KIA EV9: A SPACESHIP WITH SEVEN SEATS!

EV Channels Review

The Kia EV9 is presented as a "go anywhere, do anything, bring anyone" electric hauler, and the reviewer puts it to the test on Europe's highest paved road. The vehicle's immense size is highlighted, making city driving challenging but emphasizing its suitability for open roads. Aesthetically, the EV9 is praised for breaking the mold of traditionally uninspired seven-seater designs, with the reviewer calling it the "best looking Kia ever" and comparing its striking appearance to a "mafioso villain's car on Mars." Interior space is a major focus, with the EV9 offering "astronomical amounts of space" and a "staggeringly impressive" third row that can comfortably accommodate adults. The "relaxation seats" are noted for their exceptional comfort. Performance is described as "plenty" for a 2.5-ton vehicle, with the all-wheel-drive version boasting 378 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds. The reviewer particularly enjoys the adjustable regenerative braking paddles, which allow for an engaging "game of efficiency." However, the car is not without its criticisms. The reviewer finds the constant beeping from various driver-assistance systems, especially the speed limit warning that resets on each startup, to be "infuriating" and "nannying." Some interior plastics are deemed slightly "plasticky" for a vehicle in its price bracket. Efficiency is also flagged as a potential concern, though difficult to assess definitively after only driving up a mountain. Despite these drawbacks, the overall verdict is overwhelmingly positive, with the reviewer calling it another "slam dunk" from Kia and noting its lack of direct competition in the large, comfortable seven-seat EV segment.