Kia EV9 review - Range, charging & running costs

While it’s astronomically priced compared with the Kia models we’re used to, the EV9 undercuts most seven-seat luxury electric SUVs launched so far. Kia and Hyundai are at the cutting edge of EV technology, and the E-GMP platform the EV9 is based on offers an impressive driving range and charging speeds.

The large electric SUV’s size also means there’s plenty of space under the floor for a big battery – all UK models get the 100kWh sized unit, enabling the model with the rear-mounted motor to travel up to 349 miles between charges, so if you’re not bothered about the extra performance of dual-motor versions, this is the best pick for efficiency. The dual-motor GT-Line models get an official 316-mile range. 

Our test drive with the dual-motor model in Scotland in wintry conditions thoroughly impressed, as our heavy, seven-seater EV9 was tracking to get north of 260 miles of range, despite us pushing it at a range of speeds. The real-world range difference between that car and the model with the single rear-mounted motor is fairly negligible – we found it averaged about 270 miles to a charge when we tested it.

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During a head-to-head with the Volvo XC90, we averaged 3.2 miles/kWh in the EV9 Air, which would equate to a cost of around £700 to drive 10,000 miles at the price cap of 22.4p per kWh. A saving of around £1,100 versus the mild-hybrid petrol Volvo.

Every EV9 gets Kia’s 800-volt charging technology, with peak charging speeds of around 230-240kW at compatible public stations. According to Kia, a 10-80% recharge is possible in around 24 minutes if you find a fast enough public charging point.

The Volvo EX90 has a longer claimed range of 363 miles and a top charging speed of 250kW, but it also costs considerably more than the Kia, starting from just over £96,000.

Like every electric car, the Kia EV9 is exempt from the restrictions and tariffs imposed on some combustion-engined vehicles by low-emission zones, and the London Congestion Charge, but its high price will mean it’s soon subject to a luxury car tax for vehicles costing over £40,000.

How much does the Kia EV9 cost to insure?

Unfortunately, the Kia EV9 will be quite expensive to insure, with even entry-level Air models starting from group 45 out of 50 (50 being the highest), and GT-Line and GT-Line S sitting in the highest group 50. This isn’t isolated to the Kia, with rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Tesla all in some of the highest insurance groups.