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Kia EV9 Is Our 3-Row EV Best Buy of 2026

By 01/20/2026 6:17pm
Kia EV9 Is Our 3-Row EV Best Buy of 2026

As the EV segment evolves, shoppers get more options that suit the needs of a wider range of people. We are starting to see more family-friendly fully electric SUVs, and more than half a dozen of those are 3-row models. The Kia EV9 is not only the most affordable choice that comes standard with three rows of full-size seats, but it also offers more than 300 miles of range. This SUV is stylish and high-tech, with a spacious and accommodating 3-row interior. It can add 150 miles worth of range at a DC charger in 15 minutes, and quick and quiet acceleration make it a great EV to drive. That’s why the Kia EV9 returns as the Kelley Blue Book 3-Row EV Best Buy for 2026.

Family Flexibility

The Kia EV9 is a true midsize 3-row SUV. Its cargo and passenger dimensions are similar to those of its gas-powered sibling, the Kia Telluride, which is a past multiple Best Buy Award winner and one of our Best Family Cars. 

When outfitted with the second-row bench seat, the EV9 offers seating for seven. Available second-row captain’s chairs reduce seating capacity to six but deliver even greater comfort in the second row and make the third row easier to access. We found third-row legroom more than adequate, and better than what we’ve experienced in at least a few traditional midsize SUVs. Second-row passengers can slide up to give those in the way back more legroom, or slide back to maximize their own comfort when the last row is empty. 

Looking at cargo capacity, the EV9 offers 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and up to 81.7 cubic feet behind the first row. Those numbers are comparable to that of gas-powered midsize SUVs, evidence that the additional battery packs that come as part of an EV system do not have to mean you lose storage space.

A view of the dashboard, steering wheel, and infotainment screen on the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line EV.
Photo: Alan Davis

In addition, standard features like the 12.3-inch gauge cluster and touchscreen with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, tilt and slide second row, and 3-zone climate control ensure that the most affordable trim level offers excellent value. The EV9 also comes standard with the Drive Wise suite of safety tech, including forward and rear collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and much more.

Impressive Range, Power, and Charging Figures

The 2026 Kia EV9 is rated to travel up to 305 miles on a single charge. It can also hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds flat. Both are impressive feats for a vehicle of its size and stature. While it’s important to note that those numbers are mutually exclusive – the 305-mile EV9 Light Long Range takes 8.8 seconds to hit 60 mph vs. the 5-second GT-Line – the EV9 lineup offers buyers several compelling combinations of price, power, and range.

The EV9 also features Kia’s state-of-the-art 800V charging architecture, making it one of the quickest-charging EVs for sale today. Kia says the EV9 can take on 150 miles worth of electricity in just 15 minutes under optimal conditions. Using the more common 10%-80% charging benchmark, Kia says that can be done in just 24 minutes.

Alluring Look and Feel

The EV9 is one of the most boldly styled, forward-looking 3-row midsize SUVs on the market, but we also found that it fits in as well as it stands out. And its appeal is similarly balanced inside. It’s a clean cabin dominated up front by an expansive panoramic display, but there are interesting design elements and materials throughout. Unlike some of the more austere cabins in the EV space, the EV9 boasts a contemporary richness that’s fresh yet familiar.

A rear 3/4 view photo of the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line EV SUV against a hilly backdrop on a cloudy day.
Photo: Alan Davis

Inside the EV9 is a nice place to be, especially out on the road. The smooth, quiet, responsive power delivery that’s so addictive in other EVs works wonderfully well in a sizable SUV like the EV9. It glides around town and simply never feels like it’s even close to breaking a sweat. The visibility is good, the cabin is quiet, and light steering and natural-feeling brakes enhance the serene driving experience.

Combined with Kia’s outstanding driving assistance features, the EV9 is a downright pleasant travel partner, whether running errands around town or covering a couple hundred miles on the highway.

And just about any discussion of a Kia vehicle has to include a mention of the automaker’s exceptional warranty. Where most competitors offer bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage of three years or 36,000 miles, Kia provides five years or 60,000 miles worth of coverage. Where others offer powertrain protection of five years or 60,000 miles, Kia’s coverage extends to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

If you need a 3-row vehicle and want to go electric, the Kia EV9 should go straight to the top of your shopping list.

New 2026 Kia EV9 Prices

Retail Price
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
Light
$56,495
TBD
Light Long Range
$59,495
TBD
Wind
$65,495
TBD
Land
$70,495
TBD
GT-Line
$73,495
TBD

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Our 2026 Best Buy Award Winners