First drive in the Kia EV9: The three-row electric SUV many consumers have been waiting for
Three months after opening US orders for the long-anticipated three-row EV9 SUV, the folks at Kia invited media out to wine country to test drive it for the first time. We’ve already had up-close encounters with the EV9, but this was our first chance to take it for a spin and really test everything inside and out (including that third row). While you probably can’t put bodybuilders in the back seat, the EV9 delivers in a lot of ways other OEMs are not and at a relatively enticing price point.
Table of contents
A quick Kia EV9 recap leading up to the test drive
This latest drive event (personally my first with Kia) was three years in the making, as the EV9 SUV’s origin dates back to its debut as a concept at the LA Auto Show in 2021. I was present at that unveiling and felt early on that if Kia and Hyundai Motor Group could deliver an EV that looked similar, offered maximum interior space, and had above-average range; it would be a home run with consumers… as long as the price was right too.
As always, that’s easier said than done… especially words coming from the comfort of my standing desk or, in this case, a not-so-roomy United Airlines seat. Nevertheless, we at Electrek (myself included) were pleasantly surprised at how similar the production-intent EV9 stayed to its conceptual design.
2023 was a huge year for Kia in a lot of ways, but EV9’s development was a huge part of that narrative, even if it wasn’t a genuine contributor to its record US sales (yet). We watched the EV endure winter testing, begin deliveries in its native Korea, and soon learned EU pricing.
By last summer, we learned the Korean automaker was expanding its US facility to include EV9 production – Kia’s first BEV to be built in America and eventually qualifying for (some) federal tax credits (more on that later).
From the onset of reservations, demand has far outweighed availability – an encouraging sign for the automaker that has anticipated great success with its first bespoke SUV on the E-GMP platform.
Kia turned some heads in September when it shared that the EV9 would start at an MSRP below $55,000 in the US, further teasing my appetite to test drive this model and see if it delivers on comfort and performance.
While this was easily the latest media test drive event I’ve personally experienced (EV9’s have already been delivered to some of my non-media friends), it was my best opportunity nonetheless to open up the top-tier GT-Line around wine country, and I took full advantage.
Here are my thoughts.
The Kia EV9 is premium, not luxury, roomy but not spacious
The EV9 arrives as part of Kia’s “Plan S” electrification strategy, which will introduce seven new BEV models by 2027.
The design and engineering team developed the SUV as a mainstream competitor to upcoming vehicles like the Hyundai IONIQ 7, Chevy Blazer EV, and Toyota’s bZ4X, but also put a lot of work into the interior and overall driver experience to try and compete against more luxury EV models like the Tesla Model Y and Model X, Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX, and Rivian R1S – all of which were benchmarked.
After driving all of these EVs and now the EV, Kia’s EV wins or at least remains competitive in a lot of categories, especially its third row. That being said, the third row may very well still underwhelm some consumers. They’ve definitely got Tesla beat though!
To give you an idea of what I was working with, I’ll detail the specs of the EV9 GT-Line – the fully-loaded SUV option from Kia that each of us media got to drive in Napa, California. Its dual-motor AWD powertrain delivers 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The HMG E-GMP platform features Kia’s larger 99.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which weighs nearly 1,250 pounds by itself.
The GT-Line can deliver a top speed of 124 mph and accelerate 0-60 mph in five seconds – 4.5 if you use “Boost Mode” (available as an add-on for the lower trims). Since interior space has been a huge selling point on this EV from day one, I’ll also share some of the interior dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 122 inches (7.8 inches longer than the Kia Telluride)
- Headroom (dual sunroof on GT-Line):
- Front Row: 39.6 inches
- Second Row: 38.8 inches
- Third Row: 39.5 inches
- Legroom (with second row captains chairs):
- Front Row: 41.4 inches
- Second Row: 42.8 inches
- Third Row: 32 inches
That’s quite a drop-off in roominess to the third row, but I’ll admit, the EV9 delivered much more room than most third rows I’ve ever experienced, especially in EVs. For added perspective, Kia shared that the EV9 offers more total legroom than the Audi Q8 e-tron, the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, and Tesla Model Y, and more third-row headroom (+0.9″) and shoulder room (+3.9″) than the Rivian R1S. Notice no mention of more legroom, though. Here are some images from the third row:
I know I’m putting a lot of emphasis on the third-row, but that’s a huge selling point used by Kia to get US consumers to want to drive the EV9. That said, let’s focus on my actual drive and my honest opinion of the Kia EV9. Here are some more images of the overall interior. Quality without flashiness and soooo many USB-C ports throughout.
