The Kia EV9: Everything Eugene Drivers Need To Know About This Electric SUV

Making the switch to electric power can be daunting when your family relies on your vehicle for daily tasks and weekend excursions. The Kia EV9 offers Eugene families three rows of space, a decent driving range, and smooth electric power, which is perfect for cruising on the I-5, campus commutes, or mountain getaways. In this guide, our team at Kiefer Kia provides you with everything you need to know about this electric SUV in Eugene, Oregon, to help you decide whether it’s right for your family.

The EV9 at a Glance

The Kia EV9 stands out as the first budget-friendly three-row electric SUV. It offers a rapid electric response for effortless merging onto I-5 or the Beltline. This vehicle is exceptionally quiet, and some models even offer one-pedal driving, which simplifies navigating through downtown traffic or the congestion after a Duck game.

The EV9 has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s equipped with various advanced driver-assistance technologies to support attentive driving, including cyclist and pedestrian warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and crash avoidance features. Learn more about Kia safety tech.

Range, Charging, and Road-Trip Tips

Most Eugene electric vehicle (EV) owners prefer to charge their cars at home. If you have a standard outlet, Level 1 charging is sufficient for overnight recharges, while a 240-volt Level 2 setup enables quicker charging. It’s essential to consult an electrician before installing your charging configuration to ensure it’s properly supported.

The EV9’s range varies depending on the model, with the Light Long Range version going farthest on a full charge. Oregon winters can reduce the range by 30%, which can be mitigated by warming your car while it’s plugged in, using eco mode, and ensuring that the tires are properly inflated.

Trims, Technology, and Practicality

The EV9 is available in five trim levels. The base Light RWD starts at an MSRP of $54,900 and offers good safety and technology features. It has 19-inch wheels, 7-inch ground clearance, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The Light Long Range RWD runs $57,900 and offers the best range with its bigger 99.8 kWh battery. The Wind AWD starts at $63,900 and offers all-wheel drive, 379 horsepower, and 7.8 inches of ground clearance.

At $68,900, the Land AWD offers upgraded seating and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The top-of-the-range GT-Line AWD has a starting MSRP of $71,900 and sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds when using Boost mode. The dual-motor versions produce 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, ensuring ample power for overtaking logging trucks on Highway 126.

The EV9 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to a total of 82 cubic feet with all the seats folded. Some models feature a 3.2-cubic-foot front trunk. You can choose a seven-seat configuration with a center bench or a six-seat configuration with captain’s chairs. All EV9 trims feature two 12.3-inch screens and a small 5-inch climate display, as well as multiple USB-C ports.

Traction and Towing Capacity

The EV9 delivers smooth acceleration, responsive braking, and an overall pleasant driving experience. The all-wheel drive and various drive modes are ideal for navigating typical Valley weather conditions. Although regenerative braking provides traction on slippery roads, tire quality is crucial. Invest in good all-weather or snow-rated tires to ensure safety on wet, leaf-covered streets. Make sure that your tires are properly rotated for better grip and longer range.

Towing capacity varies by model, so it’s essential to check your specific vehicle’s limits before planning to haul bikes to McKenzie River trails or camping gear to Waldo Lake.

Benefits and Ownership Costs

Although EVs don’t need oil changes, they still require tire rotations, brake services, and cabin filter replacements. The EV9 needs maintenance checks every 8,000 miles, during which our EV-trained technicians will inspect all components, including fluids, cooling systems, and batteries.

Oregon encourages EV ownership by offering various financial incentives. State rebates can reduce costs by $2,500, while federal tax credits may contribute an additional $7,500. The Kia EV9 offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, and a five-year/60,000-mile vehicle warranty. Be sure to check our current offers & incentives and service specials for added savings.

Experience the Kia EV9 in Eugene, Oregon

Visit Kiefer Kia to experience the EV9 firsthand. Our knowledgeable team will help you explore your leasing and buying options, check your trade-in value, and explain current rebates. We can also assist you with booking a service appointment and ordering the right accessories. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive, review numbers with our payment calculator, and shop genuine Kia parts & accessories that match your lifestyle.