Edmunds gave the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line a strong 86/100 score, awarding it their Best of the Best designation and calling it the best electric three-row SUV on sale. The vehicle excels in livability with mesh headrests that feel like "cushy little hammocks," an interior that feels like a living room, and exceptional back-seat amenities, while also impressing with 200+ miles of range added in 30 minutes and build quality that surpasses the Tesla Model Y. The main weakness is cabin tech, where illuminated dashboard buttons require annoyingly specific pressing locations, though the EV9 does compensate with physical controls and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV9 is best suited for three-row EV buyers who prioritize interior comfort, practicality, and charging speed over cutting-edge infotainment interfaces.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Kia EV9 GT a solidly positive 74/100 rating, praising its stunning design with the exclusive GT star matte light signature and cube-style headlights, as well as its impressive performance delivering 501 horsepower and 0-60 acceleration in the low 4-second range in a three-row family SUV. The cabin tech and livability shine throughout, featuring heated and ventilated seats with 20 adjustment points, one-touch window controls, and an adaptive suspension with adjustable dampers that balance ride and handling. However, the reviewer expresses disappointment that Kia didn't upgrade the battery to the larger 110 kWh pack available in competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 9, which will likely result in reduced range, and the pricing reaching nearly $90,000 for a fully loaded GT offers questionable value. The EV9 GT is best suited for buyers seeking electrified three-row family capability with genuine performance thrills and premium interior quality, provided they're willing to accept the premium price tag and modest range trade-offs.

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT earns a solid 76/100, with Auto Buyers Guide praising its aggressive design (including a software-defined front grille and yellow accents), spacious three-row livability with powered second-row seats and a roomy third row, and strong performance credentials delivering 501 horsepower and a 4.3-second 0-60 time. However, the GT struggles with economy—achieving only 25/100—due to slower charging at Tesla Superchargers compared to EA stations and reduced range from larger tires, while its $80,000+ price tag and ineligibility for federal tax credits raise value concerns. This high-performance family SUV targets buyers willing to sacrifice efficiency and affordability for three-row space and acceleration.

SavageGeese gives the 2025 Kia EV9 a solidly positive 64/100 rating, praising its exceptional reliability and driving technology—particularly its quiet operation, intuitive one-pedal regenerative braking, and material quality that "serves as a blueprint for other brands"—plus outstanding cabin tech with physical controls throughout and genuinely comfortable headrests. The vehicle stumbles in economy and design, with the larger battery charging slowly despite 800-volt architecture and cargo space that feels undersized for a battery platform, while livability is mixed due to issues like the second-row ottoman digging painfully into your calf and front seats that don't recline fully. Value presents a mixed picture: while leasing at $300-400/month makes it comparable to a Honda Civic, the $70,000-$75,000 top trims are "asinine" and financing at those prices risks brutal depreciation. The EV9 is ideal for families seeking an electric lease rather than a purchase, particularly those transitioning from Honda or Toyota gas vehicles.

Redline Reviews gave the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line a strong 90/100 OctaneScore, praising its design, technology, and efficiency as standout strengths—the reviewer highlighted its striking styling that "looks like an electric version of the Kia Telluride," customizable digital grille patterns, smartphone digital key, and up to 304 miles of range on the long-range battery. The GT-Line's dual-motor system delivers 379 hp and hits 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while its three-row seating comfortably fits seven passengers, though cargo space with the third row up is limited to just over 20 cubic feet. The primary drawback is value, scoring just 38/100—the EV9 starts at nearly $55,000 and gets pricier at the top end, though Kia's $7,500 cash incentives help offset costs and undercut competitors like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S. This three-row electric family SUV suits buyers who prioritize striking design, advanced tech, and practicality over affordability.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2026 Kia EV9 a positive 65/100 OctaneScore, praising its exceptional value (89/100) with pricing starting at $56,395 plus available discounts, and impressive performance (88/100) including 0-60 acceleration in under 5 seconds and reliable performance even at 20% battery charge. The vehicle excels in livability (83/100) with notably tall door openings, a flat floor cabin, and exceptional interior width, while also delivering strong economy (82/100) with fast charging times—the smaller battery reaching 80% in just 18 minutes. The main caveat is a reliability concern (0/100) where the interior feels less premium compared to the less expensive EV6, and the North American model lacks LiDAR sensors that were on prototypes. The EV9 is recommended for shoppers seeking a three-row EV with strong value and performance, particularly those prioritizing spacious, practical family transportation over cutting-edge autonomous features.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Kia EV9 a strongly positive 79/100 rating, praising its design and cabin technology as exceptional standouts—the GT Line trim achieves luxury-car aesthetics with customizable LED patterns, and the driver's seat features inflatable bolsters, massage functions, and powered adjustable steering. The EV9 also delivers impressive three-row livability with 2 inches more headroom than the Tesla Model X and legroom comparable to the best American SUVs, while its 201 to 379 horsepower output handles performance requirements well. The primary drawback is value, as the EV9 starts at $56,395—roughly $20,000 more than the gas-powered Telluride—and most versions fall short of 100 MPGe efficiency on combined cycles. The EV9 is best suited for buyers prioritizing interior space, premium cabin design, and three-row electric seating over affordability.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2024 Kia EV9 a strong 84/100 rating, praising it as America's biggest and most family-friendly three-row EV. The vehicle excels in livability and cabin tech, featuring 2.5 inches more third-row headroom than the Tesla Model X, latch anchors in both third-row seats, and thoughtful features like powered second-row seats with child-seat sensors and remote-controlled front trunk access. Value presents a mixed picture, with the EV9 undercutting the Model X on price but ranging from $56,000 to nearly $80,000, which may stretch some budgets. The EV9 is ideal for families prioritizing spacious seating and child-friendly features over premium pricing.

