Kia has announced the 2024 EV9 will be priced from $54,900 in the United States. That means the model will be one of the most affordable three-row electric crossovers on the market.
Despite being value-focused, the entry-level EV9 Light comes nicely equipped with LED lighting units, rain-sensing wipers, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Buyers will also find a power liftgate, rear privacy glass, and an acoustic windshield.
Moving inside, there’s heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way power adjustment. They’re covered in SynTex artificial leather, which is the same material that is applied to the steering wheel.
More: 2024 Kia EV9 Offers Four Trims, LiDAR, And Up To 300 Miles Of Range
Drivers sit behind a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which is accompanied by a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 5-inch display for climate controls. The seven-seat crossover also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, and a wireless smartphone charger. Rounding out the highlights are LED lights, an eight-speaker audio system, and digital key technology.
On the safety front, there’s an impressive collection of driver assistance systems including High Beam Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control. There’s also Forward Collision-Avoidance Warning / Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning / Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Customers also get Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning / Assist, Front / Rear Parking Distance Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist.
Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor developing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. That isn’t much for a crossover with a curb weight of at least 5,093 lbs (2,310 kg), but Kia said the model can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
On the downside, the crossover can only tow up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg). The 76.1 kWh battery also gives the model an underwhelming targeted range of 223 miles (359 km).
More variants with longer range coming soon
The EV9 Light is slated to arrive in the fourth quarter and other variants are on the horizon. Among them is the EV9 Light Long Range, which will be able to travel approximately 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge. Customers will also find dual motor all-wheel drive variants with a combined output of 379 hp (283 kW / 384 PS) and 516 lb-ft (699 Nm) of torque.
Unfortunately, Kia hasn’t released pricing for anything besides the base model. However, you can read more about the upcoming trims and their equipment here.
Note: Pricing excludes unannounced destination charge
