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Price Range: Less Than
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$194,645
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134
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2025 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

Car Guide Winner: 1st Place Large suv

2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line

Vehicle Type: Large suv Electric
114
 overall score
Category Ranking: 1

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $73,900
Price as Tested: $78,430

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 2.3 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 17.8 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: 10% to 80% in 24 minutes
EPA City MPGe88
EPA Highway MPGe72
EPA Combined MPGe80
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 270

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

The EV9 is Kia’s 3-row electric SUV. Introduced as a new model in 2024, it has a relatively low price ($54,900) for the base trim. We tested the top-of-the-line dual-motor GT-Line trim. The EV9 is stylish in a bulky, rugged-looking sort of way. It’s spacious inside, with a 12.3-inch touch-screen-based infotainment system, a third row that’s usable by adults, and plenty of room for cargo. Kia optimizes space usage with interior cubbies and a deep, retractable storage console between the front seats. At 80 MPGe, the EV9’s fuel economy is commendable. The EPA estimated our test vehicle’s range at 270 miles. Our staff was divided on the EV9’s ride quality, however. Some felt it was balanced and comfortable, with decent handling and steering; others felt the steering was a bit unrefined and the ride quality was nothing special. The EV9 also has 350-kW fast charging, which Kia claims will charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. A full set of advanced safety systems is standard, including sophisticated features such as rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Plenty of useful cabin and storage space
  • Attractive styling
  • 350-kW fast charging
  • Strong suite of ADAS features

Cons

  • Nonintuitive infotainment touch controls
  • Restricted side visibility
  • Some cheap-looking interior materials

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2024
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/4
Curb weight (lbs): 5886.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 197.4 / 77.9 / 70.1
Wheelbase (in): 122.0
Number of air bags: 10
Warranty (months/miles): 60/60,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Hankook Ion Evo AS
Front and rear tire size: 285/45 R21
Max towing capacity (lbs): 5,000
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: Dual electric motors
Electric motor horsepower: 379

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

10.00

Fuel Efficiency:

8.86

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

8.33

Braking:

6.96
Performance Handling: 6.92
Everyday Drivability: 8.73
Infotainment Usability: 6.33
Quality and Drivability: 7.00

Ride Quality:

7.19

Interior Size:

6.06

Easy of Entry and Exit:

8.51

Visibility:

7.89

Interior Noise:

7.66

Cargo Capacity:

4.53
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