In September 2022, the Kia EV9 was spied to be in its final testing phase. It was only a matter of time before the automaker finally stopped teasing the reveal of the EV9 and give us all the details. In March 2023, the Kia Corporation finally revealed full images of the exterior and interior design of the Kia EV9, but continues to hide specs and entertainment options from the public eye. We’re unclear on what the powertrain will be, just that this might be the last model to use the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), developed by the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG). Continuing Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV9 is sure to highlight its unique combination of sleek, sculptural shapes and geometry while keeping the SUV striking and serene.
“The Kia EV9 breaks new ground, aiming to redefine standards for design, connectivity, usability and environmental responsibility…The Kia EV9 offers customers an exceptionally high-quality proposition and a fresh EV perspective in the family SUV sector. This new vehicle typology provides instinctive experiences and excellent comfort for not just the driver, but all occupants, through innovative use of space, technology and design.” – Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center
This year feels like it’s just dragging on, doesn’t it? It feels like it’s time for another cataclysmic event to shake things up, but so far it’s a snore. Maybe the world has finally calmed down, but there’s one industry that’s a busy as ever. With many automakers bouncing back from the semiconductor chip shortage, making partnerships and signing contracts throughout the year to insure their share of such a tiny but power component, awards shows have definitely picked up. Every month, every week, another automaker lands in the winner’s circle, and in March 2023, two Kia models land amongst the best-of-the-best as finalists during the 2023 World Car Awards – the Kia Niro and Kia EV6.
Back in November 2021, the Kia Corporation began to preview its upcoming EV9 all-electric SUV, following in the wake of the successful Kia EV6 all-electric hatchback. During the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, we saw the Kia EV9 concept raised up on a platform, and took the EV6 for a test drive, and since then, the EV9 was spotted to be in its final testing phase. Now in 2023, the automaker is finally ready to release the Kia EV9 SUV officially, starting with two teaser videos that can be found on the brand’s YouTube Channel – “Silhouette” and “Lights”.
“Lights” just places a larger focus on what I’ll bet are LED taillights and the illuminated front fascia, with a grid of digital lights on either side. With striking lighting patterns to complete the bold identity of the EV9, there is even talk of this SUV becoming the new flagship model of the automaker, or at least the new SUV flagship for Kia. At the moment, the teaser videos don’t really tell us much. We get a preview of the unique blend of sleek and sculptural design of the body, following the brand’s new design philosophy “Opposites United”, seen clearly in the design of the digital representation of the Kia EV9, revealed in November 2021.
Now, I’m not the best at math, but seven and eight come after six. So, some people may be wondering what happened to the Kia EV7 or Kia EV8. Those two models may never come to be, because we’re way past that. The name “EV9” actually comes from Kia’s EV nomenclature. The automaker takes the prefix, “EV”, and pairs it with its number in chronological order of electric vehicles (EVs) currently in the lineup. So, the Kia EV9 is the ninth all-electric model amongst Kia’s already dedicated EV lineup. Growing at a fast rate, with plans to release 14 BEV models by 2027, as discussed during the Kia 2022 CEO Investor Day.
Kia plans to fully reveal both the exterior and interior design in mid-March, and the total specs and product information will be fully disclosed during the Kia EV9 World Premiere in late March. We wonder what the starting MSRP will be with all of the current competition out there. The 2023 Kia EV6, also considered to be an SUV in some spaces, starts at $48,700 (plus destination fee), so it might be not much more than that, maybe $5000 more if we’re aiming low. It’s anyone’s guess, but there are a couple of things we definitely know for sure. Starting with the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), developed by the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) as the new platform for upcoming EVs to the lineup.
Well, actually, the E-GMP is going to be discontinued and replaced with a new platform already in the works. Could it be the Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) HMG is working on? Maybe, but we know that the “Opposites United” design philosophy ensured the vehicle was more sustainable, built of upcycled materials developed from collected waste deposited into the marine ecosystem to make up the flooring of the vehicle, and the seating fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and wool fibers. The LED pattern on the front fascia is said to be a “star cloud” pattern that serves as a welcome light for the driver when the vehicle is unlocked. With geometric lines that resemble rocks in the fenders and pillars, the zigzag of lightning in the taillights, and the unique Daylight Opening (DLO) panoramic sky roof are all cues to the design philosophy of matching machinery with nature.
Riding on 22-inch wheels, the EV9 has already been tested for capability, trekking a 4WD climbing hill and a rough terrain at Kia’s global Namyang R&D center in Korea. With exceptional performance on road and off road, the EV9 concept interior is just as upscale. With an interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display that controls media, climate control, comfort, and a next-gen camera monitoring system, the interior can also be turned into a lounge area when the vehicle is stationary. One of three modes, Pause Mode turns the cabin into a real lounge front row seats that can swivel around to face the third row and folding the second-row seats into a table. The Kia EV9 is shaping up to be a real game-changer. We can’t wait to see how much of the original concept went into the final production model. We’ll know more by the end of March 2023. Keep up with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media to find out what’s new for Kia.
Buying a new car, and more importantly, the right car, can be a daunting experience for a new consumer entering the auto market. Luckily, some of the pressure and stress can be taken away by the many automotive journalists and publications that post reviews and “Best of” lists to clear out the clutter and discuss some of the best vehicles on the market today. Buying the right car for 2022 gets even easier when a big name like Car and Driver publish their 2022 Editors’ Choice awards list of winners. This year, nine models by Kia earned a Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award for its respective car segment.
