2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line Review

Ever feel like finding a real electric SUV that can actually handle family life, long road trips, and still look cool is basically impossible?

You’re not alone.

But the 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line is the real deal. Forget just the specs on paper, this three-row SUV delivers in the real world, and after driving one for a week, I can tell you it stands out. Its sharp styling get noticed everywhere, but the real magic is how it combines legit power, tons of space for gear, and a battery that doesn’t quit.

I’m going to walk you through everything that makes this ride different from competitors like the Rivian R1S or Volvo EX90. Let’s get into it.

Pricing and Trims

The Kia EV9 lineup offers several trims to fit different budgets and needs, with the GT-Line sitting at the top, packed with features and performance.

2025 Kia EV9 Canadian Prices

The 2025 Kia EV9 has a reasonable starting price of $59,995 for the base Light RWD version, which might be good choice for people looking for an EV, that also has 3-rows and respectable driving range. However, most Canadians want AWD and most people want lots of bells and whistles, which the base trim doesn’t come with.

If you don’t have budget constraints, then there is the fully loaded EV9 Land AWD GT-Line, which is priced at $78,995. This trim comes with everything you can dream of, options usually found in luxury cars.

This pricing positions the EV9 GT-Line as a strong value compared to other three-row electric SUVs. For example, the Rivian R1S and the Volvo EX90, which are priced in 6-figure territory. Considering its performance, technology, and premium interior, the EV9 GT-Line offers a compelling package for the money.

Kia EV9 Canadian Trims And Prices

Choosing the right Kia EV9 trim depends on your priorities, whether it’s maximum range, all-wheel-drive capability, or all-out performance and features. Here’s a quick breakdown to see how the GT-Line compares to the other main trims.

These prices do not include Delivery & Destination charges of $2,150, dealer charges of $899 (which would depend on your dealership), and taxes.

Our review car was the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD GT-Line, which had a price of $87,795. The price included the only option available on the GT-Line, silver color at $250, and Delivery & Destination charges.

Performance and Powertrain

Put your foot down, and the Kia EV9 GT-Line launches forward with that instant, silent electric surge. With two motors providing all-wheel drive, this electric SUV has surprising muscle for a family hauler.

Dual-motor setup

The EV9 Land and GT-Line trims are powered by two electric motors, one for each axle, creating a capable all-wheel-drive system. This setup is built on Hyundai and Kia’s advanced E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), the same one used by the award-winning Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9.

This dual-motor configuration provides excellent grip and stability, making the EV9 feel confident in corners and on slick roads. The instant torque delivery makes accelerating from a stop feel effortless, even for a vehicle of its size. It’s a system designed for both performance and all-weather control, giving it an edge over some rear-wheel-drive competitors.

Horsepower and torque specifications

That dual-motor setup in the 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line is no joke. It delivers a solid 379 horsepower and a massive 516 lb-ft of torque, which is available the moment you touch the pedal. This power puts it in the same league as performance-focused SUVs.

All that muscle is needed to move its nearly 5,800-pound weight, but it does so with authority. The EV9 GT-Line sprints from zero to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, which is impressively quick for a three-row family vehicle.

According to the experts at Car and Driver, this performance is a “spectacular result” of applying lessons learned from the Telluride to an electric platform.

Beyond speed, this power also gives the EV9 a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, making it a truly versatile electric SUV.

Driving dynamics and handling

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line offers a smooth and quiet ride, absorbing most bumps with ease. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, which is great for daily driving and long family trips.

While the front end feels planted, the rear can sometimes feel a bit “floaty” over rolling hills or uneven pavement. It’s more comfort-oriented than sporty, so it doesn’t feel as firm or agile as a Rivian R1S.

Despite its size, the EV9 handles corners with surprising stability. The road grip is solid, but if you’re used to the taut handling of an SUV like the Kia Telluride, you’ll notice the softer, more relaxed character of the EV9’s ride.

Battery, Range, and Charging

The large battery in the EV9 delivers a solid EV range, letting you travel far between charges. Plus, with DC fast charging capabilities, you can get back on the road quickly during longer journeys.

Battery capacity

At the heart of the Kia EV9 GT-Line is a substantial 99.8 kWh battery. This large capacity is key to its impressive range and performance.

Crucially, the EV9 is built on an 800-volt electrical architecture. This is a major advantage shared with other E-GMP platform vehicles like the Kia EV6. This high-voltage system allows for exceptionally fast charging speeds, something not all competitors offer. It’s the kind of future-proof technology that makes a real difference on road trips, minimizing downtime at charging stations.

