Love grabbin’ those thick ones. I think it’s crazy that in 2024 almost every reviewer still says “if this didn’t have a Kia badge” LOL, they’ll never live that down will they. I agree though I can’t spend that much on a KIA product which is so weird because KIA is one of the only automakers that are constantly redesigning, improving and making better looking vehicles than other brands so why can’t I get over the KIA nameplate?! Love this EV9
Well just get over it then and let yourself actually enjoy driving a vehicle that excites you. That’s what I did and I can’t be more pleased with my decision to switch to the Korean brands. Well worth it 👍
On the rear seats: The 2nd row walk-through is legitimately wide. I didn't notice this until I took the EV9 home, but there's much more room than, say the Mazda CX90. Had six people in the thing last weekend, and never needed to fold the 2nd row seats forward.
Great review and you guys covered everything in a lot of detail. I have about 5K on mine and we love it as a family of 4 that can now haul friends around town and to events. A few things that I found differ from your experience is the real limiting factor of the third row leg room is the position of the 2nd row. If you look at your video the second row has tons of room(excessive if you've got 6 in the car) if you move the 2nd row up 2-4" the third row is comfortable and everyone's knees are not touching. Its going to come down to the seating position of everyone and size of people. Also the thing that was in the "frunk" that you did not know what it was is literally the adapter you said you wish you had that allows you to plug in any power cord directly to the charge port and power outside sources. I also like that you have the ability to limit the amount of power it can drain so you could plug it in and forget and it will not empty your battery. Last thing is just a comment that I mostly drive highway 60-80mph and my range has come up to 320 on Eco which I always drive in and would consider myself a spirited driver, sport is fun to play with when you want to launch and show off but not necessary for daily passing. Lastly we have the GT line fully loaded and with US discounts we were out of the dealership at 72K still a lot of money but compared to the Rivian who I would say is the closest competitor its way lower and in the price range to receive the 7.5k rebate. Thanks for the detailed review I think it is spot on overall!
Indeed. Many reviewers who whine about the 3rd row leg room never realize to move the 2nd row forward just a bit. I'm 185cm and when I set the 2nd row behind my driving position to be comfortable (doesn't need to be all the way back), there is still leg room for me in the 3rd row.
The sounds of nature is in there for the radio and you can get the second row without the automatic seats and the manual is instant to open up for the 3rd row, but you loose the foot rest recline mode back there (which is kinda not usable). We got ours a month or so ago and absolutely love it. Seriously, folks gotta get over the Kia badge as this car beats or is equal to cars way above what you are paying for it. They really outdid themselves with this car and they look like they have a winner in the EV3 as well as that is going to have value well above what they are likely to MSRP for.
The main thing I don’t like about this is that it’s not the EV5 as I love it but I don’t need something so large and expensive. I’m actually more turned off by the luxury brands than Kia as my last car was a Kia and it was the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Expensive German cars make me nervous as I assume they’ll be more expensive to repair and maintain.
I like it - but not ready for an EV yet. I have a Kia Carnival MPV and I'm waiting for the 2025 Hybrid model that is estimated to get about 36MPG. Most of the videos I watch make a big deal out of leg and head room as well as trunk space. Truth is that vans have great designs these days with superior designs for space and seating. Still I'm debating getting one of these EV9 models- yet it's a hard choice considering the cost. I can get the new Hybrid fully loaded van for about $50k compared to $65k for this. 36mpg is good enough for me in a hybrid. I like Kia because of the warranty too. 5 years base warranty is outstanding and one has to take that into consideration as repairs can really cost these days with all of the tech/computer chips. Leasing is a good way to go on these.
The Rivian R1S starts at less than this Kia EV9 for very similar specs. It has many things that are better, like more towing capacity (including tow hitch and harness included standard), adaptive air suspension, rear screen, air compressor, larger frunk, larger infotainment screen, functional app with regular and meaningful OTA updates, integrated camp speaker and flashlight... you should really find one and compare. The Kia is very nice for the $65K they're currently selling these at.
How has charging been on electrify america and other non tesla chargers? I'm considering trading in my Tesla model y for EV9, but I keep hearing horrer stories of various poor charging networks. Since 800V can't charge well at Tesla superchargers yet until they make V4 chargers.
@@TheDogDish He is totally right about this! If you have polarized sunglasses like I do, most electronics screens are diminished. The windshield has a heads up display that shows speeds and directions that is great but if you have polarized lenses you basically cant see it.
Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! Do you dig the EV9 as much as us??
Beware of polarized sunglasses: your HUD disappears.
Love grabbin’ those thick ones. I think it’s crazy that in 2024 almost every reviewer still says “if this didn’t have a Kia badge” LOL, they’ll never live that down will they. I agree though I can’t spend that much on a KIA product which is so weird because KIA is one of the only automakers that are constantly redesigning, improving and making better looking vehicles than other brands so why can’t I get over the KIA nameplate?! Love this EV9
Well just get over it then and let yourself actually enjoy driving a vehicle that excites you. That’s what I did and I can’t be more pleased with my decision to switch to the Korean brands. Well worth it 👍
On the rear seats: The 2nd row walk-through is legitimately wide. I didn't notice this until I took the EV9 home, but there's much more room than, say the Mazda CX90. Had six people in the thing last weekend, and never needed to fold the 2nd row seats forward.
