Kia is a Hyundai Motor Company brand that competes in most mainstream segments. The automaker produces affordable vehicles that are value-oriented. Kia is enjoying great success with the Telluride midsize SUV nameplate. Here’s why its latest midsize SUV, the EV9, should enjoy the same success in the years to come.

The 2024 Kia EV9 has great genes

The Kia EV9 concept has made several auto show appearances. Kia marketed the electric vehicle as a funky and futuristic midsize SUV that will set the tone for the future. Kia isn’t afraid to deviate from conventional design, as seen with the Kia Soul.

The production model of the midsize electric SUV has a more conservative design, but its defining characteristics remain the same. The Kia EV9 has two clear inspirations: the popular Kia Telluride and the Kia EV6.

The Kia Telluride gained popularity in recent years because of its value proposition. It’s an affordable midsize three-row SUV that comes standard with plenty of creature comforts. The Telluride is also spacious and has a smooth ride. Several automotive publications agree that Kia Telluride is the best option in its segment. It has dominated the midsize three-row SUV space for years, alongside its cousin, the Hyundai palisade.

The Kia EV6 is a small electric SUV that has taken the world by storm. The EV6 is a cousin to the former world car of the year for 2022, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EV6 has a sportier styling, and it’s more performance-oriented, while the Ioniq 5 favors value and practicality. The 2023 Kia EV6 GT is a World Performance Car of the Year finalist. Many consider the small electric SUV the best option in its segment. So, the EV9 has big shoes to fill and is inspired by greatness.

The Kia EV9 is positioned to be an electric Telluride

The introduction of any nameplate can be exciting, but the EV9’s introduction is coupled with sky-high expectations. Why? It resembles the Telluride so closely that consumers and auto enthusiasts can’t help but associate the two models. After all, why wouldn’t the South Korean automaker incorporate some of that same winning formula into the design language of a new nameplate?

The 2024 Kia EV9 is its own SUV, and it’ll evolve to cultivate its own distinct identity over the years. That being said, would it be so bad if the EV9 turned out to be an electric Telluride? Even if Kia has different plans for its midsize electric SUV, there’s no doubt that the company hopes its newest nameplate will achieve the same level of success as the Kia Telluride.

What do drivers want from the Kia EV9?

Kia presented the production version of the 2024 Kia EV9 in Seoul, South Korea, to members of the media. The EV9 appears to be extremely roomy. As far as ride quality and driving dynamics, we’ll have to wait on reviews.

EV drivers will want at least 220-310 miles of driving range from the EV9. The Kia EV6 has a max driving range of 310 miles with the extended range battery back, so it’d be nice to see the brand top that range for the midsize SUV. Drivers also want a heaping helping of torque for the SUV, considering the performance specs on the EV6 GT (446 lb-ft of torque).

Ultimately the 2024 Kia EV9 should be relatively affordable, comfy for passengers, and practical enough to be a daily driver. If Kia checks those boxes, it could have a hit on its hands. Car and Driver claims that the EV9 will release in either late 2023 or early 2024.