Estimated range

The official estimated EV range for the 2025 Kia EV9 Land GT-Line is 435 kilometers on a full charge. However, real-world testing has shown it can do even better.

In an independent test conducted by Edmunds, the EV9 GT-Line achieved an impressive 306 miles (492 km) on a single charge. This kind of real-world performance provides plenty of confidence for both daily commutes and longer family adventures. During our review, which took place in warm sunny weather, the fully charged battery showed an estimated range of 584 kilometers (in the Eco mode), about 150 kilometers more than the estimated range.

Of course, range will vary based on conditions. Expect winter driving with the heater on to reduce the range, while mild spring weather can help you easily exceed the official estimates. With the range exceeding in the summer and deficiency in the winter, the average should come out close to the claimed range of 435 kilometers.

2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line Estimated Consumption

According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the 2025 Kia EV9 Land AWD GT-Line should consume 23.6 kWh/100 kilometers in the city, 29.2 kWh/100 km on the highway, and 26.1 kWh/100 km in combined driving, in ideal conditions. These numbers work out to 2.7/3.3/2.9 Le/100 km. These are pretty impressive numbers for a large 3-row SUV.

However, in the real world the numbers were even more impressive. The onboard computer showed an average consumption of 20.2 kWh/100 km in mixed driving. My drive took place in mixed highway/city driving and we even went on a 200 kilometer trip, with 6 passengers and lots of cargo. The results are in warm weather, but it’s still very impressive.

Charging speed and options

Charging the Kia EV9 is flexible and, thanks to its 800-volt architecture, incredibly fast when you find the right charger.

• DC Fast Charging: The EV9 can handle charging speeds up to 230 kW. At a 350 kW DC fast charger, like those on the Electrify America network, you can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.
• Level 2 Charging: For home charging, a standard 240-volt Level 2 charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 100% in about 8 to 9 hours, making it easy to top up overnight.
• Future-Proof Port: Starting with late 2025 models, Kia has begun equipping the EV9 with the NACS (Tesla) charge port, giving owners direct access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network without an adapter.
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): The EV9 also includes a Vehicle-to-Load feature that provides up to 1.9 kW of power. This allows you to use the car’s battery to run appliances, electronics, or even power tools, which is incredibly useful during a power outage or while camping.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line has a look that’s bold, modern, and impossible to ignore. Its sharp headlights and unique grille make it stand out, giving it a serious presence on the road.

Sleek and modern aesthetics

Strong, clean lines run down the sides, giving the Kia EV9 a powerful stance. Its shape is designed to be aerodynamic, which helps it cut through the air and look different from other electric SUVs.

The exclusive Ocean Blue color, available only on Premium and GT-Line models, makes it instantly recognizable. It has a real presence, measuring over 197 inches long, which is about the same size as the popular Kia Telluride.

Lighting details and grille design

Kia gave the EV9 GT-Line some seriously cool lighting. The GT-Line comes standard with the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, which puts on a light show when you unlock the car. It’s a slick feature that helps it compete with the high-tech feel of rivals like the Rivian R1S and Volvo EX90.

The LED headlights are sharp and effective, creating a distinct signature on the road. After dark, the combination of the grille and headlights gives the EV9 an unmistakable, sci-fi-inspired look that definitely turns heads. Laminated glass adds another touch of refinement, keeping the cabin quiet and reinforcing its premium feel.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the Kia EV9, and you’re greeted with a massive, open cabin. With generous space, cool ambient lighting, and an available panoramic roof, it’s designed to feel like a premium lounge on wheels.

Cabin space and seating

There is a ton of room for both passengers and cargo in the 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line. It’s a true family-hauler.

Even with all three rows of seats in use, you get 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for groceries or a couple of suitcases. Fold the third row down, and that expands to a generous 43.5 cubic feet. With both the second and third rows folded, you have a massive 81.7 cubic feet of space for hauling bulky items.

The GT-Line comes with second-row captain’s chairs, which are nearly as comfortable and adjustable as the front seats. Getting into the third row is surprisingly easy, and unlike many SUVs, adults can actually sit back there comfortably thanks to ample headroom and legroom.

Premium materials and finishes

The interior of the EV9 feels upscale and thoughtfully designed. Kia made a conscious effort to use sustainable materials throughout the cabin.

The seats are covered in a high-quality synthetic leather called SynTex, which incorporates recycled plastics and other eco-friendly components. This is part of Kia’s “10 must-have sustainable items” initiative, which avoids using animal leather. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and door panels, adding to the premium feel.

