Electrifying Luxury Meets Family Utility: 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD
06 Jun 2025
In a market that’s quickly filling with electric SUVs vying for attention, the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package boldly asserts itself with an imposing design, advanced technology, and a clear focus on family comfort. This flagship EV from Kia blends rugged capability with upscale refinement, aiming to satisfy both adventure seekers and tech-savvy urbanites. With its squared-off stance, LED lighting signature, and unique aero wheels, the EV9 certainly doesn’t look like your average suburban shuttle. It drives like it’s eager to break the mold.
Equipped with dual motors and standard all-wheel drive, the EV9 Land delivers confident performance in all conditions, backed by a hefty battery that offers impressive range and fast-charging capabilities. The Plus Package sweetens the deal with a host of high-end features, from a premium sound system and ventilated second-row seats to advanced driver assistance tech. Inside, the EV9 presents a thoughtful and spacious interior with seating for seven, intuitive digital interfaces, and the kind of finish quality that suggests Kia is no longer playing catch-up in the premium space — it’s setting the pace.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD.
Exterior
Rating: 9.0
The 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD makes a commanding first impression in the Flare Red paint of our test unit, a rich tone that plays well against the clean geometric lines of the bodywork. KIA has pushed its design language forward with the EV9, favoring bold shapes over curves, giving the SUV a modern, almost architectural presence. Its Digital Lighting Grille Base Pattern creates an eye-catching focal point up front, hinting at high-tech capability while blending seamlessly into the bodywork. Flanking the grille, the Small Cube LED headlamps are arranged with precision, giving the EV9 a composed and assertive stare, both in daylight and under night skies. Automatic headlights handle transitions with quiet intelligence, and LED daytime running lights contribute to a distinctive signature that announces the EV9’s arrival with subtle authority.
The balance between utility and elegance is reinforced by the thoughtful use of colour and finish. Gloss black treatments on the DLO’s upper beltline and pillars contrast with the satin chrome lower beltline, framing the side profile with a modern, layered aesthetic. The body-colour flush-type door handles sit almost imperceptibly against the panels until they glide open, powered and precise. Heated, power-folding side mirrors also finished in body colour, are equipped with LED repeater lamps for visibility and polish. The silver metal skid plates and bumper garnishes offer a rugged touch that doesn’t lean too far into off-road cosplay, but rather suggests thoughtful protection with a premium edge.
The 20-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in Kumho Crugen HP71 EV tires sized at 275/50R20, strike a confident stance that matches the vehicle’s generous proportions. Their aerodynamic covers do more than look sleek; they contribute to the EV9’s efficiency and refined road presence. Above, silver-painted roof rails and a dual sunroof add vertical interest and practicality. The solar glass windshield and front door windows manage both heat and glare, while acoustic lamination on the windshield helps preserve the calm, hushed atmosphere inside the cabin. Privacy glass on the rear doors and cargo windows finishes off the exterior with a hint of discretion.
From the rear, the EV9 maintains its composed design language. LED taillights are integrated cleanly and provide strong visual definition at night. A roof-mounted rear spoiler with an LED high-mounted stop light enhances aerodynamics while giving the vehicle a crisp, purposeful silhouette. The smart power liftgate offers convenience without sacrificing the minimalist rear design. Every detail on the EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package feels deliberate, speaking to a design team that understands both the EV market’s demands and the expectations of drivers seeking substance and style in equal measure.
Interior
Rating: 9.5
The interior of the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD with Plus Package feels thoughtfully executed, with a layout that blends contemporary design and everyday functionality. Quilt-pattern synthetic leather seats set a refined tone across all three rows, offering a texture that’s upscale without feeling delicate. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, with eight-way power adjustments and two-way lumbar support that help tailor the seating position for long drives or quick errands alike. The manually adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column works in tandem with a heated artificial leather-wrapped wheel to round out a driver’s area that’s comfortable and intuitive.
Function meets polish throughout the cabin. Satin chrome trim accents the interior without overpowering it, and LED lighting brightens the space with a crisp, uniform glow. The first-row center console includes covered cupholders that slide out of sight when not in use, keeping the front area clean and organized. It’s a cabin that doesn’t distract with flash but rewards attention to detail, inviting familiarity without sacrificing sophistication.
