Kia Unveils the EV9: A Promising Contender in the Mid-Size SUV Segment with Minimalistic Design and Swiveling Back Seats

Kia Shows Off the EV9 for the First Time: A New Contender in the Mid-Size Three-Row SUV Segment

After months of anticipation, Kia has finally unveiled its new mid-size three-row SUV, the EV9. The vehicle is a little boxy, but that is by design. The Kia design team described the look as “refined boxiness” and included a variety of sharp edges that we saw on the original concept car. Even though we have the pictures, Kia did not confirm the exact specs or dimensions of the vehicle.

The interior of the EV9 features a minimalist design with two 12.3-inch screens. In between, the screen is an HVAC readout. Interestingly, there are not many knobs or buttons, with Kia opting to go mostly touchscreen with the controls. The infotainment system is also a new generation, but Kia did not detail what features it will have.

One of the most intriguing parts of the launch has to be the backseats. The middle two seats can swivel to face the rear, reminiscent of the Chrysler Swiv... This feature could make long road trips more comfortable for families with children who want to watch movies or play games while on the move.

However, one question remains unanswered: what’s the range? Apparently, this is built on the same E-GMP platform as other Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles. Since it's a larger vehicle than those models, we would expect that it has less range than an EV6, which gets 252-282 miles in AWD big-battery versions. Unless they've actually massaged the platform and provide a bigger battery.

It doesn't look very aerodynamic either, which means they'll likely try to sell it with low 200mi range (~220s) or they worked their magic and made the E-GMP platform configurable for larger battery capacity. However, if it only has low 200-mile range capabilities, it may not cut it when considering we don't all live in California and will need to use it for a good portion of the year. Personally, it'd need to be 250+ to be a viable option. Even at 250, the price better be less than a Model Y Long Range.

Despite these concerns about range and pricing, Kia's entry into this segment could shake things up for competitors like Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. If Kia manages to deliver on both performance and affordability fronts, then it might just become a game-changer in this market.

Minimalist Design Inside

The interior of the EV9 is quite minimalistic compared to other vehicles in this segment. It features two large 12.3-inch screens that display all necessary information about driving conditions and entertainment options available through Kia's infotainment system.

In addition to being visually appealing, this layout makes it easier for drivers to access important information without having to take their eyes off the road for too long.

Moreover, there aren't many knobs or buttons inside the cabin; instead, most functions are controlled via touchscreens or voice commands. This reduces clutter on the dashboard and gives passengers more space to relax during long journeys.

Swiveling Back Seats

Another unique feature of the EV9 is its swiveling back seats. While some cars offer reclining seats or adjustable headrests, this takes things one step further by allowing passengers to turn around completely and face each other.

This feature could make long road trips more comfortable for families with children who want to watch movies or play games while on the move. Additionally, it offers extra legroom for taller passengers who might feel cramped in traditional seating arrangements.

Overall, these innovative design choices show that Kia is thinking outside of the box when it comes to creating vehicles that meet modern consumers' needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Kia's new EV9 looks promising from what we've seen so far. Its minimalist design and swiveling back seats set it apart from other vehicles in this segment. However, questions remain about its range and pricing relative to competitors like Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

If Kia can deliver on both fronts while maintaining high levels of performance and reliability, then it might just become a game-changer in this market. We're excited to see how this vehicle performs once it hits dealerships later this year!