The optional Premium Package enhances the luxury even further with an upgraded 14-speaker Meridian audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound. Every switch and control feels solid, giving the interior a sense of durability that holds its own against rivals like the Rivian R1S and Volvo EX90.

Ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof

Customizable ambient lighting strips line the dashboard and doors, allowing you to set the mood inside the cabin with a wide range of colors. It creates a relaxing and modern atmosphere, especially during night drives.

The available dual sunroofs, part of the Premium Package, make the already spacious interior feel even more open and airy. One panel is positioned over the front seats and the other over the second row, so everyone gets a great view.

For added comfort, the rear doors feature pull-up sunshades. It’s a small but appreciated detail that helps keep the sun out of passengers’ eyes, making long trips more enjoyable for everyone.

Technology and Features

The EV9 GT-Line is loaded with smart technology, from its massive infotainment screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its advanced driver assist features that make driving safer and easier.

Infotainment system and connectivity

The dashboard is dominated by two beautiful 12.3-inch displays housed in a single curved panel. One serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the other is a touchscreen for infotainment.

The system runs Kia’s latest “ccNC” (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) software, which is responsive and features clean graphics. It supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, ensuring your system stays current. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so connecting your phone is seamless.

Thankfully, Kia kept physical buttons for essential functions like volume and climate control, so you don’t have to hunt through menus for simple adjustments. A smaller, dedicated 5-inch screen for climate settings is cleverly placed, though some reviewers note the steering wheel can partially block it from certain angles.

Driver-assistance features

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line comes packed with Kia’s Drive Wise suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance systems.

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system can detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and apply the brakes automatically to help avoid an accident.
• Lane Keep Assist: Gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if you start to drift without signaling.
• Blind-Spot Monitoring: Provides visual and audible warnings if a vehicle is in your blind spot. The system can also apply braking to prevent a collision.
• Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2): This is an advanced adaptive cruise control system that maintains a set speed and distance from the car ahead. It also provides steering assistance to keep you centered in your lane and can even perform lane changes with a tap of the turn signal.
• Intersection Collision Avoidance: This feature can detect oncoming traffic when you’re making a left turn at an intersection and apply the brakes if it senses a risk.

Smart climate control

The EV9’s smart climate control system is designed for both comfort and efficiency. It features a three-zone automatic system, allowing the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to set their own preferred temperatures.

A key feature for an electric SUV is its highly efficient heat pump. This system scavenges waste heat from the electric motors and battery to help warm the cabin, significantly reducing the energy drain that traditional heaters cause in cold weather. This helps preserve your EV range during winter months.

You can also use the Kia Connect app on your smartphone to pre-condition the cabin. This allows you to heat or cool the interior to your desired temperature before you even get in, all while the vehicle is still plugged in and charging.

Pros and Cons

The Kia EV9 GT-Line gets a lot of things right, from its spacious interior to its impressive tech. But like any vehicle, it has a few areas where it could be better.

Key advantages

The Kia EV9 GT-Line shines with its exceptional comfort, which many find superior to competitors like the Rivian R1S. Its real-world EV range often exceeds official estimates, providing confidence for daily driving and road trips alike.

Inside, you get a huge amount of space, high-quality sustainable materials, and user-friendly tech like wireless Apple CarPlay. The 800-volt architecture allows for incredibly fast DC fast charging, a major practical advantage. For its size and feature set, it offers tremendous value, especially when backed by Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Areas for improvement

While the ride is generally comfortable, some drivers have noticed a persistent vibration from the center console at highway speeds. The rear suspension can also feel a bit “floaty” or unsettled on roads with rolling bumps, lacking the firm control found in some rivals.

The soft suspension tuning, while great for comfort, means the handling isn’t as sharp or responsive as more performance-oriented SUVs. These are minor issues for a family vehicle but could be noticeable to drivers who prioritize a sporty feel.

Kia EV9 – The Affordable 3-Row Electric SUV

The 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line successfully blends comfort, technology, and a practical electric driving range into a single, stylish package. It’s an electric SUV that feels designed for real family life, with tons of space and thoughtful details like easy third-row access and deep door bins.

The fast charging capability makes road trips genuinely feasible, and features like the rear sunshades and premium materials show that Kia was paying attention to what families actually need.

For anyone in the market for a three-row electric SUV, the EV9 checks more boxes than almost any competitor in its price range. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style or practicality to go electric. After spending months with it, it’s clear that this vehicle makes everyday driving easier, especially when it looks as good as it does in Ocean Blue.

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