Second-row seating is designed with flexibility in mind. The 60/40 folding bench incorporates a one-touch system for tilt, fold, and slide functions, streamlining access to the third row. A center armrest with integrated cupholders adds comfort on longer trips. The third-row 50/50 split seats fold flat when not in use, expanding cargo capacity with minimal effort. Even when upright, they offer meaningful space for smaller passengers, showing that the EV9 was built with real-world family use in mind.
Everything inside the EV9 feels purposeful. The layout, materials, and features work together to create a space that’s both accommodating and quietly premium. It doesn’t chase trends or rely on ostentation. Instead, it focuses on delivering a cabin that feels good to spend time in, whether you’re behind the wheel or along for the ride.
Power
Rating: 9.0
Dual-motor all-wheel drive and a permanent magnet synchronous motor setup give the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD with Plus Package a powertrain that feels composed and capable under pressure. With 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque available, acceleration is immediate and forceful without feeling abrupt. The 1-speed direct-drive automatic transmission delivers seamless power with no interruptions, making daily driving relaxed and responsive at the same time.
The EV9’s 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery provides a strong foundation for performance, rated at 552 volts with a capacity of 180.9 amp-hours and a peak output of 318 kilowatts. That kind of energy supports confident passing and towing, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures sure-footed traction across a variety of surfaces. When equipped with trailer brakes, the EV9 Land AWD is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, making it a practical option for those who need utility without sacrificing refinement or comfort.
Drive
Rating: 9.0
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD delivers a drive that feels polished and impressively dialed-in for a three-row SUV. It glides across pavement with a smoothness that makes it easy to forget how much mass it’s moving. The MacPherson multi-link front suspension and five-link setup in the rear work together to maintain composure over uneven surfaces, keeping body movement in check without feeling overly stiff. There’s a real sense of stability when cornering, with the suspension tuning striking a thoughtful balance between comfort and precision.
Handling feels responsive and well-sorted, especially for a vehicle of this size and segment. Steering inputs are met with accurate feedback, and the EV9 rotates through bends with a surprising level of agility. The all-wheel-drive system helps put down torque effectively without fuss, whether you’re pulling away from a stoplight or navigating twistier back roads. Cabin isolation is another strong point. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, which enhances the EV9’s sense of refinement and lets the driver focus more on the experience. It’s an electric SUV that manages to be genuinely enjoyable behind the wheel without sacrificing the comfort expected in a family hauler.
Fuel Economy
Rating: 8.5
Efficiency in the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD with Plus Package is quietly impressive for a vehicle of its size and capability. It achieves a combined rating of 2.8 Le/100 km, with city driving returning an efficient 2.6 Le/100 km and highway consumption at 3.1 Le/100 km. Those numbers reflect not just the advantages of its electric drivetrain, but also careful attention to aerodynamics and energy management throughout the vehicle. For a three-row SUV with standard all-wheel drive and the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, these figures speak to how well KIA has balanced performance with real-world efficiency.
Safety
Rating: 9.7
Safety has become a defining benchmark in the electric SUV segment, and the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package raises the bar with a comprehensive suite of active and passive systems. It’s not just loaded with features — it’s been tested rigorously and recognized for its real-world performance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the EV9 a 2025 Top Safety Pick, awarding it “Good” ratings across every major crashworthiness and crash avoidance category. From small and moderate front overlap to side-impact evaluations and pedestrian crash prevention, the EV9 shows consistent, dependable protection.
At the core of the EV9’s safety credentials is a thoughtful airbag system with coverage in places some competitors still overlook. Eight airbags protect occupants, including dual front, front seat-mounted side, full-length side curtain, a driver’s knee airbag, and a front center airbag. This center-mounted airbag, placed between the driver and front passenger, plays a crucial role in side collisions by preventing occupant-to-occupant contact, a detail more often seen in premium European brands. Add to that standard features like ABS, Electronic Stability Control, and Hill-Start Assist, and the EV9 covers foundational safety with confidence.
Where the EV9 begins to distance itself from the pack is in its suite of advanced driver-assist systems. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist is robust, capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, and it expands its functionality at intersections with junction turning, lane-change oncoming and side detection, and junction crossing support. Highway Driving Assist 2 refines semi-autonomous travel, actively supporting steering, braking, and acceleration, even during lane changes. Together with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, the EV9 offers a composed and remarkably intuitive experience on longer drives.
