During this event, 50 automotive journalists from the US and Canada tested and rated the vehicles based on how innovative they were at setting new benchmarks in their respective segments. This is the third time in five years that the NACTOY jury has named a Kia vehicle as the top choice, and the second win overall for an innovative Kia EV. During the design and testing process, all the brilliant minds involved were certain that the EV9 was on its way to becoming a very “future-forward” and trend-setting icon.
Print, online, radio, and broadcast media experts were on hand to test vehicles ranging from sporty coupes to hard-working pickups, with meticulously assessed criteria. Automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, and user experience are the traits that are examined to produce true industry champions. The Kia EV6 was able to claim this prestigious honor last year, as the EV9 steps out proudly as the first mass-market 3-row SUV in the U.S. After probing consumers for years about their needs, Kia made it a point to create a “true SUV”, with 7.8 useful inches of ground clearance.
Praise for the EV9 has been widespread, with the Edmunds.com review crew claiming they were quite impressed with its “luxuriously quiet drive and high-quality features that elevate any commute or jaunt alike.” Many consumers are now feeling ready to embrace the transition into the electric realm, and offerings such as the EV9 allow for little to no compromise on authenticity. Even the 3rd row offers a fair amount of space, and the EV9 has become quite popular for the number of features it provides at its price point. Easing anxiety across the board with its quick charging capability, the EV9 makes long-distance trips easier and worry-free.
The EV9 GT-Line traveled 306 miles on a single charge during official range testing, while charging from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes even at public fast-charging stations. The EV9’s towing capacity has also yielded a great deal of attention, residing at an admirable 5,000 lbs. When pitted up against the competition in the form of the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X, Kia’s driver-assist features and ample space chisel it a much-appreciated niche for itself. The GT-Line accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, which is segment-leading for an SUV this size.
During more relaxed driving, the V9 offers smooth acceleration along with regenerative braking for efficient one-pedal driving. The fully loaded GT-Line comes equipped with the upgraded second row captain’s chairs which offer nearly the same luxurious amount of comfort as the seats in the front row. The optional 360-degree camera system is a huge help in tight parking situations, and the driver’s view of the climate control screen is ideally situated for constant monitoring. A few of the impressive range of standard driver-assist features are adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor, and rear occupant detection.
