Kia’s EV9 Electric SUV: Big Hit Overseas, But What About Korea?

Kia’s Ambitious Electric Vehicle, EV9
Struggles with Pricing Policy
Receiving High Praise Overseas?

A domestic car was launched ambitiously last year but has shown less satisfactory performance. It is none other than Kia’s sizeable electric SUV, the EV9. The EV9, which Kia developed with great care as its flagship model, can be said to be a vehicle that concentrates all of the brand’s electric vehicle technology. However, it was ignored because it was too expensive for a Kia, and even had to offer significant discounts at the end of last year.

However, unlike the domestic market, the EV9 receives good reviews in foreign markets.
Of course, the car is considered good domestically, but it has been harshly criticized due to brand and price issues. In contrast, the EV9 is lauded as a premium SUV overseas, with hardly any controversy over its price. Let’s take a look at the elements of the EV9 that foreign media have praised.

Boasting Superior Practicality Based on Spacious Interior

Foreign media unanimously praised the spacious interior. Being a large SUV and using an electric vehicle-only platform gives it a more spacious interior than other large SUVs. In particular, What Car praised the benefit for third-row passengers, saying, “Even a six-foot-tall person has ample head and knee room.”

In addition, Auto Motor and Sport evaluated, “Even if an adult rides in the EV9’s third row, they can sit much better than most 7-seater vehicles.” Auto Bild stated, “The interior space is sufficient, and you can choose between the basic 7-seater, 6-seater Relax, or 6-seater Swivel according to your preference to maximize practicality.”

A Model Equipped with Design, Ride Quality, and Performance

Autozeitung highly praised the EV9’s design, advanced safety equipment, and ride quality.
They stated through a test drive, “It left a deep impression with various talents and boasts a distinctive presence in the premium segment with its confident design.” Auto Express focused on evaluating the ride quality. It stated, “The EV9 combines everyday usefulness, comfortable ride quality, and excellent and sophisticated performance, making it the best in terms of practicality in the era of electric vehicles.”

Received Higher Scores than Premium Models

Autocar compared the EV9 GT Line with the Land Rover Defender 110 P400e and the Audi Q8 e-Tron 55 Quattro. This is significant because the Defender and Q8 e-Tron are premium models, while the Kia EV9 is a mass-market model. Of course, it should be considered that it’s not a wholly regular but a GT Line model.

Autocar found the EV9’s striking exterior design, interior space, acceleration performance, various usability features, and long driving range impressive through a test drive. At the same time, the EV9 scored higher than the Defender and Q8 e-Tron.