As the demand for family-friendly vehicles continues to escalate, Kia steps into the limelight with its expansive three-row offerings, the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. However, the game-changer arrives in the form of the Kia EV9, an electric powerhouse that mirrors the size and practicality of its predecessors but offers more interior space due to its innovative design. Not far behind is the Hyundai Ioniq 7, sharing its platform with the EV9 but exhibiting its unique flair.
Interior Comfort and Connectivity: The EV9’s Winning Card
The Kia EV9 is celebrated for its plush comfort and intuitive design. Reviewers from Digital Trends emphasize the ease of spending hours in its cushy seats equipped with robust lumbar support. Climate control is simplified with three personalized zones and physical knobs, ensuring a tailored environment for each passenger. Tech-savvy features, such as standard Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity, exemplify convenience, while the generous scattering of USB-C charging ports guarantees that every passenger’s devices stay powered up throughout the journey.
The Kia EV9’s Line-Up: From Basic to Premium
Digital Trends notes that while the EV9 may not reinvent the wheel in automotive technology, its thoughtful assembly of features crafts an internal oasis perfect for long-distance travel. Lifting the hood on the Kia EV9’s various trim levels reveals options for everyone, from the entry-level Light with a 230-mile EPA range to the GT-Line AWD that boasts 516 ft-lbs of torque and a commendable 270-mile range. Each trim, whether it’s the Light, Wind, or Land, is meticulously designed to balance power, luxury, and efficiency.
Embracing Electric with Fast Charging
The EV9’s use of the 800-volt E-GMP platform positions it among the elite in charging speeds, accommodating up to 350 kW of power. Its onboard 11 kW AC charger further expedites charging from Level 2 equipment, illustrating Kia’s dedication to the electric transition. Although the EV9’s production in South Korea currently excludes it from US federal tax credit eligibility, leasing remains a viable option to benefit from tax incentives.
Real-World Driving: The EV9’s Smooth Performance
In a firsthand account by Joel Stockdale of Autoblog, a journey in the dual motor Land trim to the Chicago auto show was executed flawlessly, despite wintery conditions. Stockdale attests to the user-friendly recharging process, highlighting the comprehensive PlugShare service and the reliability of high-speed charging stations encountered along his journey, demonstrating the feasibility of road trips in the EV9.
Stockdale’s Takeaway: A Bright Future for EVs
Stockdale’s positive experience underscores the current state of electric vehicles and the promise they hold for stress-free journeys. He reflects on the efficiency of modern charging speeds, the convenience of not being tethered to the vehicle during recharges, and the simplicity of planning with accessible tools like PlugShare. Although his trip represented an ideal scenario, it’s a testimony to the potential of electric transportation and the ongoing improvements that will shape the future of travel.
As we embrace the electric revolution, experiences like Stockdale’s signify a shift towards convenient, sustainable, and enjoyable EV road trips. With electric infrastructure advancing, the hope is that the smooth and efficient voyages of the Kia EV9 will soon become the standard rather than the exception.
