Kia’s new three-row SUV is gaining momentum in the United States. More than 1,400 Kia EV9 models were delivered in January, surpassing the EV6 in U. S. sales.
Kia started the year strong, with EV sales growing 57% YOY. A big reason behind Kia’s success is the launch of its first three-row electric SUV, the EV9.
After launching the EV9 (see our review) in December, Kia sold 1,408 models last month. This represents a 27% increase from the 1,113 sold last month. Kia’s electric SUV even surpassed sales of Toyota’s electric vehicle, the bZ4X, in its first month of sales.
Although Kia’s EV6 set a record in January with 1,213 units sold, the new EV9 is already ahead as the logo expands into new segments.
Eric Watson, vice president of sales for Kia America, said, “Kia will move forward in 2024” with the launch of several new or redesigned vehicles.
After opening pre-orders for the EV9 in October, Kia said the SUV earned reservations in all 50 states less than two months later.
Kia calls the EV9’s $54,900 starting value (not including destination) a “wake-up call” to the industry. The EV9 is larger than Kia’s Telluride at 197. 2″ long but is about the same height.
The EV9 features “true SUV capabilities,” according to Kia, with up to seven seats, more cargo than the 3-row Range Rover P400, 7. 9 inches of floor clearance and an EPA range of up to 304 miles.
With 42.8″ of 2nd-row legroom, the EV9 tops rivals, including the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover P400 3-Row, and Mercedes EQS SUV. The third row also includes more shoulder and hip room than the Tesla’s Model X.
With DC fast charging up to 350kW, the EV9 can reach 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. The interior features Kia’s next-generation ccNC infotainment formula with two 12. 3-inch screens and an additional 5-inch HVAC display.
Kia’s electric SUV is available in five trims. The entry-level Light RWD EV9 starts at $54,900 (destination not included) with EPA diversity of up to 230 miles.
Although the Light Long Range RWD costs more than $4,000 more, you earn an additional 74 miles (compared to the Light RWD).
Kia is building the EV9 in South Korea, but production is slated to move to its West Point, GA, plant early this year to take advantage of the federal tax credit.
Nice. Neighbor brought one home Saturday. Traded in his Y. Solid vehicle. Met friends last night for dinner. Same, one traded in a 3. Kia may have hit the target.
For now, Kia continues to offer $7,500 EV tax credits through leasing. This makes the electric SUV cheaper than most of its competitors and will most likely drive the Kia EV9’s sales growth in 2024.
At under $55,000, the EV9 is one of the cheapest three-row electric SUV’s on the market. It undercuts the Volvo EX90 ($77,000), Rivian R1S ($78,000), BWM iX ($87,000), and Tesla Model X ($79,990).
Kia’s EV9 is also competitively priced with Tesla’s top-selling Model Y. With the optional 7-seat layout (+$3,000), Tesla’s Model Y is around $52,000. That’s with up to 310 miles EPA range (Model Y Long Range). However, Kia’s EV9 is much larger and has more head and legroom.
At around $20,000 less than the competition, Kia’s EV9 looks like a steal. If you’ve been eyeing Kia’s new three-row electric SUV, we can help you start shopping today. You can use our link to find the best deals on the 2024 Kia EV9 at a dealer near you.
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is a seasoned investor, money writer, and electric vehicle enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is one of the main reasons he pursued a career in investing. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can spot him enjoying the outdoors or exercising.