The Kia EV9's Coolest Feature Isn't Coming to the U.S.
Kia's new three-row electric SUV won't get swiveling second-row seats.
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The stunning 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV unveiled stateside at the 2023 New York International Auto Show is indeed very similar to the near-production model we saw earlier this year in Seoul, South Korea. And unfortunately one our hypotheses from that exclusive look proved correct: The U.S.-bound version of the three-row EV SUV will not have the cool, swiveling second-row seats we were shown while abroad.Dang.
Instead, the EV9 will take a leaf out of what appears to be the Kia Carnival minivan's book by offering power-adjustable captain's chairs in the second row with heating, ventilation, and leg extensions. Kia reports the EV9 will be able to seat up to seven passengers, so it's safe to assume a three-across second-row bench will also be an option, as the third row only offers room for two.
It's not totally surprising our version of the EV9 won't have the swivel seats, but it's still a little disappointing. For occupants in those chairs, it would have been like riding in your own private train compartment, since you could spin around to face the third-row sitters. The EV9's use of the E-GMP platform—Hyundai and Kia's new skateboard-style modular EV architecture—means it has a flat floor that conveniently frees up a lot of cabin space for occupants to enjoy. In U.S.-spec EV9s, that means increased legroom, not spinning chair fun.
Just look at what we could have had, though:
Sad. Anyway, it's a cool feature we will not get to enjoy. All that being said, however, the EV9 still has an extremely attractive interior, one that seems easy to spend hours relaxing in. That has to count for a lot. And judging by the priority other Kia products give second-row passengers, the EV9 should be no different.
From the outside, the EV9 has a modern and clean design that'll surely delight buyers. More specific information regarding its pricing and trims has not yet been announced, but we do now know more about its batteries and powertrains.
I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
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