Kia EV9 GT-Line: Real-World Range and Towing Test

The Kia EV9 has arrived as one of the most significant electric vehicles of the year. As the first dedicated three-row electric SUV from a mainstream brand, it promises to replace gas-guzzling family haulers like the Kia Telluride or Ford Explorer. However, for families who love camping or long road trips, the big questions remain: How far can it actually go on the highway, and what happens when you hook a trailer to the back?

The Baseline Specs: What You Are Working With

Before looking at real-world results, it helps to know what Kia promises on paper. The 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line is the top-trim model, featuring a dual-motor All-Wheel Drive setup and a massive 99.8 kWh battery pack.

Because the GT-Line sits on large 21-inch wheels and has a boxy design, it takes a slight hit on efficiency compared to the lower trims.

  • EPA Estimated Range: 270 miles
  • Horsepower: 379 hp
  • Torque: 516 lb-ft
  • Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
  • Charging Speed: 10% to 80% in 24 minutes (at 350kW chargers)

These numbers look great for commuting, but highway driving and towing place a much heavier load on electric batteries.

Real-World Highway Range Test

Most drivers do not achieve EPA estimates when driving exclusively at highway speeds. The EPA cycle includes a mix of city driving and stop-and-go traffic, where EVs are most efficient. When you cruise at 70 or 75 mph, aerodynamic drag kills efficiency.

In independent tests conducted by reviewers like Car and Driver and Out of Spec Reviews, the EV9 GT-Line performs admirably but falls short of the 270-mile sticker number during strict highway cruising.

The 75 MPH Result

If you set the cruise control to 75 mph on a flat highway in moderate weather (60-70°F), you can expect a real-world range of approximately 230 to 240 miles.

This calculates to an efficiency of roughly 2.3 to 2.4 miles per kWh. While this is lower than the EPA estimate, it is actually quite competitive for a vehicle shaped like a brick. It puts the EV9 in a similar league to the Rivian R1S Dual-Motor, which costs significantly more.

Factors that will drop this range further:

  • Cold Weather: In temperatures near freezing, expect range to drop by 20% to 30% due to battery chemistry and cabin heating needs, despite the EV9’s heat pump.
  • Headwinds: A strong 15 mph headwind can shave another 10% off your total distance.

The Towing Test: Hauling 4,000 Pounds

This is the metric that matters most for weekend adventurers. The EV9 GT-Line is rated to tow 5,000 lbs, which is enough for a decent-sized travel trailer, a boat, or a pair of jet skis.

When you attach a trailer, two things fight against the battery: weight and aerodynamics. Aerodynamics is usually the bigger enemy. Towing a low-profile boat affects range less than towing a tall, boxy camper.

Range Impact

When towing a 4,000-lb boxy travel trailer, the EV9’s efficiency effectively gets cut in half.

  • Efficiency: Drops to roughly 1.0 to 1.3 miles per kWh.
  • Total Range: You should expect 100 to 120 miles of usable driving range.

While 120 miles sounds low, this is par for the course with electric towing. Even the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T see similar percentage drops when hauling heavy loads.

The Charging Challenge

The 100-mile range creates a logistical hurdle. You will need to stop to charge roughly every 90 minutes of highway driving. Furthermore, most public charging stations (Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint) are designed as pull-in spots rather than pull-throughs.

This means you will often have to unhitch your trailer, charge the SUV, and then re-hitch the trailer before getting back on the road. This adds 10 to 15 minutes of labor to every stop.

Driving Dynamics While Towing

While the range hit is significant, the actual experience of towing with the EV9 is superior to many gas vehicles.

  • Instant Torque: The electric motors provide instant power. You will not feel the transmission hunting for gears on steep uphills because there is no transmission. Merging onto the highway with a 3,000-lb boat feels effortless.
  • Self-Leveling Suspension: The GT-Line comes with a rear self-leveling suspension. This keeps the SUV flat and stable even with significant tongue weight, preventing the rear end from sagging.
  • Stability: The heavy battery pack is located in the floor of the vehicle. This gives the EV9 a very low center of gravity, making the vehicle feel planted and reducing the “sway” feeling often caused by crosswinds hitting a trailer.

Fast Charging: The EV9's Secret Weapon

The Kia EV9 has one major advantage that helps mitigate the range anxiety: the 800-volt charging architecture. This is the same technology found in the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

If you can find a working 350 kW DC Fast Charger, the EV9 can pull peak charging speeds of over 210 kW.

  • Real-world speed: You can charge from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes.
  • Why it matters: Even if you have to stop every 120 miles while towing, the stops are relatively short. You aren’t stuck at the charger for an hour like you might be with older EVs that charge at slower speeds (such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen ID.4).

Verdict for Families

The Kia EV9 GT-Line proves that an electric family hauler is finally viable, but you need to manage your expectations based on how you use it.

The EV9 is perfect for you if:

  • You want a daily family car that costs pennies to run compared to a gas SUV.
  • Your road trips are mostly “unloaded” highway driving where 230 miles between stops is acceptable.
  • You only tow short distances (e.g., taking the boat to a local lake 40 miles away).

The EV9 might be difficult if:

  • You plan to tow a camper cross-country. The requirement to stop every 100 miles and potentially unhitch the trailer makes long-distance towing a slow, labor-intensive process.

Ultimately, for 95% of family use cases, the EV9 GT-Line hits the sweet spot of performance, space, and range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia EV9 qualify for the Federal Tax Credit? As of early 2024, the Kia EV9 is built in South Korea, meaning it does not qualify for the $7,500 point-of-sale federal tax credit if purchased. However, Kia has historically offered significant incentives on leasing to offset this. Production is expected to move to Georgia, USA, later in 2024, which may change its eligibility status.

Can I use a Tesla Supercharger with the EV9? Currently, you need a NACS adapter to use Tesla Superchargers. Kia has announced that they will provide access to the Supercharger network for their EVs, and newer models rolling off the assembly line in late 2024 or 2025 will likely come with the NACS port native to the car.

How much does a full charge cost at home? This depends on your local electricity rates. If the national average is roughly $0.16 per kWh, filling the 99.8 kWh battery from 0% to 100% would cost about $16.00. This is significantly cheaper than filling the 18-gallon tank of a Kia Telluride.

** Does the Cold Weather Package help with range?** Yes. The GT-Line typically includes a heat pump. A heat pump is much more efficient than a resistive heater for warming the cabin. It helps preserve range in temperatures between 30°F and 50°F, though extreme sub-zero temperatures will still reduce battery performance.