KIA EV9 2024 REVIEW: LONG-TERM TEST | IS THE NEW MID-SPEC EARTH ELECTRIC SUV THE BEST FAMILY CAR?

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After a three-month long-term test, the Kia EV9 Earth is lauded as potentially the best car the reviewer has tested in 15 years, even ranking among the top seven-seater SUVs including luxury brands. Its futuristic and imposing design is complemented by a spacious, practical, and high-end interior, though the gear shifter design and the multimedia system's complexity are noted drawbacks. The Earth trim offers a strong balance of features, including AWD and a large battery, but notably lacks a head-up display and sunshades. Practicality shines with its height for child seat access and cavernous cargo space, enhanced by a useful V2L port. Driving dynamics are praised for their comfort, light steering, natural pedal feel, and excellent visibility, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. While the reviewer highlights the car's silent operation and instant acceleration, the intrusive and difficult-to-disable speed limit alerts and driver distraction warnings detract from the otherwise serene experience. Real-world range is close to the claimed 512km, averaging around 480km, and efficiency is slightly better than advertised. Charging is efficient with 800V architecture, though finding 350kW chargers is difficult, resulting in longer charging times on more common chargers. Despite its high price, the EV9 is considered almost worth it for its blend of EV capability and family-hauling prowess.