EV9 could be the quietest EV I’ve ever driven
I’m leading with this because it’s a feature that is often overlooked or undervalued because you’re either blasting Pop2K on Sirius XM and not paying attention, or your driving a rattly Model Y and you’re praying for solace.
Before the drive, Kia executives told us the EV9 was quiet – a 58.2-decibel interior at 55 mph (comparable to a Range Rover interior). This is something you don’t truly appreciate until you experience it yourself, though. Between the electric motor, quiet sealed interior cabin, and noise-canceling EV tires, the EV9 was eerily quiet, even at high speeds.
I found the overall feel of the drive very smooth and acceleration with the dual motors to be adequate for confidently overtaking other vehicles on the highway. Still, we were a long way from goosebumps in terms of pure speed. And that’s fine. This EV isn’t trying to be a track car but more of a comfortable, polished, and tech-forward family vehicle, which it accomplishes tenfold.
The user interface was intuitive and easy to learn. The paddles on the back of the wheel were easy for switching between regen modes – you know I love my i-Pedal driving, so that’s where I stayed most of my drive. Still, I love that Kia offers several levels of regenerative braking for the new EV9 drivers as they get more comfortable with the nuances of one-pedal EV driving. Once you learn it, you don’t want to go back!
I initially had trouble finding how to switch drive modes until a tech pointed out it was right under my nose at the bottom of the steering wheel. I didn’t notice a lot of variance between eco, normal, or even sport mode, despite Kia executives telling me how fast that latter mode is (I politely disagree, but I wasn’t expecting hot laps and squealing hairpin turns either).
Sport Mode is still where I had the most fun (at the expense of my driving partner Runjhun’s stomach). I found the suspension slightly looser overall and a bit more “giddy up,” but still nothing particularly hair-raising.
The suspension overall was my biggest qualm with the Kia EV9 during my drive. We felt a lot of bumps, even at lower speeds, and obstacles like speed bumps were surprisingly uncomfortable to pass over. In that sense, I longed for the air suspension of a dual motor Rivian.
During my drive, I got to test out the EV9’s highway drive assist, which allows for lane keep, a safe distance behind other cars, and even seamless lane changes by simply activating a turn signal. I found the ADAS to be more than adequate and would definitely take advantage during longer drives in the EV9… just not too long, depending on which trim you choose.
As mentioned above, Kia caught consumer attention when it announced US owners could drive off in a new EV9 for $54,900. Granted, that’s for the bare-bones RWD Light trim with only 230 miles of range, but still – that’s a solid start for the amount of interior space, quality materials, and advanced tech you get in this SUV.
Remember – the EV9 is on an 800V platform capable of 210 kW peak charge power and replenishment in 24 minutes. Not to mention its vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H), and, one day, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities once energy companies start to play nice.
On the other end of the spectrum, the GT-Line trim of the Kia EV9 I got to drive starts at $73,900. Expensive, yes. But it’s better when you compare it to the rest of the BEV market and nearly all of the EV models benchmarked by Kia mentioned above. Some of those competitors are pushing $100k starting MSRPs for slightly more luxurious interiors and a little more range.
I wouldn’t spring for the GT-Line to get all add-ons like Boost Mode and unique wheels. The AWD Wind or the Land trims, however, intrigue me. You still get dual motors, the 99.8 kWh battery, and the same horsepower, but with more range (280 miles vs. 270 miles on the GT-Line).
Those trims start at $63,900 and $69,900 respectively. I’d even be smitten with the RWD Light trim and its 304 miles of range for under $60k – although, if I truly know myself, I’d miss the instant acceleration of the dual motors.
While some consumers may be initially turned off by the price or range of the Kia EV9, I think a broader look at the rest of the market serves the argument that this is one of the most equipped and tech-forward electric SUVs available right now at a price that beats most all of its competitors.
Younger people looking to start families and go electric have been waiting for a vehicle like this, and I don’t think it will disappoint. I foresee it doing well globally, especially in the SUV-crazed US.
