Kia EV9: The Electric

At first glance, I didn’t think this vehicle was so big until I recognised that it had seven seats. The Kia EV9 is a larger version of its siblings and is a bold statement in the mid-size SUV segment. Developed as the second model on Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 follows the success of the EV6. We are currently looking at the first generation of this all-electric SUV, which officially entered global production in 2023.

In the Jamaican market, the EV9 enters a space where the transition to electric mobility is gaining serious momentum. It finds itself in direct competition with brands like BYD. The Kia EV9 leans into a more futuristic, European-inspired design language and a sophisticated 800-volt architecture that allows for significantly faster charging times.

Outside: Geometric Design

The exterior of the EV9 GT-Line is defined by Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy. The front fascia has replaced the traditional “Tiger Nose” with a “Digital Tiger Face,” featuring a closed-off grille area that houses an intricate array of small cube LED headlights. These vertical lamps, paired with the star-map daytime running lights, give the car an unmistakable presence at night.

Walking along the side, the character lines are sharp and deliberate, creating triangular fender structures that make the body look like it was chiselled from a single block. The 21-inch futuristic rims are an eye candy and their aero-focused design helps reduce drag. At the rear, the vertical tail lamps mirror the front’s light signature, emphasising the car’s height and width.

Categorical Comparison

When compared to a vehicle like the Mazda CX-90 or the Audi Q7, the EV9’s “boxy” SUV silhouette feels more purposeful. While many competitors opt for rounded, sloping rooflines to chase aerodynamics, the EV9 maintains a squared-off rear. This design choice ensures that the third-row passengers aren’t sacrificed for the sake of a “coupe-like” profile, providing genuine utility that rivals the traditional luxury guard.

Interior: Buttons, Luxury, and Modern Convenience

Stepping inside, the interior reminds me of a Ford Explorer review I did a few years ago as it is filled with a lot of buttons — a welcome sight for those who find all-touchscreen interfaces distracting. On the door panel, for instance, there are designated physical buttons for controlling the seat temperature and position. The door handles on the exterior protrude with a mechanical precision that adds an elegant touch to the entry sequence.

The vehicle is fully loaded with all the creature comforts you can expect. The seat controls offer extensive adjustments for lumbar and side bolsters. Interestingly, the headrest is a soft mesh as opposed to traditional leather. It feels remarkably pliable and absorbent, providing better support than the firmer rests found in many rivals.

The cabin is strictly modern, featuring only USB Type-C slots. I actually had to bring a converter to use my older USB Type-A cables, but this is clearly the way of the future. Overhead, a split sunroof allows light to reach both the front and rear sections of the cabin, which is a feature-rich environment with something for everyone. Rear passengers are particularly well-catered for, with roof-mounted AC vents and dedicated climate controls for both the second and third rows.

Utility and Infotainment

In the trunk, a 12-volt outlet is provided, embodying the fact that this is a family-oriented vehicle designed for camping trips.

Audio System: 14-speaker Meridian™ Premium Sound.

Interior Fabric: Sustainable Leatherette / SynTex.

Cargo Space: 333 litres (with all seats up).

Displays: Dual 12.3-inch screens (Digital Cluster + Infotainment).

Driving Experience: Nimble Power

The dimensions of this vehicle are bigger than I thought, but it handles its bulk with surprising grace. I wish the turning radius was smaller, though, as it can be a bit tricky to navigate tight spots in cities like Montego Bay or the bustling traffic of Kingston.

The Heads-Up Display was a pleasant surprise as it shows thumbnail images and navigation cues directly in your line of sight. On Jamaican roads, which often present challenges like potholes or sudden congestion, the different driving modes are essential. In “Sport” mode, the driving becomes more aggressive. The side bolsters even automatically tighten to give the driver a more snug, secure fit.

The suspension is independent all-around, providing a composed ride that soaked up most road imperfections during my time in the city. However, there is no spare tyre — only a tyre mobility kit — which was a sad discovery for those of us accustomed to long treks across the island.

Power Delivery and Regeneration

The digital cluster features a clear battery metre that indicates when the car is consuming energy versus when it is using regenerative charging. There is also a dedicated display showing exactly which wheels the power is being sent to in the All-Wheel Drive system.

The Kia EV9 GT-Line proves that you don’t need to sacrifice size or luxury to go fully electric. It is a refined, high-tech cruiser that feels perfectly at home on our local roads.

Price of tested model: $14,650,000

Battery size (kWh): 99.8

Charging time: 10-80% in ~24 minutes

Horsepower (hp): 379

Torque (lb/ft): 443

Body Type: Mid-Size SUV

Competition: Hyundai Ioniq 9, Mazda CX-90, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GLE

Vehicle provided by ATL Automotive Ltd, 1876-754-0013, email: sales@atlautomotive.com, atlautomotive.com