2026 Kia EV9 – The School Run, Recharged

2026 Kia EV9

The School Run, Recharged

The school drop-off area is about to get more exciting.

For years, the three-row SUV segment has been a bastion of predictable choices, a rolling sea of beige and silver, gas-hogging people-movers fueled by a familiar weekly tithe to the gas pump. Into this landscape of suburban conformity rolls the 2026 Kia EV9, a blocky, futuristic statement that isn’t just changing the game—it’s trying to convince America to play a whole new one.

This is no small task. The journey of the electric vehicle into the heart of Flyover America has been, to put it mildly, filled with potholes. 

Strategically, automakers led with their chins, offering outrageously priced, oversized fuel hogs for the deep-pocketed early adopters. Opponents, backed by billion-dollar propaganda, easily portrayed EVs as fragile, stressful luxuries for elites. The manufacturers’ response has often been a masterclass in muffled confusion, failing to hammer home the one message that resonates from Texarkana to Timbuktu: your wallet.

Case in point: The terrific EV9 arrived at my doorstep with its charging cable removed. While it may be a sensible anti-theft step, it entirely overshadowed the main issue that deserves attention. For most daily driving, just plug into a 110V outlet overnight to recharge—fuel stations are for road trips. It’s this practical, pocketbook-friendly reality that gets lost in the noise.

So, let’s be clear: I like Kia’s EV9. It delivers a spacious, well-equipped three-row electric SUV that genuinely balances family utility, rapid charging, and competitive performance. But out here, where the charging network is as sparse as a politician’s concrete promises (and completely unregulated), I’ve been price-gouged and stranded by broken gear often enough to develop a mild case of PCSD – Post-Charging Stress Disorder. 

I happily drove the EV9 around town, but when my dog Moo and I headed for the lakes and mountains, we took my 18-year-old Highlander Hybrid, whose batteries still charge to more than 90% and whose electric motor still buries the output needle. Our ‘Old Faithful’ understands the assignment.

Family Hauler with a Mission

The EV9 targets families who need three rows of seating without luxury-brand pricing. With an MSRP ranging from $54,900 to $71,900, and trims spanning Light, Wind, Land, and GT-Line (plus a new, fiery GT variant), it aims to be the sensible electric centerpiece of the suburban driveway. Its chief competitors include:

• Hyundai Ioniq 9 ($55,000–$73,000 est.): Shares its core underpinnings. It often matches the EV9 on features but may offer a slight range advantage in certain trims.
• Rivian R1S ($78,000–$95,000): Boasts superior off-road prowess and more extended range, but at a significantly higher price point and a different, more adventurous ownership experience.
• Volvo EX90 ($76,000–$87,000): Focuses intensely on safety and premium, minimalist materials, but costs more for comparable interior space.
• VW ID. Buzz ($62,000–$70,000 est.): An alternative with more van-like, groovy packaging, but less power and towing capacity.

As Edmunds’ experts put it, “The Kia EV9 is both an excellent three-row SUV and an incredible electric vehicle.” It’s a dual identity it wears surprisingly well.

Truck-Like Looks That Don’t Shout ‘EV’

Kia has wisely given the EV9 a blocky, modern silhouette that reads more as a capable large SUV than a softened, anonymous EV crossover. Measuring about 197.2 inches long with a 122.0-inch wheelbase, its shape prioritizes interior volume while maintaining modest aerodynamics. 

The design clearly echoes the beloved Telluride’s upright, confident stance, with a geometric lighting signature that makes it instantly recognizable. It’s a vehicle that looks like it can handle a soccer team’s worth of gear without trying too hard.

Tons of Power When You Need It

The powertrain options are where the EV9 flexes, catering to both efficiency-minded and speed-demon drivers. The lineup ranges from a single-motor RWD setup with an EPA-estimated 230–305 miles of range, to a dual-motor AWD producing 379 horsepower. 

An optional downloadable Boost function can spike torque to 516 lb-ft, while the forthcoming GT variant aims for 500+ horsepower and a 0–60 mph time in the mid-4-second range. Kia’s switch to the Tesla-style NACS port for 2026 is a quiet victory, dramatically improving access to Tesla’s vast Supercharger network.

On the road, the ride quality favors comfort, making highway miles serene and effortless. Handling tightens up noticeably in the GT-Line spec with its adaptive dampers. 

While its weight and geometry limit serious off-roading, the EV9 handles light dirt roads and snowy conditions with capable ease. Real-world range, as with all EVs, can dip with aggressive driving or freezing weather, but its 800-volt architecture ensures that when you do need a public charge, it’s among the fastest in the business.

A Sophisticated, Spacious Cabin

Inside, the emphasis is on space and clever modularity. With up to 182.2 cubic feet of interior volume, it feels airy and modern. The materials and fit-and-finish are a noticeable step above mainstream peers, though adults in the third row may still find legroom negotiable. 

The tech suite is rich, centered on a 12.3-inch infotainment display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That said, a push-button shifter and touch-sensitive controls can feel a bit distracting; it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise thoughtfully designed cockpit.

The standard advanced driver-assist features are robust, including adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist, all supported by over-the-air updates. Safety is comprehensive, with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and front- and rear-cross-traffic alert standard across the board.

Bottom Line: The New Benchmark

The 2026 Kia EV9 stands out as a practical, well-rounded three-row EV that genuinely suits families and tech-minded buyers. It strikes a compelling balance, offering interior space, blistering charging speed, and a refined ride. 

As Motor Trend notes, “This all-electric Kia looks awesome, [and] drives great.”

Choose the Rivian if you need extreme off-road capability or the Volvo for premium cachet, but for most buyers seeking a rational, rewarding step into the electric future, the EV9 strikes a nice balance of price, utility, and capability. It’s the three-row SUV for the new world, ready to make the school run a little more electrifying.