Add federal tax credits to the equation when EV9 production begins in Georgia later this year, and that only sweetens the deal. Hell, I’d say lease one and take advantage of the full $7,500 credit at the point of sale, then revisit whatever Hyundai Motor Group is working on two or three years from now. The way they’re delivering quality EVs, you may be ready for an IONIQ 7 or Genesis SUV in the future, and those EVs will probably have even more impressive specs at fair prices.
I’ve said it many times, but I will repeat it. Is anyone doing more in the electric mobility space than Hyundai and Kia right now? I’d argue no.
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In a bid to get it above the $1.00/share NASDAQ-required minimum, fledgling EV brand Polestar ($PSNY) is rumored to be considering a 1:30 reverse stock split that could see the per-share price rocket up to nearly $16.
Geely-owned Volvo spinoff Polestar is working as hard as Tesla to prove that stock prices have little or nothing to do with traditional business fundamentals in 2025.
That’s because Polestar posted a 36.5% increase in retail sales and a heady 48.8% increase in revenue (to $2.17 billion) over the year before, Polestar’s share price has plummeted more than 35% in a matter of a few weeks – culminating in an unwelcome nastygram from NASDAQ threatening to delist the company’s shares from the NASDAQ if they didn’t climb back up above $1.
It looks bad
To goose the share price, CarScoops is reporting that Polestar aims to move forward with the reverse stock split before the end of 2025. The expected 1:30 reverse split would boost the PSNY price to an estimated $15.90 per share at current prices, keeping the brand well out of risk of a delisting.
In a reverse stock split, each share of the company is converted into a fraction of a share – so, if a company announces a one for ten reverse stock split (1:10), every ten shares that you own will be converted into a single share. In a 1:30 reverse split like the one rumored here, every thirty shares in Polestar would become a single share.
The reverse split increases share price, but it’s not without risk:
A company may declare a reverse stock split in an effort to increase the trading price of its shares – for example, when it believes the trading price is too low to attract investors to purchase shares, or in an attempt to regain compliance with minimum bid price requirements of an exchange on which its shares trade … investors may lose money as a result of fluctuations in trading prices following reverse stock splits.
That’s especially relevant because, despite the increased sales and revenue, the company is also posting increased losses. Through September, the brand posted a $1.56 billion net loss compared to an $867 million loss in the first nine months of 2024. The company is also getting hit hard by Trump-imposed tariffs in the US and increased downward pressure on pricing coming from aggressive post-tax credit discounts from rival brands like BMW and Kia.
If the split does happen, here’s hoping Polestar can make the most of their borrowed time and they don’t end up like Lordstown Motors or Faraday Future – two brands that have pulled similar reverse stock splits with dubious results.
Electrek’s Take
Product-wise, at least, Polestar’s future appears to be bright. The new 3 crossover is a viable competitor to the industry-leading Tesla Model Y, and the upcoming Polestar 4 and 5 models seem like winners, too. To drive that point home, Polestar is promoting up to $18,000 in lease incentives to lure Tesla buyers into their showrooms.
You can find out more about Polestar’s killer EV deals on the full range of Polestar models, from the 2 to the 4, below, then let us know what you think of the three-pointed star’s latest discount dash in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
SOURCE: CarScoops; images via Polestar.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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With its sleek, uncluttered styling and more than 100 miles of battery-electric range before the extended range electric sedan’s gas engine kicks on, maybe the new Nissan N6 really should have been the next Maxima!
Struggling Japanese carmaker Nissan is dealing with an aging lineup and a brand identity driven more by subprime financing than any suggestion of reliability or sportiness here in the US – but overseas? The brand is rolling out hit after hit, and the latest Nissan N6 plug-in sedan promises exactly the sort of entry-level panache that could change its American fortunes.
“Under our Re:Nissan plan, we are redefining what Nissan delivers today and beyond,” explains Nissan President and CEO Ivan Espinosa. “It’s about strengthening our core, reigniting Nissan’s heartbeat, and creating products that inspire excitement and trust. It is about a sharper, more focused product strategy, a stronger brand, and a renewed commitment to our customers. Integral to this transformation is China — an essential market whose speed, technological leadership, and customer insights are setting the pace for the global auto industry.”
Developed by the Nissan Dongfeng JV in China, the new N6 is more compact that the well-received N7 BEV. In fact, the new Nissan N6, at 190.1″ long, compares nicely to the 192.8″ length of the most recent (and largest-ever) US Maxima, discontinued in 2023. Like the Maxima, the top-shelf version features modern, near-luxe features like soft, leather-like surfaces, LED mood lighting, multi-way adjustable seats, and mimosas or something.
