Kia EV9 — The Seven-Seat Trailblazer

The Kia EV9 is the first truly convincing electric seven-seater for Irish families. It's enormous, impressively capable, and packed with technology — finally offering large families a genuine EV option that doesn't require compromise.

Commanding Presence

The EV9 is a big car — at 5,010mm long, it's comparable to a Land Rover Discovery. The bold, geometric design makes no attempt to hide its size, with vertical LED headlights, a flat front face, and an upright rear end that maximises interior space.

Despite its bulk, the EV9 looks modern and desirable. The clean surfaces and sharp creases give it a futuristic aesthetic that makes traditional large SUVs look dated.

Interior & Seven-Seat Layout

The interior is where the EV9 truly impresses. The flat EV floor creates remarkable space, and the second-row seats can swivel to face the third row — creating a lounge-like environment for families on long journeys.

The third-row seats are genuinely usable for adults, not just children. This is the EV9's killer feature — no other electric car in this price range offers comparable third-row space.

The 12.3-inch dual screens run Kia's latest infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality is excellent, with soft-touch surfaces and premium fabrics throughout.

Boot space with all seats up is 333 litres — modest but adequate for daily shopping. With the third row folded, it expands to 828 litres. With both rear rows folded, the EV9 offers a van-like 2,318 litres.

Range & Performance

The 99.8 kWh battery provides up to 541 km WLTP range in the rear-wheel-drive version. Real-world Irish range is around 410-450 km — enough for most long-distance Irish journeys.

The 800V architecture supports charging at up to 350 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes. Even Ireland's more common 50 kW chargers deliver a useful boost during a lunch stop.

The dual-motor AWD version produces 385 PS and handles the EV9's 2.5-tonne mass with surprising agility. The air suspension (standard on GT-Line) provides excellent ride comfort and adjustable ground clearance.

Driving Experience

The EV9 drives far more nimbly than its size suggests. The low centre of gravity and well-calibrated steering make it manageable even on Ireland's narrower roads. The air suspension smooths out bumps beautifully, and motorway refinement is exceptional.

Visibility is excellent from the raised driving position, and the comprehensive camera system makes parking straightforward despite the large dimensions.

Verdict

The Kia EV9 is a game-changer for large families going electric. It's the first seven-seat EV that makes zero compromises on space, range, or charging speed. With Kia's seven-year warranty, it's also one of the most reassuring purchases in the premium SUV market.

Rating: 9/10

Best for: Large families needing seven seats, buyers wanting a premium SUV with Kia value, anyone towing (3.5-tonne rated).

Price range in Ireland: €75,000 - €85,000