Electric Kia EV9 carves out a 3-row crossover segment

Kia is riding a wave of growing demand. Marketing data shows that from 2021 through 2022 global customer consideration rates for the Kia brand expanded 60 percent while positive opinion of Kia shot up 90 percent, Martins said.

Kia’s U.S. sales dipped 1.1 percent to 693,549 vehicles in 2022, in an overall market that was down 7.9 percent. But through February, U.S. sales have rocketed ahead 23 percent. The EV6, Kia’s first offering on its new dedicated EV platform, saw sales climb 13 percent to 2,404 units.

Kia will release the EV9’s technical specifications, including battery details and range, closer to launch. But executives said engineers had to sacrifice some aerodynamics and driving range to deliver the interior space and blocky squared-off looks of the big crossover.

Still, designers tried to improve aerodynamics with tricks such as a flat underbody cover, low ground clearance, a longer front overhang and active aero grille flaps. To better shed the air, the EV9 gets the longest rear spoiler in the Kia lineup, Habib said.