Great review and you guys covered everything in a lot of detail. I have about 5K on mine and we love it as a family of 4 that can now haul friends around town and to events. A few things that I found differ from your experience is the real limiting factor of the third row leg room is the position of the 2nd row. If you look at your video the second row has tons of room(excessive if you've got 6 in the car) if you move the 2nd row up 2-4" the third row is comfortable and everyone's knees are not touching. Its going to come down to the seating position of everyone and size of people. Also the thing that was in the "frunk" that you did not know what it was is literally the adapter you said you wish you had that allows you to plug in any power cord directly to the charge port and power outside sources. I also like that you have the ability to limit the amount of power it can drain so you could plug it in and forget and it will not empty your battery. Last thing is just a comment that I mostly drive highway 60-80mph and my range has come up to 320 on Eco which I always drive in and would consider myself a spirited driver, sport is fun to play with when you want to launch and show off but not necessary for daily passing. Lastly we have the GT line fully loaded and with US discounts we were out of the dealership at 72K still a lot of money but compared to the Rivian who I would say is the closest competitor its way lower and in the price range to receive the 7.5k rebate. Thanks for the detailed review I think it is spot on overall!
Indeed. Many reviewers who whine about the 3rd row leg room never realize to move the 2nd row forward just a bit. I'm 185cm and when I set the 2nd row behind my driving position to be comfortable (doesn't need to be all the way back), there is still leg room for me in the 3rd row.
Love seeing them boots! Made me a new follower! Hope to see more. Keep them videos coming.
The sounds of nature is in there for the radio and you can get the second row without the automatic seats and the manual is instant to open up for the 3rd row, but you loose the foot rest recline mode back there (which is kinda not usable). We got ours a month or so ago and absolutely love it. Seriously, folks gotta get over the Kia badge as this car beats or is equal to cars way above what you are paying for it. They really outdid themselves with this car and they look like they have a winner in the EV3 as well as that is going to have value well above what they are likely to MSRP for.
The main thing I don’t like about this is that it’s not the EV5 as I love it but I don’t need something so large and expensive. I’m actually more turned off by the luxury brands than Kia as my last car was a Kia and it was the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. Expensive German cars make me nervous as I assume they’ll be more expensive to repair and maintain.
19:36 my old explorer (18 Platinum) had the power 3rd/manual 2nd. Better setup
I like it - but not ready for an EV yet. I have a Kia Carnival MPV and I'm waiting for the 2025 Hybrid model that is estimated to get about 36MPG. Most of the videos I watch make a big deal out of leg and head room as well as trunk space. Truth is that vans have great designs these days with superior designs for space and seating. Still I'm debating getting one of these EV9 models- yet it's a hard choice considering the cost. I can get the new Hybrid fully loaded van for about $50k compared to $65k for this. 36mpg is good enough for me in a hybrid. I like Kia because of the warranty too. 5 years base warranty is outstanding and one has to take that into consideration as repairs can really cost these days with all of the tech/computer chips. Leasing is a good way to go on these.
And I am glad that I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway.
Looks very nice, but doesn’t have the charging network like Tesla here in the U.S.
The Rivian R1S starts at less than this Kia EV9 for very similar specs. It has many things that are better, like more towing capacity (including tow hitch and harness included standard), adaptive air suspension, rear screen, air compressor, larger frunk, larger infotainment screen, functional app with regular and meaningful OTA updates, integrated camp speaker and flashlight... you should really find one and compare. The Kia is very nice for the $65K they're currently selling these at.
Kia EV9 currently starts at $56k after all the rebates so definitely much less than Rivian R1S
@@jigs8437 yeah but that one does 0 to 60 in like 8 Seconds
The V2L connector is in the small case in the frunk. FYI
I think wheels are ok. I pick up my Land today in the same color.
The relaxation package is NOT a massage package. It is nice but not the same.
I am ambivalent about the wheel and covers.
The best thing about this EV is the KIA design with their high end interiors.
The worst thing about this vehicle is that it’s an EV.
Next.
Infotainment sucks
How has charging been on electrify america and other non tesla chargers? I'm considering trading in my Tesla model y for EV9, but I keep hearing horrer stories of various poor charging networks. Since 800V can't charge well at Tesla superchargers yet until they make V4 chargers.
Beware of polarized sunglasses: your HUD disappears.
What does that mean?
@@TheDogDish He is totally right about this! If you have polarized sunglasses like I do, most electronics screens are diminished. The windshield has a heads up display that shows speeds and directions that is great but if you have polarized lenses you basically cant see it.
The wheels are okay but much better than the ones on the "lesser" trims.
It has a very wide turning radius. After 4 months, i am getting better at parking it.