2025 Kia EV9 Review

2025 Kia EV9 – Overview

When the Kia Telluride debuted in 2020, it quickly earned praise for its thoughtful design, exceptional comfort, and spacious third-row seating. Now, Kia is bringing that same magic to the all-electric, three-row 2025 Kia EV9. Offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive, the EV9’s EPA-estimated range spans from 230 miles for the standard models up to 304 miles for the extended-range versions. Pricing begins in the upper mid-$50,000 range, picking up where the Telluride leaves off, though savvy owners can offset some of the cost by charging at home during off-peak hours.

For those concerned about charging infrastructure, Kia is sending NACS adapters to buyers who purchased a CCS-equipped EV9 on or after September 4, 2024, with full adoption of the NACS port expected in 2025. Like the Telluride, the EV9 is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, though towing naturally reduces range. Compared to other three-row electric SUVs on the market, the EV9 offers impressive value without skimping on features. With its edgy styling, solid range, and fast DC charging, the EV9 stands out as one of the segment’s top contenders.

When Is the 2025 Kia EV9 Coming Out?

The 2025 Kia EV9 is expected to hit dealerships in the fall of 2025. Pre-orders are already open in select markets, and early buyers may benefit from Kia’s incentives for EVs.

What’s New for 2025 Kia EV9?

The core 2025 Kia EV9 lineup returns largely unchanged for 2025. However, the Light Long Range model now comes standard with a sunroof, and the exterior color palette has been refreshed—Glacial White Pearl and Ebony Black replace Ivory Silver Gloss, Ivory Silver Matte, and Ocean Blue Matte. Additionally, a higher-performing GT trim, distinct from the current GT-Line model, is rumored to join the lineup later in 2025.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Kia EV9 is expected to start around $56,395, with fully loaded trims reaching up to $80,000, depending on options.

For most buyers, the midrange Wind trim offers the best value. It unlocks the more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain with 379 horsepower and includes desirable standard features such as second-row captain’s chairs, a heat pump for the climate-control system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The 2025 Kia EV9 lineup begins with the rear-wheel-drive Light trim, featuring a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 215 horsepower. The Light Long Range version is also rear-wheel drive; however, despite its larger battery, peak power drops slightly to 201 horsepower.

All-wheel-drive models use a dual-motor setup that delivers a combined 379 horsepower, and an available Boost mode increases peak torque for quicker acceleration. A performance-oriented GT model is rumored for 2025, potentially offering up to 576 horsepower.

On the road, the EV9 is as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. Its highway ride is comfortably soft, and the defeatable one-pedal system allows the SUV to roll smoothly to a complete stop.

0–60-MPH Times

In testing, the all-wheel-drive 2025 Kia EV9 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, delivering the quick, punchy take-offs EVs are known for. By comparison, the gas-powered Kia Telluride takes roughly two seconds longer to hit 60 mph.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The entry-level Light model comes with a 76.1‑kWh battery, offering an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range and all-wheel-drive (e-AWD) versions use a larger 99.8‑kWh pack. The Light Long Range achieves up to 304 miles per charge, while the Wind e-AWD and Land e-AWD are rated at 280 miles. The top-spec GT-Line trim drops slightly to 270 miles per charge. In our 75-mph highway test, the EV9 GT-Line managed 240 miles—just under its EPA estimate.

All EV9s use Kia’s 800-volt electrical architecture, enabling rapid DC fast charging. Its 11‑kW on-board charger is average among competitors, but the EV9 can reach a maximum DC fast-charging speed of 230 kW, adding roughly 100 miles of range in just 13 minutes. Between 10% and 90% charge, the average charging rate of 139 kW ranks among the highest we’ve tested in any EV.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates the 2025 Kia EV9 achieves between 80 and 89 MPGe, depending on the drivetrain. The rear-wheel-drive Light model with the 99.8‑kWh battery is the most efficient, rated at 89 MPGe. Conversely, the performance-oriented GT-Line with all-wheel drive receives the lowest rating of 80 MPGe. For more detailed fuel economy information, visit the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 Kia EV9 is available in six- or seven-passenger configurations, depending on whether the second row features captain’s chairs or a bench. On higher trims, the third row is power-folding for added convenience. Interior materials are excellent, with soft synthetic leather upholstery and distinctive mesh headrests, while the underlying construction feels solid, contributing to a refined, luxurious cabin.

Second-row captain’s chairs are nearly as comfortable as the front seats, offering heating, ventilation, and even massaging functions. The third row accommodates adults comfortably, though legroom requires some compromise from those in the second row.

Cargo space is impressive: 20 cubic feet behind the third row—almost matching the Telluride—and up to 82 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat. In practical terms, we were able to fit five carry-on bags behind the third row and 17 with it stowed.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Kia EV9 features dual 12.3-inch screens—one for the gauge cluster and one for infotainment—separated by a dedicated HVAC display. Physical buttons are minimal compared to other Kias, with only a few key HVAC controls and a volume knob remaining; most functions are accessed via touch-sensitive controls on the dash.

Menus are logically organized, the system responds quickly, and the graphics are visually appealing. However, on-screen climate controls sit behind the steering wheel, making adjustments potentially distracting while driving. Fortunately, once set, adjustments are rarely needed.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Kia EV9 comes equipped with several standard driver-assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking. A hands-free driving mode, bundled with an advanced version of adaptive cruise control, is available on the GT-Line trim only.

Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

• Standard adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode

For detailed crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia offers one of the industry’s strongest warranty plans, though it does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance like some competitors.

• Limited warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

2025 Kia EV9 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Kia EV9 is a compelling all-electric SUV that balances style, technology, and practicality. Ideal for families who want EV efficiency without sacrificing space or comfort, it competes strongly in the growing EV SUV market.

2025 Kia EV9 Videos