The Automobile Connection Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2024

In its first mannequin yr, the Kia EV9 earns prime honors as The Automobile Connection Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2024. It is the primary reasonably priced battery electrical three-row crossover SUV, it embraces the boxy form of the traditional SUV whereas smoothing it down for aerodynamics, it is extra enjoyable to drive than most three-row rivals, and, beginning at $56,395, it is a relative worth. Greater than something, it marks an evolutionary step ahead for the automotive trade, permitting households to go that household mile with out breaking the household finances. 

Seating as much as seven passengers, the all-electric EV9 boasts a 304-mile vary with the 99.8-kwh battery pack fitted on Gentle Lengthy Vary fashions for about $61,000. The bottom Gentle with a smaller 76.1-kwh pack and 230-mile vary prices even much less at $56,395. 

That is not less than $20,000 lower than three-row electrical crossovers such because the Rivian R1S, Tesla Mannequin X, and Mercedes EQS SUV, and it must be significantly lower than the forthcoming Volvo EX90 and two Cadillac fashions. It may very well be even cheaper in 2024, when Kia shifts manufacturing from South Korea to West Level, Georgia. That ought to make it eligible for not less than a few of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit score. 

We acknowledge that it is not low cost. Regardless that it was our editorial workforce’s consensus winner, there was a powerful and almost convincing argument for the redesigned Chevrolet Trax. The good-looking hatchback marketed as a crossover prices solely $21,495 and comes normal with options similar to an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports, cruise management, and driver-assist expertise similar to computerized emergency braking, lively lane management, and computerized high-beam headlights.

The bigger second-generation Trax was the unquestioned winner of our Greatest Financial system Automobile To Purchase 2024, and it almost toppled the EV9. Whereas the Trax resets a bar proving that an affordable automotive can nonetheless be good, the EV9 strikes the bar far ahead. 

It is essentially the most family-friendly car of the three electrical vehicles nominated as finalists (Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Nissan Ariya) for our Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2024, and it is one among three three-row SUVs, together with the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander.

Whereas nonetheless costly, the relative worth of the Kia EV9 is simply a part of its attraction. It seems like an evolutionary step ahead from the Kia Telluride, and its boxy form belies its low coefficient of drag (for an SUV) of 0.28. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with the bigger pack is offered for about $5,000 greater than the Gentle Lengthy Vary. The twin-motor vary of 280 miles drops to 270 miles on the loaded GT-Line and its bigger wheels, however that $75,395 GT-Line and its increase in torque from 443 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft shaves its 60 mph time to an impressively mild 5.0 seconds. It additionally handles a lot smaller than it appears, with a low middle of gravity holding it extra planted than different three-row SUVs on this class. 

It optimizes area higher than gas-powered three-rows as effectively. Regardless that it matches the Telluride in most proportions, it has a wheelbase that is almost eight inches longer, making for a roomier cabin in seven- or six-seat configurations. A floating two-tiered middle console leaves the ground open, however the area under the armrest pulls out right into a drawer for second-row passengers to entry.

The second row of seats will be configured with a three-seat bench, or with captain’s chairs that may recline together with the entrance seats. Two teenagers can match within the third row however tall or leggy adults might want to negotiate with mid-row passengers for appropriate seating positions. Cargo room measures out to twenty.2 cubic ft behind the final row of seats, however power-fold down the second row and flip the third row down for as much as 81.9 cubic ft of storage. 

Kia is aware of its target market, and fills the EV9 with fashionable conveniences demanded by the household unit. Each row has not less than two USB ports, driver-assist options similar to computerized emergency braking entrance and adaptive cruise management come normal, and AWD fashions get a warmth pump and heated steering wheel. Moreover, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster curved right into a 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with wi-fi smartphone compatibility, and wi-fi smartphone charging comes on most fashions.

We discovered few faults in our annual Greatest Automobile To Purchase testing, however principally as a result of we had been in search of them. The sprint supplies lack the luxury-like end anticipated at this worth, partly as a result of Kia pushed extra recycled and sustainable components into the cabin. The suspension can really feel unsorted when pushed exhausting, with a bent to plow, however we doubt most drivers will ever search such extremes. That relative EV worth remains to be not less than $10,000 greater than the typical worth customers are paying for a three-row car. 

Factoring the totality of its belongings not solely in opposition to different three-row SUVs however in opposition to different new vehicles, and it is clear that the EV9 rises above each one among them. 

Learn extra about our Greatest Automobile To Purchase previous winners. 

Learn in regards to the phase winners of The Automobile Connection’s Greatest Automobile To Purchase 2024 awards, and discover out which automobiles took residence prime honors from our sister websites, Motor Authority and Inexperienced Automobile Studies.