For urban environments and day-to-day tasks, features like Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Assist work to eliminate common sources of fender-benders and close calls. The Blind-spot Warning system pairs with a collision avoidance function that can intervene if a lane change is attempted into a vehicle in the adjacent lane. Rear Cross-Traffic systems operate similarly when backing out of driveways or parking spaces, with both warning and braking functions to prevent impacts.
Kia hasn’t overlooked the smaller but equally important aspects of safety. Driver Attention Warning monitors fatigue and distraction, while the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert helps combat inattentiveness in stop-and-go traffic. Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist work in tandem to gently steer the vehicle when lane markings are detected, helping the driver maintain position without abrupt corrections. Even something as practical as the power child lock system or the Rear Occupant Alert — which prompts the driver to check the rear seat before exiting — speaks to a holistic approach that considers both convenience and care.
Backing into a tight space or navigating a crowded driveway is made easier with the Rear View Camera and dynamic parking guidelines, while Parking Distance Warning sensors at both the front and rear provide a final layer of reassurance. The EV9’s safety technology isn’t tacked on for marketing. It’s deeply integrated, subtly but effectively reinforcing the driver’s capabilities in nearly every situation, and in doing so, delivers peace of mind that matches its forward-thinking engineering.
Comfort
Rating: 9.5
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package delivers comfort with a deliberate sense of balance between utility and refinement. From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat, it’s clear this is a cabin designed with all-day usability in mind. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering ample support without feeling overly firm. Larger drivers will appreciate the generous space in the front row, where legroom and headroom are noticeably abundant. This is not a cockpit that feels confining, even after hours behind the wheel.
In the second row, the story continues with impressive room to stretch out and relax. Passengers here benefit from well-cushioned seating and thoughtful ergonomics, making it a great place to spend time on longer trips. Even the third row, often a compromise in many three-row SUVs, is surprisingly accommodating. Medium-sized adults can sit comfortably, without feeling like they’ve been relegated to the penalty box. Kia’s focus on comfort doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It’s evident in the quiet cabin, spacious layout, and seats that actually feel like they were designed with human beings in mind.
Tech
Rating: 8.5
The 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package doesn’t just enter the three-row EV segment — it elevates it. This is a vehicle built with a tech-forward mindset, where user experience takes center stage through thoughtful integrations and intuitive design. Front and center is the 12.3-inch multimedia interface, paired with another 12.3-inch TFT supervision cluster and an additional 5-inch HVAC display. The digital cockpit is clean, responsive, and easy to navigate, giving drivers immediate access to navigation, media, and vehicle data without feeling overwhelmed. Kia’s interface supports voice recognition, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, all running through a Meridian premium audio system with 14 speakers that delivers sound clarity more akin to a well-tuned concert hall than a family SUV.
Kia Connect integrates cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, and real-time diagnostics, keeping the EV9 in sync with the driver’s schedule and surroundings. Adding to this sense of seamless interaction is Digital Key 2.0. It allows owners to unlock and start the vehicle with a smartphone or even share access digitally with trusted users. The Finger Print Module provides a personal layer of authentication, tying security directly to the driver. The smart key with push-button start rounds out a system designed to reduce friction in daily use.
Climate control inside the EV9 has clearly been engineered with passenger comfort across all three rows in mind. The automatic tri-zone temperature control includes an auto defog feature and dedicated roof-mounted rear HVAC vents, helping maintain balanced conditions throughout the cabin. Kia’s use of a Positive Temperature Coefficient heater means faster, more efficient warm-ups in cold weather without sacrificing energy efficiency. It’s a subtle detail that underscores Kia’s attention to the EV ownership experience beyond just driving dynamics.
Power and connectivity are ever-present, with six fast-charging USB ports spread evenly across all three rows. There’s also a 12-volt DC outlet accessible from both the front row and cargo area, and an auxiliary USB terminal for additional flexibility. For the tech-savvy family, this kind of layout ensures everyone stays connected and charged without cable clutter or compromise. The wireless phone charger in the center console adds further convenience, especially for quick drop-in charging during shorter trips.
Small details elevate the EV9’s interior from functional to refined. The Electric Chromic rear-view mirror automatically dims to reduce glare, while the steering wheel carries a subtle touch of flair with the illuminated Kia emblem — a feature that feels more upscale than gimmicky. Altogether, the 2025 EV9 Land AWD Plus doesn’t just offer a suite of modern tech features, it blends them into the driving experience with a sense of cohesion and polish that’s often missing from competitors in this segment.
