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- Second Row Comfort That Feels Like a Luxury Upgrade: The second row is incredibly spacious with excellent legroom, available captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated seats, sunshades, and easy-to-reach USB-C ports—this is where the EV9 truly shines for families.
- Excellent Car Seat Compatibility: With multiple lower anchors and tether anchors across rows, plus generous space for rear-facing seats, the EV9 is one of the most car-seat-friendly electric SUVs currently available.
- Smart, Family-Friendly Tech: From the curved display and heads-up display to the genius USB-C setup (charge-only vs. CarPlay), plus a built-in rear camera mirror—this car is packed with thoughtful features that actually make mom life easier.
The Exterior
A True Mass-Market 3-Row EV
Until now, three-row electric SUVs like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X have existed—but they come at a premium price point. The EV9 changes that.
Starting closer to $60,000 (with higher trims like the GT-Line around $76,000), the EV9 brings three-row electric capability to a much wider audience.
With just under 300 miles of range in the all-wheel-drive long-range version, it offers enough practicality for everyday family life.
Exterior: Boxy, Sporty, and Futuristic
The EV9 leans into a bold, boxy design that feels like a mix between the Kia Soul and Kia Telluride.
Key exterior highlights:
- Sporty GT-Line accents with blacked-out trim
- Clean rear design with a hidden wiper
- Unique, modern lighting elements
- Roof rails and strong SUV presence
It’s different—but in a way that still feels very “Kia,” which works.
One downside: the front trunk (frunk) is surprisingly small and not especially functional for family gear.
First Row
Interior: Spacious Where It Matters Most
Because it’s an EV, the EV9 benefits from a longer cabin—giving families more usable space where they need it.
First Row Experience
The driver’s seat feels comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with:
- A curved digital display and heads-up display
- Heated, ventilated, and even massaging seats
- A unique calf support extension for long drives
- Smart storage and charging solutions
One standout feature is the ability to choose whether a USB-C port connects to Apple CarPlay or just charges—an incredibly practical touch for families sharing the car.
Second Row
Second Row: The Star of the Show
The second row is where the EV9 really shines.
- Excellent legroom—even for taller adults
- Available captain’s chairs or bench seating
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Built-in sunshades
- USB-C ports mounted on seatbacks (far more usable than traditional placements)
There’s even a minivan-like center console setup, adding extra practicality for families.
Third Row
Third Row: The Trade-Off
While the first and second rows feel spacious, the third row is where compromises show up.
- Limited legroom, especially when the second row is positioned comfortably
- Better suited for occasional use rather than daily seating
- Still includes thoughtful amenities like cup holders, vents, and USB ports
If you rely on a third row every single day, this may feel tight. But for occasional use, it works.
Trunk
Cargo Space: Good, Not Great
In real-life testing, the EV9 was able to fit a double stroller in the trunk, which is a solid benchmark for family usability.
Additional highlights:
- Underfloor storage for extra gear
- Flat-folding second and third rows for expanded cargo space
- Manual seat folding (quick and efficient)
However, compared to gas-powered competitors, cargo space behind the third row is slightly limited.
Safety
Technology & Safety Features
The EV9 comes packed with modern safety and driver-assist features, including:
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Parking distance warning
- Parking collision avoidance
The infotainment system is responsive and customizable, though some climate control placements feel unintuitive during use.
The 2024 Kia EV9 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick!
Car Seat Compatibility: A Huge Win
From a CPST perspective, the EV9 is impressive.
- Lower anchors and tether anchors across multiple seating positions
- Strong second-row space for rear-facing car seats
- Easy installation in both second and third rows
This is one of the most car-seat-friendly EVs currently available, which is a major win for growing families.
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