The 2025 Kia EV9 enters its second model year as one of the most ambitious, forward-thinking electric SUVs on the market. As a fully electric three-row family vehicle, the EV9 sets out to prove that large, functional SUVs can go electric without forcing families to compromise on range, space, comfort, or towing. Following a strong first-year introduction, the 2025 EV9 refines what already worked while expanding technology, optimizing performance, and improving convenience features.
This review dives deeply into everything buyers need to know: exterior design, interior practicality, passenger comfort across all three rows, technology, charging and range performance, powertrain details, towing capability, safety systems, trim structure, ownership experience, and overall value.
Introduction: A New Benchmark for Electric Family SUVs
Kia designed the EV9 to be a flagship electric model — not just a bigger version of the EV6, but a full-size family vehicle engineered from the ground up on the company’s advanced electric platform. The EV9 fills a gap left by many electric manufacturers who focus on compact or mid-size EVs. Instead, Kia went all-in on a three-row SUV that competes with gasoline rivals in practicality while surpassing them in quietness, smoothness, and tech sophistication.
By 2025 the EV9 is no longer just a bold experiment. It is a fully realized competitor that sets new expectations for family EVs, combining bold design, advanced charging technology, and a cabin that makes long trips comfortable for all passengers.
Exterior Design: Bold, Confident, Futuristic
The EV9’s exterior stays true to the bold design that made it instantly recognizable. Kia has leaned into geometric shapes, vertical lighting elements, and strong shoulders to give the EV9 a presence normally reserved for luxury SUVs. For 2025 the overall shape remains intact, but subtle refinements modernize the look while improving aerodynamic efficiency.
2025 Kia EV9 Exterior Design Video:
Front Design
The front fascia features crisp LED lighting signatures that form a digital-style pattern while maintaining excellent illumination. Its clean, grille-free appearance reinforces the EV9’s electric identity. Sharp surfaces and well-defined edges give the SUV a purposeful and robust character.
Side Profile
The EV9 uses a long wheelbase to maximize interior space, and its profile emphasizes a streamlined, imposing silhouette. Pronounced wheel arches house large wheels that vary by trim level. Although the SUV is large, careful sculpting helps reduce visual bulk, making it look both modern and functional.
Rear Fascia
The rear design mirrors the front with distinctive vertical LED elements and a clean, structured tailgate. The wide stance communicates stability and capability, and the rear bumper design suggests ruggedness without being overly aggressive.
Overall, the EV9’s design positions it as a future-forward SUV with unmistakable character, and the 2025 refinements polish its already-strong styling.
Interior Design and Space: A True Three-Row EV
One of the EV9’s strongest selling points is its interior. Few electric vehicles offer true three-row comfort, and even fewer do so while still delivering competitive range and advanced technology. The 2025 EV9 continues to excel in this area, offering a spacious, quiet, and highly configurable cabin.
First-Row Comfort
The front seats provide excellent support for long journeys. Higher trims offer heating, ventilation, and even relaxation modes that let passengers recline in comfort while charging. Controls are thoughtfully laid out, and the seating position provides a commanding view of the road.
Second-Row Flexibility
Depending on trim, the second row can be equipped with a bench or captain’s chairs. Captain’s chairs offer heating and ventilation in top trims, and some versions even swivel to face the third row — a unique feature that transforms the cabin into a lounge-like environment. Legroom is abundant, and the flat floor enhances comfort.
Third-Row Usability
Unlike many three-row EVs or crossovers, the EV9’s third row is genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips and comfortably accommodates children and teens. Large windows prevent a cramped feeling, and access is easier than in many gasoline competitors.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo space behind the third row is generous enough for groceries, backpacks, and small luggage. When the third row is folded, the EV9 transforms into a large cargo carrier suitable for family vacations, sports equipment, or home improvement materials. With both second and third rows folded, the load floor is nearly flat and capable of carrying bulky items with ease.
Materials, Build Quality, and Environmental Considerations
Kia places emphasis on sustainability, using recycled and plant-based materials throughout the cabin. These choices do not compromise quality; in fact, the EV9’s materials feel upscale and durable. Higher trims offer soft-touch finishes and premium upholstery options that rival luxury SUVs. Build quality is consistent, and the cabin remains quiet even at highway speeds — a benefit of both its EV architecture and sound insulation.
Technology and Infotainment: Advanced and User-Friendly
The 2025 EV9 features one of the most technologically advanced interiors in the segment. Kia integrates multiple digital displays behind a shared glass housing, creating a clean and modern dashboard design.
Infotainment Features
The central touchscreen provides fast responses, clear graphics, and an intuitive menu system. Smartphone integration is seamless, and onboard navigation includes EV-friendly route planning with charging stops recommended based on real-time battery data.
