Introduction: Kia’s Bold Step into the EV Future

Kia has been making steady progress in the EV world, and with the 2025 EV9, it’s not just dipping a toe—it’s diving in headfirst. The EV9 marks the South Korean brand's most ambitious electric SUV yet, offering 7-seat practicality, bold design, and a serious technological leap, all in a package aimed directly at Australia’s growing family EV market.

But the real question is: Is the EV9 just another electric SUV or a true game-changer? In this comprehensive review, we’ll break down everything Aussies need to know about the 2025 Kia EV9—from performance and range to features, pricing, and ownership experience.

Design and Exterior: Futuristic and Fearless

A New EV Aesthetic

Kia has taken a futuristic approach to the EV9’s design. It stands out with:

• A boxy, upright silhouette reminiscent of classic off-roaders.
• Pixel-inspired LED lighting on the front grille and tailgate.
• A floating roofline, flush door handles, and large 19–21-inch alloy wheels.
• Optional two-tone body paint schemes for a premium look.

Despite its large size, the EV9 retains aerodynamic efficiency with its smooth surfaces and sculpted body lines—helping reduce drag and boost range.

Dimensions That Matter (Australian-Spec)

It’s longer than a Toyota Prado and nearly as wide as a Land Rover Defender. Yet, with its dedicated EV platform (E-GMP), the EV9 uses space more efficiently than most 4WDs or large SUVs.

Interior: Spacious, Modern, and Lounge-Like

Three-Row Comfort

The EV9 is one of the very few electric SUVs in Australia with true 7-seat capacity. Cabin highlights include:

• Flat floor architecture due to no transmission tunnel.
• Adjustable second-row seats, with available captain's chairs.
• Ample third-row space, even for adults on short trips.
• USB-C ports for all passengers and climate vents for every row.

The third-row isn’t just for kids—Kia has engineered it with more head and knee room than rivals like the Tesla Model Y or Volvo EX90.

Premium Materials and Finishes

• Recycled and sustainable materials throughout (vegan leather, recycled plastics).
• Optional Nappa leather, soft-touch dashboard, and ambient lighting.
• Massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen + 5-inch climate display + 12.3-inch digital cluster.
• Floating centre console and dual wireless phone chargers.

The EV9 also features eco-conscious interior trims, which are soft yet durable—positioning the SUV as both luxurious and green.

Technology and Features: One of the Smartest EVs Yet

Infotainment and Connectivity

Kia has stepped up its game with:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless).
• Over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
• Kia Connect app for remote monitoring and control.
• 14-speaker Meridian Premium Sound System (GT-Line variant).
• Advanced voice assistant integration.
• Augmented reality head-up display (in upper trims).

ADAS and Safety Features

The EV9 is ANCAP 5-star safety rated (predicted based on global testing) and comes with:

• Highway Driving Assist 2 (semi-autonomous driving)
• Blind-spot View Monitor
• Surround View Monitor with 3D render
• Smart Cruise Control with machine learning
• Auto emergency braking with junction assist
• Lane following and centring assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking

Highlights of “Vehicle-to-Load” (V2L)

You can power your home or charge other EVs using the EV9’s battery with its bi-directional V2L feature—perfect for camping or blackouts.

Performance: Smooth, Silent, and Capable

Powertrain Options in Australia

The EV9 balances comfort and acceleration brilliantly. Even the base Air RWD doesn’t feel slow thanks to instant electric torque.

Ride and Handling

Built on the E-GMP platform, shared with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the EV9 offers:

• Low centre of gravity for better cornering.
• Independent suspension front and rear.
• Quiet cabin with acoustic glass.
• Rear-wheel bias (even in AWD models) for improved handling feel.

It’s not a sports SUV, but for an EV this size, the EV9 handles remarkably well, whether navigating Melbourne city streets or cruising along the Great Ocean Road.

Range, Charging, and Efficiency

Battery Details

• 76.1kWh (Standard Range, RWD only)
• 99.8kWh (Long Range, AWD and GT-Line)

Charging Performance

• Up to 350kW ultra-fast charging supported.
• 10% to 80% in ~24 minutes on 350kW charger.
• 11kW AC home charging supported.
• 5–6% charging per hour on standard 240V home socket.

Real-World Range

Even with full load and AC on, real-world range is close to:

• 420–460 km for AWD
• 480+ km for RWD

Energy efficiency sits around 19–22 kWh/100 km, quite competitive for a full-size EV SUV.

Ownership, Warranty, and Maintenance

Warranty & Support (Australia)

• 7-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty.
• 7-year battery warranty.
• 12-month/15,000 km service intervals.
• Roadside assistance included for 7 years.

Maintenance Costs

• EVs generally have 40–50% lower servicing costs vs petrol SUVs.
• No oil changes, fewer brake pad replacements.
• Kia's capped-price service plan available.

Insurance and Incentives

• Eligible for EV incentives in VIC, NSW, QLD.
• Lower registration in some states.
• Fringe benefits tax exemption (for eligible fleet buyers).

Pricing in Australia (2025 Drive-Away Estimate)

Note: Prices vary by state due to different EV incentives and stamp duty rates.

Competitors: How the EV9 Stacks Up

Vs. Tesla Model X

• Tesla offers better tech integration, but EV9 has more space and lower price.

Vs. Volvo EX90

• Volvo is more luxurious, but Kia undercuts it in cost and matches on range.

Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 7 (Upcoming)

• Ioniq 7 may share underpinnings but EV9 hits Aussie market first.

Vs. BMW iX or Mercedes EQS SUV

• These are premium luxury EVs priced $40k+ higher. EV9 offers near-luxury for less.

Is the Kia EV9 Worth Buying in 2025?

Pros:

• Spacious 7-seat EV — rare in Australia.
• Bold, premium styling.
• Class-leading tech and safety.
• Strong real-world range.
• Bi-directional charging (V2L).
• Lower running costs.

Cons:

• Premium price point may deter budget buyers.
• Big size = tighter city parking.
• High-spec variants approach luxury SUV prices.

Final Verdict: The Electric SUV Australia Needed

The 2025 Kia EV9 is not just another electric SUV—it’s a statement vehicle. It shows that Kia is serious about EV leadership, and it delivers a compelling package of style, substance, tech, and space that few rivals can match—especially at this price point.

Whether you’re a family upgrading from a large petrol SUV or an EV early adopter wanting a spacious and capable ride, the EV9 is one of the most complete EVs you can buy in Australia in 2025.