But with the arrival of the Kia EV9, that history is being rewritten. This isn't just another SUV; it's a bold statement about the future of family transportation. With its daring design, cavernous interior, and futuristic technology, the Kia EV9 isn't just a car—it's a spaceship for seven, and it’s setting a new benchmark for what a family vehicle can be.
This article will explore what makes the EV9 a game-changer in the growing class of 3-row electric SUVs, how it stacks up against the competition, and why it might just be the most important family vehicle of the decade.
A Design Pulled from the Future
The first thing that strikes you about the Kia EV9 is its sheer presence. It looks like a concept car that drove straight off the auto show floor and onto public roads. While many automakers soften their designs for production, Kia leaned into the EV9’s futuristic look. The ""Digital Tiger Face"" front end features a clean body panel with intricate ""Star Map"" LED lighting patterns that create an unmistakable signature.
Its profile is unapologetically boxy and geometric, a deliberate choice that rejects the swoopy, sloped-roof trend of many modern SUVs. This bold design isn't just for show; it's a masterclass in functional aesthetics. The upright stance and long wheelbase maximize interior volume, directly addressing the biggest challenge for electric SUVs with 3rd row seating: providing genuine space and comfort for all passengers.
The Main Cabin: A True Living Space on Wheels
Step inside the EV9, and the ""spaceship"" analogy truly comes to life. Thanks to its dedicated EV platform (E-GMP), the floor is completely flat, creating an open, airy cabin that feels more like a lounge than a car interior. This is where the EV9 fundamentally outshines its rivals and becomes the gold standard for any 3 row suv electric car.
The main event is the seating. The EV9 offers configurations for six or seven passengers. The available second-row captain's chairs are a highlight, featuring power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and a ""lounge"" mode with leg extensions that allows passengers to recline and relax while the vehicle is parked or charging.
Most importantly, the third row is not an afterthought. Unlike many competitors where the rearmost seats are suitable only for small children, the EV9 offers legitimate space for adults, with ample headroom and legroom. This makes it a true 3 row fully electric suv, capable of carrying the whole family without compromise. When compared to the cramped third rows of some rivals or the eye-wateringly expensive Tesla Model X with its complex falcon-wing doors, the EV9’s straightforward, spacious, and accessible design feels like a revelation.
The Hybrid Question: Is a Fully Electric SUV the Right Choice?
For many families, the idea of going fully electric can still be daunting. This leads them to consider a 3 row suv electric hybrid, such as the excellent Chrysler Pacifica PHEV or the Mazda CX-90 PHEV. These vehicles offer the benefit of electric driving for short trips with the backup of a gasoline engine for long journeys, eliminating range anxiety.
However, the Kia EV9 makes a compelling case for making the full leap. With a maximum EPA-estimated range of 304 miles on the Long Range RWD model, it can handle most road trips with ease. Its 800-volt architecture allows for astonishingly fast charging, capable of replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes on a compatible DC fast charger. Furthermore, the EV9 offers a feature most hybrids can't: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L). This allows you to use the car's battery as a giant mobile power source, capable of running everything from a laptop or a television to small appliances, making it the ultimate vehicle for camping, tailgating, or even as a home power backup during an outage.
The Cockpit: Command Center of the Spaceship
From the driver's seat, the EV9 reinforces its high-tech credentials. A sweeping panoramic display seamlessly integrates two 12.3-inch screens—one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system—into a single, elegant unit. The software is intuitive, responsive, and packed with features.
Kia’s advanced driver-assistance systems provide a robust suite of safety and convenience features, including a sophisticated Highway Driving Assist system that makes long journeys more relaxing. The overall sense of technology, from the available digital side mirrors to the clean, minimalist dashboard, makes driving the EV9 feel like piloting something truly from the next generation.
Performance That Defies its Size
A family hauler doesn't need to be boring. The EV9 is available in several powertrain configurations, from the efficient single-motor RWD models to the potent dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. The top-tier GT-Line model boasts 379 horsepower and a massive 516 lb-ft of torque, capable of launching the seven-seater from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.5 seconds. This is performance that can challenge dedicated sports cars, all while carrying a full load of passengers and cargo in near silence.
Conclusion: The New Benchmark for the Family EV
The Kia EV9 is more than just a great electric vehicle; it's a great family vehicle, period. It successfully solves the three-row equation by providing generous space, innovative features, and head-turning design without an astronomical price tag. It proves that you don't have to sacrifice style for utility or performance for practicality.
By delivering a vehicle that feels special, futuristic, and fundamentally well-thought-out, Kia has done more than just launch a new car. It has set a new standard for all 3-row electric suvs and has truly made many of its competitors look like relics of a bygone era. The spaceship for the family has landed, and the future of driving has never looked more exciting.
Source References:
Car and Driver: 2025 Kia EV9 Review, Pricing, and Specs
MotorTrend: 2025 Kia EV9 Year-Long Review: Our Long-Term Test SUV Has Arrived!"
