But there is hope. There is a new breed of electric vehicles that are not only efficient, powerful, and practical but also fun, engaging, and respectful of human drivers. They are not designed to replace us but to enhance us. They are not meant to take away our choices but to give us more options. They are not here to end driving but to save it.
One of these vehicles is the 2024 Kia EV9, the first all-electric three-row SUV from a mainstream brand. It is a vehicle that combines the best of both worlds: the performance and range of an EV with the space and versatility of an SUV. It is a vehicle that offers something for everyone: whether you are a family man, an adventurer, or a driving enthusiast. It is a vehicle that does not compromise on quality, technology, or safety. It is a vehicle that could change the way we think about electric mobility.
What makes the 2024 Kia EV9 special?
The 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV is based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated EV architecture that allows for optimal battery placement, weight distribution, and aerodynamics. The EV9 has a sleek and futuristic design that features a distinctive grille-less front fascia, LED headlights and taillights, flush door handles, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The EV9 comes in three trim levels: Standard, Long Range, and All-Wheel Drive. The Standard model has a single rear-mounted electric motor that produces 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It has a 76.1-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of up to 223 miles. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 111 mph.
The Long Range model has the same motor and power output as the Standard model but with a larger 99.8-kWh battery pack that boosts the range to up to 300 miles. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds and has the same top speed as the Standard model.
The All-Wheel Drive model has two electric motors on each axle that deliver a combined output of 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It also has a 99.8-kWh battery pack that gives it an estimated range of up to 280 miles. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph.
All models have an onboard power generator that can be used as a power source for various devices or appliances. They also have ultra-fast 800-volt DC fast-charging capability that can replenish up to 80% of the battery in about 18 minutes. Additionally, they have a heat pump system that helps preserve the range in cold weather conditions.
The EV9 has a spacious and luxurious interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. The front seats are power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and trimmed in synthetic leather. The second row has either a bench seat or optional captain's chairs with leg rests. The third row has enough room for adults and can be folded flat for extra cargo space.
The EV9 has a digital cockpit that consists of a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and over-the-air updates for software and features. The EV9 also has a head-up display, wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and more.
The EV9 has over 20 standard advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, and more. It also has optional features such as surround-view monitor, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist, highway driving assist II (HDA II), navigation-based smart cruise control (NSCC), forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) with junction turning, and more.
Why is the 2024 Kia EV9 good for human driving?
The 2024 Kia EV9 is not just a practical and efficient electric SUV. It is also a fun and engaging vehicle that respects the human driver. It does not try to take over the driving task but rather supports it with smart and intuitive features. It does not force the driver to rely on automation but gives them the choice to use it. It does not make driving boring but rather makes it exciting and rewarding.
The EV9 has a powerful, responsive electric powertrain that delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration. It has a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution, enhancing its stability and handling. It has a regenerative braking system that paddle shifters can adjust to suit the driver's preference. It has a drive mode selector that allows the driver to choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom modes that alter the steering, throttle, and suspension settings.
The EV9 has a sophisticated and user-friendly infotainment system that keeps the driver connected and informed without distracting them from the road. It has a clear and customizable digital instrument cluster that displays relevant information such as speed, battery level, range, navigation, and more. It has a large and intuitive touchscreen that voice commands or physical buttons can control. It has a head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield.
The EV9 has a comprehensive and reliable suite of safety features that help the driver avoid or mitigate collisions. It has sensors, cameras, and radars that monitor the surroundings and alert the driver of potential hazards. It has active and passive systems that intervene when necessary to prevent or reduce the impact of accidents. Its features assist the driver in various driving scenarios, such as parking, lane changing, highway driving, and more.
The EV9 also has features that enhance the driver's and passengers' comfort and convenience. It has a spacious and luxurious cabin that offers ample headroom, legroom, and cargo space. It has seats that are comfortable, supportive, and adjustable. It has a climate control system that maintains the optimal temperature and humidity levels. It has a sound system that delivers high-quality audio entertainment.
How does the 2024 Kia EV9 compare to its competitors?
The 2024 Kia EV9 is one of the few electric SUVs that offer three rows of seats and a long range. Its main competitors are the Tesla Model X and the upcoming Rivian R1S. Both of these vehicles are more expensive than the EV9, starting at $89,990 for the Model X and $70,000 for the R1S.
The Model X has a longer range than the EV9, up to 360 miles for the Long Range model and 340 miles for the Plaid model. However, it also has less cargo space than the EV9, with 88 cubic feet versus 99 cubic feet. The Model X also has less towing capacity than the EV9, with 5,000 pounds versus 5,500 pounds.
The R1S has a similar range to the EV9, up to 300 miles for the Launch Edition model and 314 miles for the Adventure model. However, it also has more cargo space than the EV9, with 108 cubic feet versus 99 cubic feet. The R1S also has more towing capacity than the EV9, with 7,700 pounds versus 5,500 pounds.
The EV9 also has some advantages over its competitors in terms of technology and warranty. The EV9 has an ultra-fast charging system that can charge up to 80% in about 18 minutes, while the Model X takes about 30 minutes, and the R1S takes about 40 minutes. The EV9 also has a longer warranty than its competitors, with 10 years or 100,000 miles for the battery pack, while the Model X has 8 years or unlimited miles, and the R1S has 8 years or 175,000 miles.
What is the verdict on the 2024 Kia EV9?
The 2024 Kia EV9 is an impressive electric SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It is spacious, powerful, efficient, practical, safe, and fun to drive. It is a vehicle that respects human drivers and gives them more options and control over their mobility. It is a vehicle that could save human driving from extinction.
If you are looking for an electric SUV that fits your family, lifestyle, and budget, you should consider the 2024 Kia EV9. It starts at $54,900 for the Standard model, $59,900 for the Long Range model, and $64,900 for the All-Wheel Drive model. It is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 and state and local incentives, depending on your location.
The Kia EV9 is expected to arrive in dealerships in early 2024. You can reserve yours now by visiting Kia's website and placing a refundable deposit of $100. Don't miss this opportunity to own one of the most innovative and exciting electric vehicles on the market.
The 2024 Kia EV9 is not just an electric SUV. It is a statement. A statement that you care about the environment but also about driving. A statement that you embrace the future but also respect the past. A statement that you are not willing to give up your freedom, your passion, and your joy behind the wheel.
The new Kia EV9 is a vehicle that could save human driving. And you could be one of the first to experience it. Reserve yours today and join the revolution.
