2025 Kia EV9

Which 2025 Kia EV9 Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2025 Kia EV9 that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2025 Kia EV9 Light Standard Range (RWD)

• Base Price: $54,900
• Range: 230 mi
• Battery Capacity: 76.1 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 235 kW
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 1 electric motor
• Horsepower: 215 
• Torque: 258 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 7.7 sec
• Weight: 5,093 lbs
• Length: 197.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

There's a lot to process with the Standard Range RWD EV9, or "Light RWD" in Kia's parlance. For one thing, it has seating for up to seven, whereas the Long Range RWD variant ("Light Long Range RWD") is capped at six. For another, it only has 230 miles of range, which is by far the worst of any EV9. But the range deficit is no surprise; what's surprising is that this entry-level model actually makes more power than the Long Range RWD. Typically, long-range models make more power from the same motor(s) because they're able to get more juice from their bigger batteries. But that's not the case here, so the rear-drive EV9 variants force you to make a hard choice: Do you want more power or more range?

2. 2025 Kia EV9 Light Long Range (RWD)

• Base Price: $59,900
• Range: 304 mi
• Battery Capacity: 99.8 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 210 kW
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 1 electric motor
• Horsepower: 201 
• Torque: 258 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 8.8 sec
• Weight: 5,313 lbs
• Length: 197.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

Usually we're quick to recommend the pairing of a bigger battery with a single motor, as it tends to yield the best range in the lineup while also unlocking more power from that motor. But the EV9 Long Range RWD (a.ka. "Light Long Range RWD") flips the script. It somehow makes 14 horsepower less than the entry-level EV9 Standard Range RWD (a.k.a. "Light RWD"), yet it weighs significantly more thanks to that upsized battery. It also costs more than $4k extra and has one fewer seat (accommodating six passengers versus seven). Of course, the Long Range RWD's saving grace is right there in its name: You get 304 miles of range in this rig, best in the EV9 lineup and 74 miles better than the Standard Range RWD. But you also get to 60 mph more than one second slower per Kia's own estimates, making the Long Range RWD scandalously slow by the standards of today's $60k SUVs. In short, this particular EV9 is a rather mixed bag.

3. 2025 Kia EV9 Wind Long Range (AWD)

• Base Price: $63,900
• Range: 280 mi
• Battery Capacity: 99.8 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 210 kW
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 2 electric motors
• Horsepower: 379 
• Torque: 516 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 4.5 sec
• Weight: 5,688 lbs
• Length: 197.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

Each variant of the EV9 gives us a lot to talk about. In this case, it's wild that a mere $4,700 upcharge takes you from the Long Range RWD (8.8 seconds to 60) to this Long Range AWD (4.5 seconds). Yes, welcome to the world of EVs, where opting for AWD typically means getting a big boost in acceleration — but not that big! We're also impressed that the range stays strong at 280 miles, which is why this is our favorite EV9 specification. If you want the full seven-passenger seating, get the Wind trim, which is the one that starts at the price noted here; if you'd rather have six-passenger seating, the pricier Land and GT-Line trims come so equipped. If you want the full 5,000-pound towing capacity, get the Land or GT-Line, because the Wind is capped at 3,500 pounds. There are also three wheel sizes — 19", 20" and 21" — offered with the Long-Range AWD powertrain, and since the GT-Line comes standard with the 21s, it technically loses 10 miles of range and consumes 42 kWh/100 mi. We believe that the 280-mile range rating is based on the 20-inch wheels, so it's possible that the Wind's standard 19s could be a bit more efficient. Like we said, a lot to talk about, right? But the bottom line is that the Long Range AWD gives you almost as much range as the Long Range RWD while being essentially twice as quick to accelerate. That's a one-two combo worth paying for. Oh, one final note: The maximum torque figure of 516 lb-ft is standard on GT-Line, but if you want to keep all 516 torques in your Wind or Land trim, Kia will make you pay for it. Don't think it's worth it? You'll be rolled back to 443 lb-ft, though your horsepower stays the same. Strange but true.