We spent a week and 1,000 miles with a 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line to see if this three-row EV earns its price against rivals and family-hauling hybrids. Here’s the real-world value picture.
Our test car was a dual-motor EV9 GT-Line (AWD, 99.8 kWh pack) stickered at $74,2xx including destination. Output is rated at 379 hp and up to 516 lb-ft, with an 800-volt architecture supporting a claimed 236 kW peak DC fast charge. Tow rating is 5,000 lb, and our six-seat configuration included second-row captain’s chairs. EPA range varies by trim; the Long Range RWD is rated up to 304 miles, while AWD trims fall into the mid- to high-200s depending on wheels.
Testing covered commuting, two 70-mph highway loops, and a 420-mile road trip with elevations from sea level to 3,500 ft in ambient temps from 55–82°F. Our GT-Line rode on 21-inch all-season tires. We logged consumption, charging sessions on 350-kW DC hardware, cabin noise, and family usability (two adults, two kids, one rear-facing seat). Cabin noise averaged 68 dBA at 70 mph on smooth asphalt.
Performance is ample, not extravagant: the GT-Line feels legitimately quick merging and passing, about five seconds to 60 mph by our VBox. The brake pedal is progressive and consistent; repeated stops showed no fade. Steering is light but accurate, and body motions are well managed for a three-row. Ride quality is composed on the highway but can fidget over broken urban pavement on the 21s—expect a more relaxed gait on trims with smaller wheels.
Efficiency and charging largely meet the brochure. Our steady 70-mph loop returned 2.5 mi/kWh (about 250–270 miles of real highway range for this spec). A 14–80% DC fast charge took 27 minutes, peaking at 224 kW and averaging 165 kW—enough to add roughly 170 miles during a coffee stop. The 11-kW onboard charger refilled 10–90% in just under nine hours on a home Level 2.
Vehicle-to-load worked as advertised powering campsite gear at up to 1.9 kW. Energy cost penciled at roughly 6–9 cents/mile at home rates versus 14–18 cents/mile on public DC. Space and tech sell the EV9. Adults fit in row three for short trips; kids are fine back there full-time.
With all seats up, there’s about 20 cu ft—stroller-friendly—and a near-flat load floor with rows two and three folded. The twin 12.3-inch displays plus a dedicated 5-inch climate panel are responsive, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto worked reliably via USB in our tester. Highway Driving Assist 2 holds center calmly for miles and can initiate lane changes, though it occasionally ping-pongs on poorly marked lanes. Value?
Against a Tesla Model Y with a small third row, the EV9 costs a bit more but delivers true three-row space, better towing, and similar charging speed. Versus Rivian R1S and Model X, the Kia undercuts price by thousands while matching day-to-day usability. It’s typically not eligible for a federal purchase credit, though leases often pass through $7,500. The standout play is the Wind AWD (~$63k) for range, features, and ride comfort; enthusiasts can justify the GT-Line, but the Long Range RWD maximizes dollars-per-mile.
Combine the generous warranty with real family space and fast charging, and the EV9 lands on the right side of the value ledger for three-row EV shoppers.