Mimosas or something
The four or five passengers inside the N6 are propelled down the road exclusively by the car’s 208 hp electric motor, which is efficient enough to take you 112 miles on a full charge of its 21.1 kWh LFP battery. Once that charge is depleted, a 1.5L gas engine kicks on as a high-efficiency generator to keep the good times rolling.
Nissan says the N6′ exterior design, “features a V-Motion signature grille and expressive LED lighting at the front and rear.” And says that the car’s crisp lines give it, “a confident, dynamic presence.”
All of which sounds good on its own, but sounds absolutely miraculous when you consider the car’s Chinese price: ¥106,900 – or about $15,000 US for the base Nissan N6 180 Pro, as I type this.
Even with a nearly 100% markup to give it a $29,990 price tag in the US, I think the N6 would be a huge hit in the North American market. And – good news! – thanks to Canada’s apparent willingness to give Chinese carmakers a shot, we might find out if I’m right somewhat sooner than later.
Check out the Nissan N6 image gallery, below, then let us know what you think of the car’s US and Canadian appeal in the comments.
Nissan N6 gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: Nissan.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Environment
BLUETTI just dropped new home backup power stations – and slashed prices up to 65% for Black Friday
Whether you’re prepping for winter power outages, loading up the RV for a long-haul trip, or want clean, reliable power anywhere you go, BLUETTI has a portable power option for every need. And right now, the clean energy experts are offering up to 65% off their most popular products for Black Friday – plus they’ve just dropped two major new releases: the Elite 400 and B500K expansion battery.
Here’s a complete guide to what’s new, what’s on sale, and how to pick the model that fits your lifestyle best. There are also some special deals just for Electrek readers, so don’t miss out!
For home backup + outdoor adventures: Elite 200 V2 and all-new Elite 400
Elite 200 V2 – Best value for backup, camping, and van life
BLUETTI’s Elite 200 V2 is designed for power users who need versatility. It’s nicknamed the “Swiss Army Knife” of portable power stations because it powers everything from your fridge to your laptop — whether you’re off the grid or just want to keep the lights on during a storm.
Key specs:
- Battery capacity: 2,073.6Wh
- Continuous power output: 2,600W (3,900W surge)
- 9 output ports: AC, DC, USB-C, and more
- Recharges to 80% in just over one hour
- Ultra-quiet 16 dB operation
- LiFePO₄ battery with a 17-year lifespan (3,500+ cycles)
Who it’s for:
- RVers, weekend campers, off-grid explorers, small cabin owners
- Homeowners looking for dependable backup power
Commonly powered devices: Mini-fridges, coffee makers, power tools, microwaves, kettles, electric blankets, laptops, LED lights, wifi routers
Its compact profile makes it easy to tuck away in an RV cabinet, trunk, or apartment closet.
Elite 200 V2 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $1,699, and it’s on sale for the record-low price of $699 – that’s a 59% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Elite 400 Rolling Power Station — New and optimized for home
Launching November 15, the Elite 400 is a powerful 3.8kWh portable station designed with mobility and backup readiness in mind. With built-in wheels, a telescoping handle, and side grips, you can roll it anywhere – even if you’re flying solo.
Key specs:
- Battery capacity: 3,840Wh
- Continuous power output: 2,600W (3,900W lifting power)
- 9 output ports for simultaneous device charging
- 15ms UPS switchover during power outages
- Recharges to 80% in 70 minutes using AC + solar
- Low standby energy use (3W) with app-control wakeup and timers
Who it’s for:
- Homeowners needing serious backup power
- Outdoor event hosts, road trippers, off-grid enthusiasts
Commonly powered devices: Full-size refrigerators, sump pumps, CPAP machines, space heaters, power tools, projectors, outdoor cooking appliances, large TVs
Whether you’re powering your home in a blackout or running a campsite movie night, the Elite 400 delivers enough capacity to handle just about anything.
The new Elite 400 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $2,999, and it’s making its debut on November 15 for $1,499 – that’s a 50% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
For whole-home power and off-grid living: Meet the new B500K expansion battery
If you’re looking for a system that grows with your energy needs, the B500K expansion battery delivers massive storage potential at a competitive cost of around $0.33/Wh – making it an excellent choice for users seeking higher capacity than the well-acclaimed B300K. Paired with the Apex 300, it also qualifies for the soon-to-end 30% Federal Tax Credit. Designed to integrate seamlessly into BLUETTI’s modular ecosystem, it’s ideal for home battery backup or off-grid setups.
