As the world continues to call for sustainability, automakers are responding by introducing more electric vehicles to their lineups. Kia introduced its EV6 in 2021 and now has another electric SUV in its lineup, the EV9. This SUV is a big deal for the South Korean car brand for many reasons, but its price tag will have some people questioning if it’s worth it.

How much will the 2024 Kia EV9 cost?

It’s a new nameplate and is part of the automaker’s plans to have 11 new electric cars in the market by 2026. The new EV9 is set to go on sale in late 2023 and will be available in four trims. The base trim Standard RWD is speculated to carry a $54,900 price tag. Other trims include the Standard RWD Long Range, Standard AWD, and GT-Line.

So far, the electrification of vehicles has mostly been left to sedans and pickup trucks. Since the transition is still in its infancy, most automakers aren’t rushing to make electric SUV options, which is why the Kia EV9 is a huge deal. The 2024 Kia EV9 is a three-row SUV that’s slightly larger than the Telluride.

The base model is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor that generates 215 hp. The Standard RWD Long Range trim adds a bigger battery but drops its horsepower to 201 hp. The all-wheel trims have a dual motor arrangement that makes a combined 379 hp.

Kia says it will introduce a performance-oriented GT model in 2025, which could generate as much as 576 hp. The automaker also claimed that the rear drive option is capable of a 300-mile range on a single charge.

Kia EV9 vs. other similarly-sized EVs

The Kia EV9 will face some fierce competition from other models like the Tesla Model Y, Rivian RS1, and Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Model Y is one of the best electric SUVs in the market, but its third row isn’t comfortable enough for full-size adults. The EV9 is set to have 180-degree swiveling seats to allow passengers to face each other, which may (or may not) help with the third-row seating comfort issue.

The EV9 has an impressive driving range compared to the base Model Y, which offers 279 miles, while the EQB provides an estimated 250 miles. Kia’s electric SUV, however, doesn’t do well in acceleration. The automaker claims its RWD Long Range model will take 9.4 seconds to hit 60 mph.

In comparison, an AWD Model Y Long Range takes an impressive 4.4 seconds to hit 60, while the EQB is slower at 5.4 seconds but still faster than the EV9. When it comes to pricing, the Model Y leads once more with a starting MSRP of $50,490, while the EQB costs $2,000 less than the EV9 with an MSRP of $52,750. The EV9 beats the Rivian price-wise as the latter has a starting MSRP of $79,800.

Is the 2024 Kia EV9 worth it?

Kia has long been a follower rather than a leader, but the introduction of the EV9 shows great promise in the South Korean automaker making a name for itself in the EV world. The vehicle has a lot going for it, from its slew of tech and safety features like emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

However, while the price is moderately fair, you can score a better electric SUV for much cheaper. If the Model Y isn’t up your alley, you can get the luxury Mercedes-Benz EQB for considerably less.