Test drive | Kia EV9: families sought after

Despite the great popularity of the segment, many manufacturers still seem reluctant to offer electric mid-size SUVs with three rows of seats. Apart from the expensive Tesla Model The EV9 is something of a pioneer in this sense, but can it really convince of the merits of this electrified format?

Its design

Driving in Canada for a full year, the EV9 remains a very interesting avant-garde stylistic exercise. A bit like the Ford Flex did more than a decade ago, it strives to make its cubic appearance relevant for family purposes, not without taking care of its appearance. Constellations of diodes on the front complement the headlights and zigzag lights. Despite its electric engines, it retains a hexagonal lower grille whose glossy black accentuates the angles. This touch is also present on the side to prepare the angular wheel arches. As long and tall as a Kia Telluride, it hides its large dimensions well with its very short overhangs.

On board

A desire for modernity also dictates the interior configuration of this EV9, while avoiding serving too generous a portion. The very horizontal dashboard soothes the eye and uses a molding draped in fabrics to avoid the over-representation of plastics. The positioning of the heating/air conditioning system controls also needs to be reviewed, as it is constantly obstructed by the steering wheel. For a fundamentally family vehicle, the closed storage spaces could be larger at the front. However, we cannot blame the lack of space for the front and central occupants. Extremely comfortable furniture with plush headrests at the forefront enhances the experience. Although easily accessible, the two third row seats can only comfortably accommodate children.

Under the hood

The mid-size SUV comes with two mechanical configurations, one with rear-wheel drive whose power is limited to 215 hp and the battery capacity is 76.1 kWh or 99.8 kWh as an option. The livery tested uses two engines to ensure traction and increase the count to 379 hp. A 99.8 kWh battery provides energy storage in its case. Extremely smooth and quiet even by electric standards, the motors move the 2.5 tonnes of the vehicle with ease. Apart from the loss of regenerative braking for a few minutes, the powertrain also proved to be very effective below -10 degrees, but the range, estimated at 451 km, dropped to around 300 km on a partly highway journey. . A predictable loss, which isn't too shocking.

Behind the wheel

The EV9 does not seek to honor sterile and useless dynamic promises. Its main focus is its smooth ride and predictable temperament, which makes it one of the most comfortable electric vehicles produced by a mainstream brand. The low center of gravity obtained from the positioning of the battery and the mechanical components nevertheless ensures greater confidence in corners than thermal competition of the same format. The softness of the rear suspension coupled with the high weight of the object nevertheless accentuates the dynamic limits when encountering rough corners. The rear axle then exhibits lateral oscillations which encourage you to lift your foot. The sound insulation is very good, but the cubic shape increases wind noise, this is inevitable. The management, for its part, directs the orchestra with good precision.

Embedded technologies

Hyundai and Kia currently offer one of the best multimedia interfaces. The EV9 therefore benefits from an intuitive system as standard, benefiting from a good black level to avoid tiring the eyes. Tabs are intuitively positioned and can be selected via a responsive 12.3″ touchscreen. Haptic keys are present on the central molding of the dashboard, a visually interesting option, but which would be more effective with good old physical controls. Fortunately, the heating/air conditioning system benefits a little lower to avoid having to refer to the very poorly positioned control touch screen. In terms of active safety, this EV9 receives the standard contribution of a competent autonomous driving system, but which tends to tighten the centerline too much.

Verdict

The Kia EV9 alone reflects the seriousness of the Korean brand's electric transition. Very well assembled, with a powerful charging system and realistic autonomy, it still operates without any real direct competition until the arrival of its cousin, the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Its very roomy interior also makes it a vehicle family whose functional aspect is greatly appreciated on a daily basis. In short, it induces very few compromises compared to a Telluride with a gasoline engine of the same size, apart from the price of the more equipped versions, which offer very little tangible added value, as the list of standard equipment is complete. A challenge brilliantly taken up by Kia which should arouse the interest of many buyers wishing to free themselves from gasoline.