Why the Kia EV9 will be an electric Kia Telluride by 2030
Kia is a Hyundai Motor Company brand that competes in most mainstream segments. The automaker produces affordable vehicles that are value driven. Kia celebrates great success with the nameplate of the mid-size SUV Telluride. For that reason, its latest mid-size SUV, the EV9, should have the same success for years to come.
The 2024 Kia EV9 has great genes
The Kia EV9 concept has made several auto show appearances. Kia is marketing the electric vehicle as a funky and futuristic mid-size SUV that will set the tone for the future. Kia isn’t afraid to deviate from conventional design, as seen with the Kia Soul.
The production model of the mid-sized electric SUV has a more conservative design, but its distinctive features remain the same. The Kia EV9 has two clear inspirations: the popular Kia Telluride and the Kia EV6.
The Kia Telluride has gained popularity in recent years due to its value proposition. It’s an affordable mid-size three-row SUV that comes with plenty of comforts as standard. The Telluride is also roomy and has a smooth ride. Several automotive publications agree that Kia Telluride is the best option in its segment. It has dominated the mid-size three-row SUV market for years, along with its cousin the Hyundai Palisade.
The Kia EV6 is a small electric SUV that has taken the world by storm. The EV6 is a cousin of the former World Car of the Year 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EV6 has a sportier design and is more performance-oriented, while the Ioniq 5 favors value and practicality. The 2023 Kia EV6 GT is a finalist for World Performance Car of the Year. Many consider the small electric SUV to be the best option in its segment. So the EV9 has big shoes to fill and is inspired by size.
The Kia EV9 is positioned as an electric Telluride
The launch of any nameplate can be exciting, but the launch of the EV9 comes with sky-high expectations. Why? It’s so similar to the Telluride that consumers and car enthusiasts can’t help but associate the two models. After all, why wouldn’t the South Korean automaker incorporate some of that winning formula into the design language of a new nameplate?
An SUV in its own right, the 2024 Kia EV9 will evolve over the years to cultivate its own distinctive identity. That being said, would it be so bad if the EV9 turned out to be an electric telluride? While Kia has other plans for its mid-size electric SUV, the company is no doubt hoping that its latest nameplate will achieve the same success as the Kia Telluride.
What do drivers want from the Kia EV9?
Kia presented the production version of the Kia EV9 2024 to media representatives in Seoul, South Korea. The EV9 seems extremely spacious. As for ride quality and driving dynamics, we’ll have to wait for reviews.
EV drivers want at least 220-310 miles of range from the EV9. The Kia EV6 has a maximum range of 310 miles with the extended range battery, so it would be nice to see the brand leading that range for the mid-size SUV. Drivers also want a decent helping of torque for the SUV, given the EV6 GT’s performance specs (446 lb-ft of torque).
Ultimately, the 2024 Kia EV9 should be relatively affordable, comfortable for passengers and practical enough to be a daily driver. If Kia ticks those boxes, there could be a hit. Car and Driver claims the EV9 will appear in either late 2023 or early 2024.
