Kia’s three-row EV9 crossover promises to bring a similar mix of utility and style to the North American electric vehicle market, the automaker said.
The EV9, presented Wednesday at the New York auto show, is the flagship model for Kia’s global transition to EV technology, according to the brand, and follows the 2022 North American launch of the two-row EV6 crossover.
“The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market with a serious commitment to electrification,” Sean Yoon, CEO of Kia North America, said in a press release.
Kia said the big EV offers “premium accommodations rivaing ultra-luxury SUVs,” with a dual-display cockpit that includes multiple camera feeds for tech-hungry buyers. The EV9 will come in six-seat and seven-seat configurations.
Like the gasoline-powered three-row Telluride that launched in 2019 to critical acclaim and booming sales, the EV9 offers utility vehicle features such as significant towing capability with luxury touches such as available second-row power-adjustable seats with leg extensions, heating and ventilation, Kia said. The EV9 has similar dimensions to the Telluride, including nearly eight inches (20.3 centimeters) of ground clearance.