A survey of Kia’s SUV customers in the US has revealed pricing and specifications for the upcoming EV9 electric SUV, ahead of expected Australian arrivals early next year.
Kia Australia is yet to announce local timing, pricing and specifications for the EV9 – its first electric full-size SUV – although it is expected to reveal more information closer to local showroom arrivals, due later this year or early next year.
However, we have been given our first glimpse into what to expect, based on leaked information from a customer survey in the US.
The upcoming Kia EV9 electric SUV will produce between 149kW and 298kW, with US prices ranging from $US56,000 ($AU79,600) to $US73,000 ($AU103,750), according to overseas reports.
US publication Car and Driver says it was contacted by a Kia Telluride SUV owner who had been canvassed by the South Korean auto-maker regarding their future car-buying plans, with the survey providing details about the upcoming EV9.
According to the document, the cheapest Kia EV9 will be priced from $US56,000 ($AU79,600) – $US7300 ($AU10,400) more than the cheapest EV6 in the US, which is also built on the Hyundai Group’s ‘E-GMP’ electric-car platform.
The entry-level Kia EV9 is understood to be powered by a single electric motor – delivering 149kW and 339Nm to the rear wheels – while offering up to 354 kilometres of driving range.
Car and Driver reports there will be a second rear-wheel-drive EV9 variant which provides an additional 113km of driving range – suggesting buyers will be offered the choice of two batteries, such as Kia’s 58kWh and 77.4kWh packs, though the capacities are yet to be confirmed publicly.
Kia will reportedly sell three all-wheel-drive EV9 grades in the US, priced from $US63,000 ($AU89,500) with increased outputs of 298kW and 515Nm.
The cheapest dual-motor Kia EV9’s driving range drops to 418km from the top single motor grade’s 467km claim, but its towing capacity is increased from 900kg to 1600kg.
A mid-range all-wheel-drive Kia EV9 will cost an extra $US5000 ($AU7100), stepping up from 19-inch to 20-inch wheels, which sacrifices 32km of driving range.
According to Car and Driver, the flagship Kia EV6 scores a significant torque boost – up to 651Nm – and towing capacity increase, peaking at 2040kg.
Priced from $US73,000 ($AU103,750), its exterior appearance will also include black 21-inch wheels, black trim and 10mm more ground clearance.
In August 2022, Kia confirmed the EV9 would make its global debut in the first quarter of 2023 (January to March inclusive), with leaked company information suggesting the electric SUV will enter production in April 2023.
| Variant | Price | Power/torque | Towing capacity | Range |
| Entry single-motor | $US56,000 ($AU79,600) | 149kW/339Nm | N/A | 354km |
| Flagship single-motor | N/A | 149kW/339Nm | 900kg | 467km |
| Entry dual-motor | $US63,000 ($AU89,500) | 298kW/515Nm | 1600kg | 418km |
| Mid-range dual-motor | $US68,000 ($AU96,650) | 298kW/515Nm | 1600kg | 386km |
| Flagship dual-motor | $US73,000 ($AU103,750) | 298kW/651Nm | 2040kg | 386km |
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