Driver Information Displays
A digital instrument cluster presents crucial information such as range, power usage, driver assist activity, and navigation prompts. It is customizable, allowing drivers to prioritize the information they care most about.
Convenience Technology
The EV9 offers multiple USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and available premium sound systems. Higher trims provide advanced interior lighting and smart climate control that adapts to passenger presence and driving conditions.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The EV9’s performance varies by drivetrain, but all configurations share characteristics common to modern electric platforms: smooth acceleration, quiet operation, and a planted feel on the road.
Rear-Wheel-Drive Models
The standard rear-wheel-drive version targets efficiency and range. Acceleration is smooth and adequate for daily driving. Without the additional weight of a second motor, it delivers the best range in the lineup.
All-Wheel-Drive Models
All-wheel-drive versions add significantly more power and quicker acceleration. The dual-motor system improves traction in poor weather and provides more confident passing power. These models can feel surprisingly athletic for a large SUV.
Performance Variants
Performance-oriented versions — depending on the market — provide even more robust acceleration and a dynamic driving character. Enhanced power management and sport-tuned systems help these models stand out for drivers who want both utility and excitement.
Ride and Handling
The EV9’s ride quality is exemplary for a vehicle of its size. Independent suspension absorbs road imperfections cleanly, and its long wheelbase helps deliver a stable, comfortable highway ride. Steering is precise but light, making the large SUV surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Battery, Range, and Charging
The EV9 uses advanced battery technology optimized for both durability and fast-charging capability.
Battery Options and Range
Multiple battery sizes allow buyers to choose how far they want to travel on a charge. Long-range versions deliver well over 250–300 miles depending on driving conditions and configuration. Even when fully loaded with passengers or cargo, the EV9’s range remains competitive with its segment.
Fast Charging Capability
One of the EV9’s standout performance features is its ultra-fast DC charging capability at compatible stations. The vehicle can add a substantial amount of driving range in a short session, dramatically reducing downtime on long trips. This speed positions the EV9 among the quickest charging large EVs available.
Home Charging
Home Level 2 charging replenishes the battery overnight, making daily charging simple and cost-effective. Kia’s integrated charging management system allows drivers to schedule charging for off-peak electricity rates.
Towing and Utility
The EV9’s towing capacity is impressive for an electric vehicle. Certain configurations can tow trailers suitable for camping, boats, or small utility loads. The electric powertrain’s instant torque is particularly helpful when towing from a standstill or merging uphill, giving the EV9 a confident and capable feel.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Kia equips the 2025 EV9 with an extensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include:
Forward collision avoidance
Lane-keeping assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alerts
Adaptive cruise control with highway driving enhancement
Surround-view camera systems
Parking assistance features
These technologies work together to reduce driver workload and enhance overall safety. The EV9’s structure, combined with high-strength materials and comprehensive airbag coverage, provides strong occupant protection.
Trim Levels and Feature Breakdown
The EV9 is available in multiple trims that offer increasing levels of performance, luxury, and technology. While exact naming and features vary by region, the general structure includes:
Base Trim
Well-equipped with essential tech, driver assistance, and strong range.
Mid-Level Trims
Add features such as larger wheels, upgraded interior materials, enhanced audio, and additional convenience technology.
High-End Trims
Focus on luxury, with options such as premium seating, advanced driving assistance, upgraded lighting, captain’s chairs, and the highest power outputs.
The EV9’s trim ladder allows buyers to tailor the SUV to their needs without feeling forced into packages they do not want.
Ownership Experience and Cost of Living With the EV9
Owning an EV9 is designed to be straightforward. Electric vehicles reduce routine maintenance needs: no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less wear on brake components due to regenerative braking. Charging at home can significantly lower fuel costs compared to gasoline SUVs of similar size.
Kia’s warranty support adds peace of mind, covering electric components and the battery for extended periods. The EV9’s build quality and reliability expectations appear strong, supported by Kia’s growing track record in the EV space.
Pros and Cons
Pros
True three-row seating with adult-friendly second row
Strong range and ultra-fast charging capability
Quiet and comfortable ride
Stylish, futuristic design
Comprehensive safety and driver assistance systems
Multiple powertrain options
Excellent value for size and equipment
Cons
Large size may feel cumbersome in tight city areas
Top trims can become expensive
Third row still better suited for kids on long trips
Final Verdict
The 2025 Kia EV9 stands as one of the most innovative and family-friendly electric SUVs available. It combines impressive technology, substantial range, quick charging, and real three-row functionality — something few EVs offer. Whether for long-distance family travel, daily commuting, or weekend towing, the EV9 handles a broad range of duties with refinement and confidence.
Kia has successfully created an electric flagship that rivals or surpasses many luxury three-row SUVs, while maintaining the practicality, value, and user-friendly nature that families expect. For buyers ready to transition into an electric SUV without compromising space or capability, the 2025 Kia EV9 is one of the most compelling options on the market.