Kia just released several renderings of its Concept EV9—what will become its second mass-market electric vehicle (EV) following the 2021 release of the EV6 electric crossover. The new EV9 is a larger electric SUV that will slot into Kia’s EV lineup above the EV6. The automaker plans to release several all-electric models that share the same platform in the coming years. The EV9 is just a concept at this point, so the details and design seen in Kia’s teaser renders may change significantly between now and its on-sale date. However, it will likely be a 2023 model when it does hit the market.
The Kia EV9 features a boxier, more upright shape than the EV6, indicating that it may accommodate more passengers with up to three rows of seating. The EV9’s long hood could also mean ample storage space in the frunk (front trunk) area. Muscular wheel arches and fender flares give the SUV an athletic look. Concepts are usually tamed down before they enter production, so the EV9 that makes it to dealers’ lots may be slightly different than the EV9 concept shape we see here.
The 2023 Kia EV9 rides on the new E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular) platform. The same setup is at work under the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7. According to the automaker, 11 Hyundai Motor Group EV models will utilize the platform between 2022 and 2026.
Kia hasn’t shared many details on the EV9’s cabin, but the concept renderings clearly show a uniquely shaped steering wheel and a large display screen stretching halfway across the dash. The oblong wheel is reminiscent of Tesla’s controversial yoke design, but Kia’s wheel is a closed loop instead of an open-top yoke. A large screen stretches from the gauge cluster behind the steering wheel to the center dash, where touch-sensitive controls line the clean surface where a center stack would typically be. Kia shared no other details on the design, but the images show a clean center console with a large armrest and no physical gear lever or other controls.
Kia didn’t share any details on the EV9’s powertrain, battery, or range, but we can draw some conclusions from the EV6’s specs. The EV6 is available with two rear-wheel-drive powertrain options and one all-wheel-drive option, which is a typical path taken by many automakers. Horsepower ranges from 167 to 576, and the range will reach 300 miles. We can expect the EV9 to offer similar power and range numbers, if not slightly better, due to its size.
Kia will officially reveal the Concept EV9 at AutoMobility LA (Los Angeles Auto Show) on November 17. As it is still just a concept, though, it means that the vehicle has quite a way to go before any version of it goes on sale. Kia EV6 deliveries, meanwhile, are scheduled to start in early 2022, and the powerhouse EV6 GT will hit showrooms in late 2022. The EV6 First Edition trim will begin just shy of $60,000, so it’s likely that the 2023 EV9 starts north of that number.
Kia is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of November 12, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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