Video Summary
Here is the summary of the YouTube video:- Base EV9 costs $54,900 plus $1,495 destination fee. GT-Line as tested costs $76,935.
- The interior has a warmth not expected from an EV because of the fabric and lighting.
- Shiny gray plastic shows dust and fingerprints but is a slight improvement over shiny black plastic.
- The glove box is purse-worthy and unusual. There is also an open storage area under the console, but the center console is shallow and small.
- There are bottle holders in the doors, but small bottles are needed. No dedicated phone zone exists, but there is phone space by the cup holders.
- The drive pedals feature plus and minus signs.
- The premium relaxation front seats are optional but comfortable, and include ottoman settings.
- Headrests are cushy.
- The EV9 can be seven or six passenger. Rear seat space is good in both the second and third rows.
- The second row has power operated seats, which can be slow when accessing the third row.
- There are rear latch points and third row space for car seats.
- Accessing the third row has a narrow aperture, but is manageable for kids.
- The 3rd row cargo area has 20.2 cu-ft, plus under-floor area. It includes a tire repair kit.
- There is a standard smart lift gate.
- NHTSA and IIHS haven’t rated it for safety yet, but it has active driver assist and ten airbags.
- It's considered "rich family" friendly because of the price point of over $50,000.
- The reviewer dislikes shiny black plastic.
- EV door handles cause difficulty, as do 4-spoke wheels.
- Standard dual 12.3” screens with the climate control in between. Physical buttons below also adjust things you'd be most likely to adjust. The position of the drive mode selector is odd.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard. So is wireless phone charging.
- The GT-Line trim includes gloss black trim and unique fascia.
- Base: 215hp/258 lb-ft with 230 miles of range, light RWD for $54,900.
- Light long range: 201hp/258 lb-ft with 304 miles of range, RWD for $59,200.
- Wind and Land trims: 379hp/443 and 516 lb-ft with 280 miles of range, AWD for $63,900.
- GT Line as tested: 379hp/516 lb-ft with 270 miles of range, AWD for $73,900.
- Charging takes 25 minutes with a 350kW charger to go from 10 to 80% charged.
- Towing maxes out at 5,000 lbs, but only on higher trims.
- Ride quality is controlled and comfortable. Standard acoustic glass on the windshield and front windows. 0.28 drag coefficient.
- I pedal mode works well. One commenter said that there is no button for her crotch.
- As the video was being made the EV9 was not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Once the Georgia plant manufactures them this could be eligible sometime in 2025.
- Recommendation: light long range RWD trim.
- To get the leg rest extension, though, a $2,000 “second-row relaxation package” will be needed. It could be seen to be worth the cost however, for its comfort.
- It’s easier to live with the EV9 than the Telluride, as it’s quicker to 60 in most trims. It does come at a cost, however, as the EV9 is about $21,000 more in the trims recommended. Telluride can seat up to 8, where EV9 maxes at 7.
- At this time:
The Kia Telluride starts at $38,090.
The Kia EV9 Light Long Range starts at $59,200.
