The 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year is the All-New Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 has been awarded the prestigious title of 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, marking a significant achievement for the Kia brand in the electric vehicle (EV) arena. This accolade highlights Kia’s successive win in this category for the second year, emphasizing the company’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the EV market. The award, given by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury, recognizes the EV9 for its contributions to automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and overall value. This recognition marks the third time in five years that Kia has received this honor.

Leading Innovation in Electric Mobility

The Kia EV9 has been acknowledged for introducing a new era in the three-row SUV market, with Kia North America and Kia America’s president and CEO, Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, pointing out the vehicle’s significance in indicating the segment’s shift towards electric vehicles. The EV9 was meticulously selected by a panel of 50 automotive experts who evaluated a diverse range of vehicles on several criteria, including innovation, design, and safety, showcasing the EV9’s superiority in its category.

Exceptional Performance and Technology

The EV9’s advanced technology and performance are built on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), distinguishing it as the second Kia model to adopt this platform and the first to incorporate fourth-generation battery technology for better energy density. The EV9 is available in Canada with either a 76.1-kWh or a 99.8-kWh battery, offering ranges up to 370 km and 489 km respectively for the single-motor setup, and up to 451 km for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. Its fast-charging capability enables a 10 to 80 percent charge in just under 25 minutes.

Strategic Market Positioning and Affordability

The introduction of the Kia EV9 as the flagship electric three-row SUV is a pioneering step towards satisfying the growing demand for electric family vehicles. With a competitive starting MSRP of $59,995 in Canada, the EV9 is set to make a significant impact on the market, providing a high-value option for consumers seeking sustainable, spacious, and high-performing electric vehicles.