Storage
Rating: 9.5
The 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package offers a thoughtfully designed cargo layout that supports both daily errands and longer getaways. With all rear seats folded flat, the EV9 opens up to 81.7 cubic feet of space behind the first row. That’s more than enough to accommodate bulkier gear like bikes or camping equipment, and it rivals the capacity of many midsize SUVs. With the third row upright, drivers still get a practical 20.2 cubic feet — enough room for a week’s worth of groceries or a full load of sports equipment. Drop the third row, and 43.5 cubic feet of space is revealed behind the second row, striking a solid balance between passenger seating and cargo capacity.
KIA also integrates a front trunk, or “frunk,” offering an additional 1.8 cubic feet of storage. While modest, it’s ideal for stashing charging cables or small bags out of the main cabin. This attention to versatile storage across all rows shows KIA’s commitment to functionality without compromising the EV9’s upscale interior layout. Whether you’re shuttling kids or packing for a road trip, the EV9’s cargo solutions feel both considered and genuinely useful.
Value
Rating: 8.0
With a total price of $72,495 as tested, the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD with the Plus Package positions itself as a compelling choice in the three-row electric SUV segment. The pricing includes a $64,995 base MSRP, $5,000 in options, and charges for freight, A/C tax, and a premium paint choice. For that figure, buyers get a well-appointed, all-wheel-drive EV with upscale touches, thoughtful tech integration, and a commanding presence on the road. The EV9 doesn’t aim to undercut competitors purely on price—it earns its value through a blend of utility, refinement, and a driving experience that feels tailored for families who don’t want to compromise on comfort or capability.
Overall Rating
After evaluating the 2025 KIA EV9 Land AWD across these ten distinct categories, I assigned it a comprehensive rating of 90.2.
Exterior: 9.0
Interior: 9.5
Power: 9.0
Drive: 9.0
Fuel Economy: 8.5
Safety: 9.7
Comfort: 9.5
Tech: 8.5
Storage: 9.5
Value: 8.0
Overall: 90.2
Specifications
The following are key specifications. For trim-specific specs, please visit the KIA Canada website.
Chassis
Vehicle Type: 7-passenger SUV
Front Suspension: MacPherson Multi-link Type Struts, Coil Springs, Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 5-Link Multi-link, Stabilizer Bar
Brakes: 4-Wheel Vented Disc with Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels: 20” alloy wheels with aerodynamic covers
Tires: Kumho Crugen HP71 EV 275/50R20
Powertrain
Engine: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) / Dual-Motor AWD
Voltage: 552 V
Horsepower: 379 hp
Max. Torque: 516 lb-ft
Driving System: AWD
Transmission: 1-Speed Direct-Drive Automatic
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion Battery
Battery Capacity: 180.9 Ah
Battery Energy: 99.8 kWh
Battery Power: 318 kW
Onboard Charger: 10.9 kW
Range: 451 kms
AC Normal Charge Time (10-100% @ 120V w/ In-Cable Control Box): Approx. 84 hours & 20 minutes
AC Normal Charge Time (10-100% @ 240V / 11kw) Level 2 Charger: Approx. 8 hours & 45 minutes
DC Fast Charge Time (10-80% @ 50 kW) Level 3 Charger: Approx. 83 minutes
DC Fast Charge Time (10-80% @ 350 kW) Level 3 Charger: Approx. 24 minutes
Towing Capacity with Trailer Brake: 5,000 lbs
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 122.0 in
Length: 197.2 in
Width: 77.9 in
Height with Roof Rails: 69.1 in
Cargo Volume behind 1st row: 81.7 cu ft
Cargo Volume behind 2nd row: 43.5 cu ft
Cargo Volume behind 3rd row: 20.2 cu ft
Front Trunk: 1.8 cu ft
Curb Weight: 5,730 lbs
Fuel Economy
City: 2.6 Le/100 km
Highway: 3.1 Le/100 km
Combined: 2.8 Le/100km
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Craig Silva
Craig is a passionate and seasoned travel, food, and lifestyle writer, whose words paint vivid pictures of the world's most captivating destinations. His work not only inspires others to embark on their own adventures but also fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world. He captures the essence of each locale, offering readers a glimpse into the cultures, landscapes, cuisine, and experiences that make travel so enriching. Craig is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA). If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
