The EV9 is built on a 200 mm (7.9 inch) longer wheelbase than Kia’s gasoline-engine Telluride, but casts a similar shadow on all exterior dimensions, which places the EV9 in the XXL crossover segment. Hyundai have just announced their own version of this platform called the Ioniq 9.

The EV9 looks fresh, modern and purposeful. The cabin is very elegant, with a blocky, horizontal dashboard. Infotainment functions are touch-sensitive, with physical buttons operating the climate controls. Like the Telluride, cabin and cargo space are substantial.

Two battery packs are offered in the EV9. A 76.1 kWh battery pack powers the rear-wheel drive Light model. All other trims, including the Wind rear-wheel drive model, are powered by a 99.8 kWh battery pack. The rear-wheel drive versions are rated at 215 horsepower (Light) and 201 horsepower (Wind). The dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants are rated at 379 horsepower. The dual-motor model accelerated with tremendous vigour in near silence. The ride is absorbent, and handling is sound and predictable, but drivers are conscious of the prodigious weight (up to 5800 pounds) of the vehicle. Braking is strong and the steering is nicely weighted and holds its line well.

Standard active safety equipment includes forward collision warning, junction turning intervention, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, a lane keep assist system and active cruise control with stop and go.

Overly complex model lineup with rear-wheel drive variants few customers are interested in and very bizarre, Light, Wind and Land trim names.
With power front seats, heated and cooled front seats, heated steering wheels, L.E.D. headlights, a power tailgate, power fold mirrors, rain sense wipers, deep tint glass, active cruise control, navigation, three-zone climate control and wireless cellphone charging, the base Light trim is very well equipped. Moving from the Light to the Wind rear-wheel drive trims adds a heat pump climate system, a heated steering wheel and a power upgrade from 76.1 kWh battery pack to a 99.8 kWh one for $3000. The Plus package on the Land trim adds bigger wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, enhanced exterior lighting, plusher trim and a memory system but is significantly overpriced. The Premium package on the Land includes auto-dim door mirrors, heated and cooled middle-row seats, a Meridien-branded audio system, a right-view monitor and a vehicle to load system and is priced to reflect the value of its additional content.

Not rated. New and low-volume model. The EV9 has not been recalled for the 12 volt battery failures that have been experienced in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6 and Kia EV6