[atreis]

Pretty impressive EV for those in the market for a larger EV with 3 row seating. I predict at launch the price tag of the EV9 will be just shy of $70K for a two wheel drive variant with a 100KW (or slightly larger) battery.

If this is accurate, the lowest trim with reasonable range will be $61k which is not bad considering what it is, but still a lot more than my Ariya.

2024 Kia EV9 SUV Specs Might Have Leaked Suggesting A $56,000 Starting price | Carscoops

A survey sent to current Telluride owners might provide key details about the EV9

www.carscoops.com

Also note that there are both 6 and 7 seat variants listed here. Presumably the 7 seat variant has a normal bench for the 2nd row with 2 seats still in the third row.

 

[atreis]

If accurate, I suspect $61K would only buy you the 77.4KW battery as found in the EV6 platform. Given marginal HP and range it remains to be seen just how popular that entry version will be. However, even performance numbers and range estimates for the upper tier EV9:variants appear a bit lackluster.
IMO if you’re looking for a 3 row SUV EV, the Rivian R1S has more to offer if your budget will allow you to pay a bit more. In hindsight the early R1S reservation holders signing up to purchase their Rivian for under $80K will realize huge value by comparison.

The article claimed 290 miles range for the $61K variant, but much lower HP and only slightly better torque than the FWD Ariya. It wouldn't be super fun to drive, that's for sure. R1S is definitely more attractive, but $80K is quite a lot for a car, at least to me. That's almost twice what my Ariya will end up being, and the Ariya is the most expensive car I've ever bought (by more than $10K, even after the federal incentive). Personally, I wouldn't go for a $61K car, let alone an $80K car.

 

[atreis]

Being a New Englander with snow (sometimes wet snow), I've learned to appreciate rear wipers versus rear defrosters. The Ariya checks all my boxes, including price range.

The EV9 doesn't have a rear wiper either?? Hyundai/Kia really needs to get a clue on that one....