Australia’s SUV market has been shifting rapidly. Families are no longer satisfied with just petrol or diesel-powered wagons; instead, they are looking for vehicles that combine spacious practicality with eco-friendly technology. This is where the Kia EV9 2025 enters the stage.
Positioned as a 7-seater electric SUV, the EV9 is Kia’s boldest attempt to redefine family mobility in Australia. With its futuristic styling, impressive range, cutting-edge safety systems, and the ability to tackle both city streets and weekend getaways, it aims to tick every box for Aussie families who want a future-proof SUV.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Kia EV9’s design, features, performance, safety, practicality, charging options, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against rivals in the Australian market.
Exterior Design: A Bold Statement on the Road
The Kia EV9 doesn’t blend into traffic—it stands out. Its boxy yet modern silhouette combines the ruggedness of a 4x4 with the elegance of a luxury SUV.
Front fascia: A clean, digital-inspired grille with LED lighting signatures that make it instantly recognizable.
Side profile: Strong lines, flush door handles, and large wheels (up to 21 inches) that emphasize its premium stance.
Rear design: Vertical taillights and a wide boot area, reinforcing its futuristic SUV look.
Kia designed the EV9 to feel at home in both urban environments and outdoor adventures, which will resonate with Aussie buyers who often need one vehicle for multiple roles—school runs, long trips, and even towing.
Interior Comfort and Space: Built for Families
Step inside, and the EV9 makes an immediate impression with its lounge-like cabin. Kia has clearly prioritised family needs by ensuring maximum comfort and versatility.
Seating capacity: Available in 6 or 7-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs in premium trims.
Materials: Eco-friendly upholstery options, soft-touch plastics, and a minimalist yet futuristic design.
Technology: Dual 12.3-inch displays combined with a 5-inch climate control panel.
Practicality: Flat floor design thanks to the dedicated EV platform, ensuring legroom is generous across all rows.
Families will appreciate the multiple USB-C charging ports, cup holders, and clever storage solutions. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or just hauling sports gear, the EV9 offers versatility without compromise.
Technology and Infotainment: The Connected SUV
One of the EV9’s strongest selling points is its technology suite, tailored for both entertainment and driver convenience.
Infotainment: Latest Kia Connect system with over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Voice commands: Natural voice recognition for navigation, climate, and media.
Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Premium sound: Options include a Meridian audio system for audiophiles.
Augmented reality head-up display: Available in higher trims, projecting navigation and safety alerts directly onto the windscreen.
This tech-driven approach makes the EV9 more than just a car; it becomes a digital extension of the family home.
Performance and Driving Experience
Underneath its futuristic skin, the Kia EV9 delivers serious electric performance.
Powertrains: Available in RWD single-motor or AWD dual-motor setups.
Power output: Up to 283kW and 600Nm of torque in AWD models.
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in under 6 seconds (AWD GT-Line variant).
Ride quality: Balanced between comfort and agility, with adaptive damping in premium trims.
Towing capacity: Up to 2,500kg, making it suitable for caravans, boats, and trailers—key for Australian lifestyles.
The EV9 doesn’t just move families—it inspires confidence whether navigating city streets or venturing out on a long highway drive.
Battery Range and Charging
Range anxiety has always been a concern for EV buyers, but Kia tackles this head-on with the EV9.
Battery size: 99.8 kWh (long-range versions).
Driving range: Up to 540 km (WLTP), depending on trim and configuration.
Charging:
Ultra-fast 800V charging allows 10–80% in around 25 minutes.
Home AC charging (11kW) for overnight top-ups.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Ability to power external devices, ideal for camping or work sites.
For Australian families planning road trips, the EV9 offers a realistic balance of long-range usability and fast-charging convenience.
Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
Kia has made safety a central pillar of the EV9, earning it strong scores in global crash tests and targeting ANCAP 5-star safety ratings for Australia.
Key safety features include:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with junction turning support)
Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane change assist
360-degree camera and remote smart parking
Rear cross-traffic alert
10 airbags, including a centre airbag for enhanced side-impact protection
For Aussie families, knowing the EV9 prioritises safety provides significant peace of mind.
Practicality: A True Family SUV
The EV9 is more than just a tech-filled electric SUV; it’s designed to handle real-world family demands.
Boot space: Over 570 litres with all seats up, expanding significantly with the third row folded.
Flexible seating: Flat-folding third row for versatile cargo options.
Child-friendly: ISOFIX points in multiple seating positions.
Long trips: Quiet cabin, supportive seats, and advanced driver aids reduce fatigue on family holidays.
This blend of practicality makes the EV9 a genuine rival to large petrol and diesel SUVs like the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade, while offering the benefits of zero-emissions driving.
Ownership Costs and Value for Money
Owning an electric SUV like the EV9 comes with both upfront costs and long-term savings.
Running costs: Significantly cheaper than petrol/diesel counterparts thanks to lower “fuel” and servicing expenses.
Servicing: EVs require fewer moving parts, meaning less wear and tear.
Government incentives: Various Australian states offer EV rebates, registration discounts, and tax benefits.
Resale value: Early signs suggest EV9 will hold value well due to high demand for large EVs.
While the EV9’s purchase price may sit higher than some petrol rivals, the lifetime value proposition is strong, particularly for families covering high mileage.
Rivals in the Australian Market
The EV9 enters a growing, competitive segment. Its main rivals include:
Tesla Model X: Offers strong range and performance, but at a much higher price point.
Mercedes-Benz EQB/EQS SUV: Premium options with luxury interiors, though often more expensive.
Hyundai Ioniq 7 (upcoming): Likely to share tech with EV9, offering strong competition.
Volvo EX90: Scandinavian luxury with advanced safety, but priced for the premium segment.
The Kia EV9’s advantage lies in balancing affordability, practicality, and advanced features, making it more accessible to everyday Aussie families.
Future-Proofing: Kia’s EV Strategy
The EV9 is not just a one-off model—it’s a sign of Kia’s commitment to electrification. By 2030, Kia plans to roll out more EVs, ensuring customers are investing in a brand that is future-ready.
Kia’s decision to bring the EV9 to Australia highlights the country’s growing appetite for EVs and the recognition that families are ready to make the switch if the right vehicle exists. The EV9 is designed to be that vehicle.
Conclusion: Is the Kia EV9 2025 Right for You?
The Kia EV9 2025 is more than just a new model—it’s a game-changer for the Australian SUV landscape. It delivers space, safety, performance, and eco-friendly credentials, all wrapped in a stylish package that appeals to families.
For Aussie buyers considering an upgrade from a petrol or diesel 7-seater, the EV9 makes a compelling case. It’s practical enough for everyday life, advanced enough for tech-savvy households, and sustainable enough for the future.
If you’re a family that values comfort, technology, and zero-emission driving without sacrificing towing or space, the Kia EV9 2025 should be at the very top of your shopping list.
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