The Kia (000270.KS) EV9 made quite the splash when it hit the market, quickly earning accolades like North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and World Car of the Year. Despite all the applause and shiny trophies, the EV9 has yet to break the elusive 10,000 sales mark per quarter in the U.S. But with its popularity and awards stacking up, that milestone feels just around the corner.
So, what’s the latest buzz about this highly anticipated three-row electric SUV? Well, the 2025 Kia EV9 is officially here, and there’s a mix of good news and some more modest updates.
Price Bump? Barely Noticeable
For those already eyeing the 2025 EV9, the pricing remains competitive, with only a small $700 bump on the Light Long Range trim. This version now comes with a standard front sunroof, which sweetens the deal. The rest of the lineup maintains the same pricing as last year. The Light Standard Range comes in at $54,900, while the Light Long Range, with its slightly larger battery pack and new sunroof, starts at $59,900. Moving up, the Wind trim remains priced at $63,900, the Land at $69,900, and the GT-Line tops out at $73,900.
CHECK THIS OUT! Please check out the Kia EV9 forum here; https://kiaev9talk.com/ and Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kia.ev9.owners/
When you add the $1,325 destination charge, Kia is clearly keeping the EV9 within a competitive range for what it offers. With these minor price and feature adjustments, the company seems confident that the EV9’s second year will continue to drive demand.
What’s New for 2025?
The changes for the 2025 model are subtle. Kia opted for a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, making only a few tweaks to an already successful SUV. The most significant update is the addition of a front sunroof as standard on the Light Long Range RWD trim, bringing a little extra daylight into the cabin.
Meanwhile, the Land AWD model loses the Relaxation Seat Package, meaning those second-row seats won’t recline for a cozy nap anymore. In terms of colors, Kia introduced Glacial White Pearl and Ebony Black to the exterior options while discontinuing Ivory Silver and Ocean Blue. Inside, the GT-Line lost its Dark Gray & Navy interior, adding to the list of small but noticeable changes for 2025.
Under the Hood (or, More Accurately, the Floor)
In terms of performance, the 2025 Kia EV9 sticks to what’s been working. Buyers still have the choice between the 76.1-kWh and 99.8-kWh battery packs, depending on the trim level. The Light Standard Range models feature rear-wheel drive and generate 215 horsepower, while the Light Long Range trim offers 201 horsepower but extends the range to a solid 304 miles per charge.
For those who want more power and traction, the Wind, Land, and GT-Line models come with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, producing 379 horsepower. The GT-Line steps it up with 516 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 0-60 mph time of just 5 seconds—impressive for an SUV of this size and class.
Range Anxiety? Not Here
Range is always a talking point when it comes to EVs, and the Kia EV9 delivers some respectable numbers. The Light Long Range offers up to 304 miles on a full charge, while the Light Standard Range manages a more modest 230 miles.
The dual-motor AWD models, including the Wind and Land, clock in at 280 miles, while the GT-Line sacrifices a little range, coming in at 270 miles due to its larger wheels. Still, all of these figures keep the EV9 competitive in its class, with enough range to ease most drivers’ minds.
Tech & Safety: Keeping It Smart
Kia has always been generous with tech features, and the 2025 EV9 is no exception. It includes 12.3-inch dual displays, wireless charging, and advanced driver assistance systems like Highway Driving Assist 2, which allows for hands-on semi-autonomous driving.
On the safety side, the EV9 continues to include key features such as forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alerts as standard across all trims. Kia’s focus on safety has already earned the EV9 an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, though the top-tier “Plus” designation is still just out of reach.
What’s the Verdict?
If you were expecting major changes, the 2025 EV9 might seem underwhelming at first glance. But let’s be real—Kia didn’t need to make sweeping updates. The EV9 has already been a big hit with its strong reviews, solid sales, and numerous awards.
What we’re seeing with the 2025 model is more about refining an already winning formula. For anyone who’s been holding off, now might be the time to jump in. The price bump on the Light Long Range trim is minimal, especially with the added features like the new sunroof.
The real question is whether the EV9 will finally break through the 10,000 sales-per-quarter mark in the U.S. With localized production ramping up and more families looking to go electric, it seems more like a matter of when than if.
Charge Complete
The 2025 Kia EV9 stays the course, offering a well-rounded package of range, power, and tech. With only minor tweaks and a slight price increase, it continues to be a solid choice for families ready to embrace electric driving. If you’re looking for an EV with range, comfort, and reliability, the EV9 is still a top contender.
