The Kia EV9: A Stylish SUV With a Few Hiccups
Okay, so the Kia EV9. This three-row, all-electric SUV is a big deal. Kia’s really trying to shake things up and go head-to-head with the Teslas of the world. And, honestly? They’ve done a pretty good job, but it hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing.
Impressive Power, Questionable Comfort?
Let's talk specs. This thing is packed with power. You’ve got options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive with a potential range of up to 304 miles (if you go for the bigger battery), or a dual-motor all-wheel drive boasting a hefty 379 horsepower, though range drops to 280 miles. Perfect for families, right? Three rows of seats! But… there's a catch. Remember that infamous "calf rest" in the second row? Yeah, that's been a major point of contention. Taller folks? Forget about it. It's pretty much unusable. It feels like they prioritized a cool, futuristic feature over actual comfort. A design flaw, if you ask me.
ALSO:Â 2025 Hyundai Palisade Offers More Than 7 Seats! Now With...
Service Issues? That's a Problem.
So, the EV9 is great on paper, but the real-world experience… well, that’s where things get a little messy. Dealerships are struggling to keep up with the demand for EV maintenance. Think long wait times for even simple repairs. And the parts situation? Don't even get me started. Many parts are sourced from South Korea, which means even more delays. It’s a supply chain nightmare. A recent recall of around 342 2025 models due to faulty rear gear drive units just highlights how things can go wrong. You know how sometimes things just spiral?
Worth the Hype? It's Complicated.
The Kia EV9 is a bit of a paradox: It's quiet, spacious, stylish, and packed with tech. But it's also got some serious design oversights and service headaches. It's ambitious, sure, but potential buyers need to be realistic. The sales numbers are strong, so clearly many people are willing to overlook the downsides. But you should definitely weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Home Power? But at What Cost?
Here’s a bit of a game-changer: The EV9 is now compatible with the Wallbox Quasar 2 bi-directional charger. This means you can use your car's battery to power your home for up to three days during a power outage. Amazing, right? A lifesaver in an emergency! But, the charger itself costs a whopping $6,440. That’s a significant investment.
So, the bottom line? The Kia EV9 is impressive, but it's not perfect. Do your research, consider your needs, and be prepared for potential service issues. It's a car with a lot of potential, but it's not without its flaws.
