveling 2nd-row captain's chairs. NACOTY 2024.
MV platform — Hyundai-Kia E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform) shared with Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6 / Ioniq 9 / Genesis GV60 / Genesis GV70 EV. The EV9 was conceived from the outset as a dedicated electric three-row family SUV — not a gas-vehicle adaptation. 800V high-voltage architecture enabling rapid charging. Boxy upright proportions optimized for interior space and pedestrian-friendly design. 99.8 kWh standard battery pack across all US trims (no smaller battery option offered in US). Light Long Range trim: single rear motor, 201 hp / 258 lb-ft, RWD, 304 mi EPA range — Kia's range-leader. Wind trim: dual-motor AWD with 379 hp / 516 lb-ft, 280 mi EPA range. Land trim: dual-motor AWD, same 379 hp / 516 lb-ft, 280 mi range. GT-Line trim: dual-motor AWD with sport-tuned shock absorbers, 21-inch wheels, 379 hp / 516 lb-ft, 270 mi EPA range. 0-60 in 4.5 seconds on dual-motor 379 hp variants. Towing 5,000 lb with proper hitch (impressive for an EV). 350 kW DC fast charging capability — 10-80% in 24 minutes at 350 kW charger. 11 kW AC charging — full charge in approximately 9 hours on Level 2 home wallbox. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability — built-in plug-and-power output up to 1,650W for external devices, appliances, camping equipment. 6- or 7-passenger seating. GT-Line 6-passenger features 2nd-row captain's chairs that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row when parked (camping mode, conversation mode). Built at Kia AutoLand Gwangmyeong, South Korea initially; production transferred to Kia West Point, Georgia USA for 2025+ model year — improving federal IRA tax-credit eligibility (originally ineligible for $7,500 credit on purchase, only on lease). 81.7 cu ft maximum cargo capacity with second and third rows folded. Standard 12.3-inch infotainment + 12.3-inch digital cluster + 5-inch climate display (triple-screen panoramic layout). Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. Kia Drive Wise ADAS suite standard: forward collision avoidance with pedestrian / cyclist / junction-turning detection, blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-following assist, smart cruise control with stop & go. Highway Driving Pilot (Level 2 hands-on lane-centering ADAS) standard on GT-Line. Meridian 14-speaker premium audio standard on Wind / Land / GT-Line. Dual-pane panoramic sunroof, massage front seats (GT-Line). Active Sound Design (synthesized motor sound). Awards: 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, Car and Driver Top 10 for 2024, JD Power 2024 IQS first place in upper-midsize SUV segment. Currently the most aspirational electric three-row SUV at the EV9's price point — competing against Rivian R1S (more off-road), Volvo EX90 (more luxury), upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9 (sister vehicle, slightly larger).
Strengths
- E-GMP 800V architecture (350 kW DC charging)
- 99.8 kWh battery (304 mi RWD range)
- Dual-motor AWD (379 hp / 4.5-second 0-60)
- Vehicle-to-Load 1,650W output
- Swiveling 2nd-row captain's chairs (GT-Line 6-pax)
- 5,000 lb towing capacity (impressive for EV)
- Built in USA (West Point Georgia from 2025)
- 12.3+12.3+5 triple-screen layout
- 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
- Highway Driving Pilot Level 2 ADAS (GT-Line)
- Meridian 14-speaker audio
- Kia 10-yr/100k powertrain warranty
Weaknesses
- Initial federal tax credit lease-only (until US production)
- Towing reduces range significantly (~50% reduction)
- GT-Line 270 mi range modest vs Tesla Model X
- Cabin tech behind GV80 EV / iX
- No third-row heated seats
- GT-Line 21-inch wheels harsh ride
- Brand-new model line (limited service history)
- Kia dealer network thinner than Toyota
Notable tech
- E-GMP 800V architecture
- 350 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 24 min)
- 99.8 kWh battery
- Vehicle-to-Load 1,650W output
- Swiveling 2nd-row captain's chairs (180-degree, GT-Line 6-pax)
- Highway Driving Pilot Level 2 ADAS (GT-Line)
- 5,000 lb towing capacity
- Triple-screen dashboard (12.3+12.3+5)
- Meridian 14-speaker audio
- Active Sound Design (synthesized motor sound)
Common issues
- Too new for substantial issue patterns
- 12V battery drain when idle (well-documented)
- Software bugs with 800V charging on third-party stations
- Tow-package wiring issues (some examples)
- Heated steering wheel inoperative (some)
- Power liftgate motor failures (early)
Used-market budget
$62,000
2024 Light $54-62k. 2024 Wind / Land $58-72k. 2024 GT-Line $66-78k+. 2025+ US-built (West Point GA) commands premium for tax-credit eligibility on purchase. Documented OTA software updates should be current.