Key specs:
- Supports up to 100 kWh storage (paired with Apex 300 system)
- Compatible with BLUETTI’s SolarX 4K, B300K, Hub D1, and more
- Acts as both standalone power or an expansion battery
- Future-proof with long-term ecosystem integration
The new B500K expansion battery is regularly priced at $2,999, and it’s making its debut on November 15 for $1,699 – that’s a 43% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Ideal bundles:
- Apex 300 + B500K: Best for large homes, off-grid living, and whole-home backup. With a larger individual capacity, the B500K enables a plug-and-play power system that can be expanded to a massive 100 kWh with the Apex 300. It provides 3.8 kW of power output and 7,884.8 Wh of capacity in total.
The Apex 300 + B500K Home Battery Backup is priced at $4,998, and it’s on sale for Black Friday for $3,098 – that’s a 38% discount.
- Apex 300 + B300K: The Apex 300, paired with the B300K, provides 5.5 kWh of capacity and up to 3.8kW of power output, offering smaller households or remote cabins reliable off-grid energy with room to scale. It’s an ideal way to support essential loads, such as refrigerators, lights, fans, and wifi routers, without the need to invest in a larger setup.
The Apex 300 + B300K is normally priced at $4,098, and it’s on sale for Black Friday for $2,299 –that’s a 44% discount.
Plus! Both bundles are fully eligible for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit through December 2025.
For everyday portability: Elite 30 V2 and the new Elite 10
Elite 30 V2 – now in EcoTide colors
If you need lightweight, flexible power for camping, car trips, desk-side charging, or college dorm use, the Elite 30 V2 is the sweet spot. Weighing just 4.3 kg, it’s a portable backup that fits in your backpack or on a small shelf. Plus, it comes in six fun colors.
Key specs:
- Battery capacity: 288Wh
- Continuous power output: 600W (1,500W surge)
- 9 output ports including 140W USB-C PD
- Charges to 80% in 45 minutes
- Quiet operation under 30 dB
- 10-year LiFePO₄ battery lifespan, with a 5-year warranty
Ideal for powering: Laptops, DSLR cameras, portable fans, smartphones, drones, modems, LED lighting, external hard drives
It’s perfect for digital nomads, travelers, or anyone who needs reliable backup power without adding bulk.
Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station is regularly priced at $304, and it’s on sale for $199 – that’s a 35% discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can buy it on BLUETTI’s website here and on Amazon here.
Sneak preview: The new Elite 10 – pocket-sized power
Launching on November 20, the palm-sized Elite 10 is BLUETTI’s most compact power station yet. It’s the perfect in-between if a power bank won’t cut it, but you don’t want a full-sized power station.
Key specs:
- Battery capacity: 128Wh
- Power output: 200W AC (300W peak, 400W surge)
- 5 DC outlets + 200W AC outlet
- Fully recharges in 70 minutes
- LED light modes: reading, warm, SOS
Perfect for powering: Bluetooth speakers, portable fans, DSLR cameras, tablets, Chromebooks, routers, handheld consoles, mini-fridges
Small enough to slip into a tote, train bag, or glovebox, the Elite 10 is built for everyday carry and quick power access.
The Elite 10 launches next week and is said to be the best budget-friendly option yet – available for under $150, and rumored to go even lower. You’ll be able to grab it on BLUETTI’s website and on Amazon here starting November 20.
Electrek exclusive discounts
In addition to the fantastic Black Friday Cyber Monday sale prices, up to 65% off, BLUETTI is offering a special discount code just for Electrek readers!
- 95% of BLUETTI products qualify for an extra 5% off with code: ELECTREK5OFF
- The new Elite 400 and all Apex 300 series products qualify for 6% off with code: ELECTREK6OFF
Now is the best time to invest in a power system that’s quiet, clean, and ready whenever you need it – at home or beyond the grid.
The trusted name offers a full lineup of portable power stations to keep you charged – whether a winter storm hits or you’re enjoying outdoor adventures – and stay charged, no matter where life takes you.
Follow BLUETTI on Twitter/X here and on Facebook here.
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