Redline Reviews gave the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line a solid positive rating (77/100), praising its design and driving technology as standouts—particularly the aggressive GT-Line styling with gloss black accents and the comprehensive 360-degree camera system with blind-spot display. The cabin tech impressed across the board with wireless Apple CarPlay, a 14-speaker Meridian system, and digital key 2.0, while the three-row seating addresses a real gap in the EV market with 7-passenger capacity and competitive cargo space comparable to the Telluride. The main tradeoffs are the economy score (50/100 mixed) and value proposition, with a steep $25,000 price jump from base to GT-Line trim and optional $2,000 captain's chairs that further squeeze third-row space. The EV9 is best suited for buyers seeking the practicality and interior quality of a gas Telluride but ready to go fully electric without sacrificing three-row seating.

Edmunds gave the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line a positive 67/100 rating, praising its exceptional livability with a planted suspension, tranquil everyday driving experience, and whisper-quiet cabin, plus excellent driving tech like one-pedal regenerative braking and rear-seat climate control. Performance is respectable with a 4.7-second 0-60 time, though the 119-foot braking distance is merely adequate, and real-world range of 306 miles exceeded EPA estimates. The major drawback is value—the GT-Line costs roughly $20,000 more than a fully loaded gas-powered Telluride, and even the base model starts around $56,000, making this vehicle best suited for buyers prioritizing comfort, technology, and electric power over affordability.

Doug DeMuro gives the 2024 Kia EV9 a positive 72/100 rating, praising it as the first mainstream three-row reasonably affordable electric SUV with exceptional strengths in driving technology (360-degree camera, blind spot display, camera rearview mirror), economy (230-300+ miles of range, 100 miles in under 15 minutes DC fast charging), and cabin quality that feels luxurious despite Kia's non-luxury brand status. The main caveat is pricing, which DeMuro notes starts around $56,000 and reaches $75,000 for the top model—expensive for a three-row family SUV despite being more affordable than competing electric three-rows—and the base rear-wheel-drive model's meager 250 horsepower feels underpowered. The EV9 is an ideal choice for families prioritizing electric practicality and interior space over outright performance or rock-bottom pricing.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the Kia EV9 a strong positive review with an OctaneScore of 88/100, praising its exceptional value and driving technology as standout strengths—the vehicle undercuts competitors like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S by thousands of dollars while offering hands-free driving capability via optional dual lidar sensors on higher trims. The EV9 also excels in livability with a genuinely usable third-row that fits adults and ranks as one of the largest three-row crossovers at just over 197 inches, plus it achieves an impressive 0.28 coefficient of drag despite its boxy design. The main caveat is performance and range—base models hit 0-60 in 7.7 seconds and the vehicle won't reach 400-500 mile ranges due to its size and weight, and the lowest-scored dimension is design at 77/100, though the reviewer still appreciated the distinctive aesthetic. The EV9 is ideal for buyers considering a Kia Telluride who want to switch to electric power with three-row practicality and modern safety technology at a competitive price point.

Edmunds gives the 2024 Kia EV9 a strong 90/100 rating, praising it as an excellent family electric SUV that delivers impressive performance and outstanding value. The standout strengths are its spacious three-row interior that fits seven passengers and their gear, dual-motor acceleration that rivals a Tesla Model Y at 0-60 in five seconds, and an affordable starting price undercutting luxury competitors like the Model X and Rivian R1S. The main drawbacks are a somewhat convoluted infotainment system with excessive menus and Kia's refusal to offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forcing owners to plug in their phones. The EV9 is built for families and buyers seeking practical three-row electric transportation without the premium pricing of luxury brands.

Redline Reviews gave the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line an exceptional 99/100 OctaneScore, praising its outstanding design with the evolved tiger face grille and digital LED headlights, its impressive livability with three rows of seating and SUV-like capability, and strong performance delivering 379 horsepower and 0-60 in five seconds on the dual-motor model. The cabin tech also impresses with dual 12-inch displays, heated/ventilated seats, and vehicle-to-load functionality, while the 800-volt architecture enables sub-25-minute fast charging to 80 percent and up to 300 miles of range on the GT-Line. With no significant negatives noted and pricing expected under $80,000 with eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit, the EV9 is positioned as an ideal choice for families seeking a spacious, tech-forward electric SUV.