2024 Kia EV9 Long Range GT-Line Almost Aces 70-MPH Highway Range Test

This particular all-wheel-drive Kia EV9 has an EPA-rated range of 270 miles with a combined efficiency of 42 kWh per 100 miles (2.38 mi per kWh). It's also specced very well. The second-row power folding seats are the only option that the dealership didn't tick. If you have kids or are not used to waiting for some little motors to move the heated and cooled second-row seats out of the way, you might want to do the same thing with your EV9.

Although Kia said this vehicle's high-voltage energy storage unit was built on the 800 V electrical architecture, the 99.8-kWh battery (gross size) boasts a voltage of only 550 V. That's even less than the smaller 76.1-kWh battery, which is rated at about 630 V.

Fortunately, the charging curve is good when the cells are preconditioned. Out of Spec Review's test unit pulled electrons from the grid at a rate of around 150 kW even when the charging level was above 70%. That means it'll charge fast. This three-row eSUV has the potential to become your family's trustworthy zero-emission road-tripper.

So, how's this six-seater EV with an MSRP of over $75,000 behaving in a real-world setting? The testing starts in Eco Mode with the A/C turned on only for the driver. The outside temperature ranged between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that this is a brand-new vehicle. It has 40 miles on the odometer.

It was charged at a DC dispenser for the first time right before the range test started. That's just how new the unit was.

The vehicle's computer displayed 274 miles (281 miles with the A/C off) of range after finishing scooping up all those delicious electrons, which is four more miles than the official EPA rating. But after a quick lock and unlock, the range figure jumped to 284 miles (290 miles with the A/C off) in Eco Mode. Those are just guesstimations, but having a reference point is good.

When Eco mode is active, the EV9 remains rear-wheel drive biased. It'll only use the front axle motor if the situation calls for it. This trim also has air shocks for the rear suspension, making it feel more luxurious than other EV9 variants.

After 21 miles at an average speed of 70 mph, the eSUV's range dropped to 91% and 255 miles. At 75% state of charge and after covering a little over 76 miles, the range dropped to 209 miles.
With half of the battery left and almost 149 miles of highway road covered, the range dropped to 135 miles.

After driving for 198 miles, the state of charge reached 25%, and the available range was 57 miles.

Just like it happens with most smartphones nowadays, the first warning about a low battery came at 20% state of charge with 45 miles of range left.

You'll see that type of info on the instrument panel and the head-up display. Unlike Tesla, Kia wants you to have everything right before you (as it should be).

The reviewer slowed down to 60 mph after the battery charge level dropped to 3%, and the estimated range was just five miles. Later, he also turned off the A/C.

After driving for precisely 250 miles, the EV9 entered "turtle mode," which meant that power was limited.

Surprisingly, the vehicle was able to continue moving for over 16 miles after the computer started limiting power. There's quite the buffer available after that 0% state of charge warning.

However, do keep in mind that the last leg of the journey was done with the A/C off, downhill, and at speeds of under 55 mph. Moreover, there was only one person in the EV9. Add five more people and their luggage; things might not have looked that impressive.

In conclusion, the highest trim dual-motor EV9 Long Range will offer you a smidge over 200 miles of stress-free range when traveling on the highway on a sunny December day at around 70 mph.

If you want to go farther on a single charge and have more room in the frunk, you should consider the single-motor rear-wheel-drive EV9 Long Range. That one has an EPA rating of 304 miles on a full battery, which should translate into about 250 miles of real-world range.