- Three-row midsize all-electric SUV
- Up to 305 miles of range
- Multiple Best Buy Award winner
- Pricing starts at $56,495 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Kia EV9 models on sale near you
With seating for up to seven, a range of more than 300 miles, and a spacious, refined cabin, the 2026 Kia EV9 is an excellent choice for families looking for an electric SUV. About the same size as a Kia Telluride, the EV9 is available with all-wheel drive, which comes standard on all but the Light and Light Long Range trims.
The EV9 may be similar in size to the more affordable Telluride, but the EV9 is near-premium, even in the base Light trim. If you want to go all-out, the EV9 GT-Line has the most power (379 hp), torque, and standard features, as well as the highest starting price: $73,495. When it comes to the best combination of value, range, and features, the sweet spot is the Light Long Range.
The EV9 competes with more expensive 3-row electric SUV options like the Tesla Model X, Volvo EX90, and Rivian R1S. The EV9’s closest competitor is its corporate cousin, the all-new Hyundai Ioniq 9, which has a starting price of $60,555.
Let’s look inside the 2026 Kia EV9.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Because the EV9 is, for all intents and purposes, an electric alternative to the Telluride, comparisons are inevitable. The EV9 is less than an inch longer than the Telluride, but the interior feels significantly bigger and more open. Kia gave the EV9 a 7-inch-longer wheelbase, which created more room to stretch out. In addition, the EV9 has a flat floor, as there is no transmission tunnel that compromises legroom. And the SUV’s battery packs do not affect cargo or passenger space.
If you choose an EV9 with a second-row bench seat, you’ll have room for seven on board. Opt for captain’s chairs, and that number goes down to six. The EV9 has more headroom in the third row than the Telluride, which makes the already adult-friendly back row feel more spacious.
All of the trim levels use SynTex faux leather seats, including the all-new GT-Line trim. The EV9’s interior is quiet, and the ride is comfortable without feeling soft, making road trips a breeze. In addition, the vehicle’s boxy shape, large windows, and narrow pillars create good outward visibility.
Features and Tech
As we mentioned above, the EV9 has a more premium feel than the Telluride. The entry-level 2026 Kia EV9 has standard three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Upper trims offer a heated steering wheel, integrated second-row window shades, and reclining VIP Relaxation seats in the second row with comfort headrests and leg rest cushions.
The wide array of standard equipment continues with tech. The dashboard has two 12.3-inch digital screens. One serves as the gauge cluster, and the other is a touchscreen that’s the nerve center for the infotainment system. Between the screens, you’ll find a display with cabin temperature and fan speed settings. This makes it easier to find the information you want without scrolling through menus while driving, but the middle screen is also a bit obstructed by the steering wheel. There are also physical toggle switches for climate control settings and infotainment options.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trim levels. If you prefer wired connectivity, that’s also standard, as are wireless device charging, six USB ports, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An intercom system called Passenger Talk makes it easier to chat with people in all three rows. The EV9 comes standard with proximity keyless entry, too.
Look for higher trim levels to get features like Kia’s Blind Spot View Monitor camera system, a head-up instrument display, a surround-view parking camera, ambient interior lighting, and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system.
There is plenty of standard safety equipment. Every EV9 is equipped with automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian/cyclist detection), blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, rear-seat reminder, and safe-exit warning. Helpful options include reverse collision warning and a digital rearview mirror.
Materials and Design
The premium interior of the EV9 does an admirable job of using SynTex on the seats instead of leather. It’s a material that looks and feels like the real thing but is environmentally friendly, as it’s made from recycled materials like fishing nets and plastic bottles. The interior design is clean and airy, with attractive color combinations, including light gray/black and black/brown. The new Nightfall Edition package comes with its own unique seats. The GT-Line adds bright yellow accents to the interior.
Overall, the cabin is classy and roomy and doesn’t look or feel overdone or cluttered.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Kia designed the EV9’s interior to ensure that all three rows are roomy enough for adults. That also means that when the second and third rows are folded, cargo space is more than generous. With all three rows up, there is 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is pretty good for a midsize 3-row SUV. Fold down the third row, and that number jumps to over 43 cubic feet. With both back rows folded, you’ll have room for 81.7 cubic feet of gear. That’s larger than a parlor grand piano – not that you would carry one in the back of an EV9, but you get the idea. Folding the second and third rows is easy, made even easier when opting for the power-folding third row. In addition, a hands-free power tailgate comes standard.
Build and price your version of the 2026 Kia EV9 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price.
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