Kia EV9 Long Range AWD

Overview

The 2025 Kia EV9 Long Range AWD plants its flag firmly in the three-row electric SUV space, offering a compelling mix of futuristic design and family-friendly practicality. This all-wheel-drive trim is a sweet spot, balancing impressive range with robust performance. It’s a standout choice for those needing space without sacrificing style or tech. With a new price of $63,900 and nearly-new models estimated around $43,995, it presents a strong value proposition. Its 800-volt architecture is a killer feature, promising seriously rapid charging stops on long road trips.

What's New for 2025?

As the EV9 is still fresh on the scene, the 2025 model year brings refinements rather than a complete overhaul. The biggest news is the planned adoption of the Tesla (NACS) charging port, enhancing charging convenience across North America. Expect potential software updates to the slick infotainment system, refining its already impressive user experience. Kia may also shuffle some equipment, possibly making features like the digital key or advanced driver-assist systems standard on more trims. It’s all about fine-tuning what is already an incredibly solid package for the US market.

Design & Exterior

The EV9's design is pure sci-fi, a bold statement on wheels. Its boxy, chiseled lines and signature "Star Map" LED lighting give it an unmistakable road presence. This isn't just another blob-shaped SUV; it’s a head-turner. The Long Range AWD trim looks purposeful with its clean, aero-focused design. Measuring 197.2 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 69.1 inches tall, its substantial size translates into a commanding stance. The futuristic look perfectly matches the advanced tech hiding underneath, making it one of the coolest-looking family haulers around.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and the EV9’s cabin feels like a minimalist lounge. A stunning panoramic display merges two 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, complete with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Long Range AWD offers both 6 and 7-seat layouts, with ample room for the whole crew. Material quality is top-notch, with extensive use of sustainable materials. Practicality is king, with 20.2 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a massive 84.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Plus, a handy 1.8 cubic-foot frunk adds extra storage up front.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let the size fool you; the Long Range AWD has some serious get-up-and-go. Its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup delivers a combined 380 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, rocketing this three-row SUV from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds. The instant shove from the permanent magnet motors is addictive. On the road, it’s supremely quiet and comfortable, soaking up bumps with ease. While it’s a big beast, the handling is composed and confident. Plus, Kia's "i-Pedal" one-pedal driving mode makes city cruising a smooth, efficient breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Long Range AWD is built for road trips, packing a substantial 96 kWh usable battery. According to Green Cars Compare's calculations, this translates to a real-world range of about 274 miles, with an efficiency of 2.85 mi/kWh. Thanks to its cutting-edge 800-volt architecture, it's a charging champ. It can slurp up electrons at a blistering 210 kW on a DC fast charger, going from 10-80% in under 25 minutes. At home, the 10.9 kW on-board charger handles overnight top-ups. It features both CCS and upcoming NACS ports, plus Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Kia loads the EV9 with a staggering amount of safety tech, earning it a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The Long Range AWD comes standard with Kia’s advanced "Drive Wise" suite. This includes Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), a sophisticated system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and even assists with lane changes. You also get a 360-degree surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It's one of the most comprehensive standard safety packages available, providing serious peace of mind for family duty.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Kia’s warranty is legendary, and the EV9 gets the full treatment. You're covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and battery. The battery coverage also includes a guarantee against significant degradation, ensuring long-term performance. While Kia doesn’t typically offer complimentary maintenance in the US, the brand’s strong reputation for reliability and the reduced service needs of an EV mean ownership should be relatively hassle-free. It’s a peace-of-mind package that’s tough to beat in any segment.