“Kia has been coming on strong in recent years, building more and more vehicles that are showing up well in our testing…Their inclusion on our Editors’ Choice list is confirmation that they’re members of the automotive honor roll—no small achievement.” – Rich Ceppos, director, Car and Driver Buyer’s Guide
For the last few years, the Kia Corporation has gone through some various changes. It was around the time that Kia produced the Kia Stinger sports car and when the automaker was still known as “Kia Motors”. The original name is still hidden in the new Kia logo, and its lineup continues to expand. Going in an all-electric direction, Kia is still focused on performance, but deriving it from a purely electric source. One, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions, but also because as cars evolve, the space left over from a missing engine can now be replaced with a CPU to turn a vehicle into a mobile and digital lounge. This also calls on the automaker to provide greater safety, and with an already impressive record, Kia once again earns a TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). This time, it’s for the 2023 Kia Telluride SUV.
“Since its introduction in 2019, consumers have continually gravitated toward the Telluride because it checks all the right boxes…Our highly decorated Telluride has been lauded for design, performance, technology, and safety features, which is further emphasized as a result of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award that reflects Kia’s commitment to making safety a priority.” – Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America
Every year, automotive publications and organizations that place a focus on the auto industry from time-to-time publish reviews and put together “Best of” lists. 2023 feels like the busiest year so far with awards, lists, studies, and competitions running amuck with another chance to win a prestigious title nearly every week. One automaker that seems to stand out during all of this is the Kia Corporation. Every competition that takes place has a Kia model listed, and the one of the most recent rewards is earning the title of the number one mass-market brand during the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
“J.D. Power collects and assembles tens of thousands of customer voices from verified owners. Kia customers have responded with high quality ratings praising their experience after three years of ownership…Earning the distinction of the most dependable mass market brand for the third year in a row, in addition to receiving awards for the Kia Sportage, Kia Forte, and Kia Optima shows that Kia has listened to the voice of the customer and is giving them the dependability they desire.” – Doug Betts, President, Global Automotive Division, J.D. Power
Awards season has been pretty crazy for 2023 so far. Every week, another competition or “Best of” list concludes, and we find out who the big names in the industry think are the best cars on the market. It’s not just one person’s opinion, either. A lot of the winners are picked based on data and a jury panel made up of a variety of people from different backgrounds with different values, and they all still come to an agreement on the best-of-the-best. The Kia Corp has been on fire since 2023 started, racking up awards left-and-right, and the most recent is the Utility Vehicle of the Year in the 2023 AutoGuide Awards, naming the 2023 Kia Sportage as the winner.
“The Sportage is a Kia icon, but it’s been elevated to new heights after its significant overhaul for the 2023 model year…We’re humbled the esteemed editors at AutoGuide have recognized how much thought we put into improving the Sportage and expanding the model line with HEV and PHEV powertrains.” – Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America
Car research is always a must-do when entering the auto market for a new car, and depending on the purpose of the car, the must-have features can vary. Maybe it’s connectivity, or price, or the total lifetime value. That last one means many things, starting with the initial purchase, covering maintenance costs, annual fees for vehicle registration, etc. All valid things to consider. Automotive publications and other platforms have been busy hosting awards over the last two months, and Vincentric recently concluded the Vincentric Best Value in America Awards. This year, Vincentric named two Kia models on this list – the 2023 Sorento PHEV and 2023 Rio.
“Both the Sorento PHEV and the Rio had strong performances in this year’s Vincentric Best Value in America Awards…The Sorento PHEV had the best fuel economy ratings and the lowest operating costs in its segment, which helped it outperform 22 competitor models and claim victory for Mid-Size SUV. The Rio impressed by having the lowest insurance cost, repair cost, and total ownership costs in its segment. ” – David Wurster, Vincentric President
What’s the easiest way consumers can learn about the best car(s) available in the auto industry? Many resources can provide excellent research, whether it’s a review from a trusted source like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a months-long study by J.D. Power, or an awards competition like the many held every year. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a “Best of” list and reading on the best model for each car segment. That brings us to another well-known automotive online publication, Cars.com. The URL is simple to remember, and millions of consumers read up on new cars at Cars.com every day. That’s why when listing the winners for the “Best Car of 2023”, Kia knows Cars.com will give the automaker plenty of time to shine with three models winning this year.
“The 2023 Niro HEV rises to the top of our rankings because of its affordability, fuel economy, functional Aero Blade, and stand-out styling inside and out…Available in three powertrains, the Niro is offered as an EV, plug-in hybrid or hybrid, which is our favorite. Its EPA-estimated 53 mpg combined left our editors impressed. The five-seat compact hatchback sports an SUV-like profile. The dynamic dashboard design, padded surfaces and satin-finish accents give the Niro a classy ambiance, and the interior features innovative materials. For shoppers that want a little customization without the cost, the ‘Aero Blade’ accent panels are available in different colors. The 2023 Niro’s innovation proves affordable alternative-fuel vehicles can come with style.” – Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman
Every new year feels like the perfect time to make a change for the better. Whether a resolution to stay away from fast food, or buying a new car, change is good. With many consumers entering the market for a new vehicle, a poke in the right direction is always nice. With the many automotive sources online and in print that publish car reviews, “Best of” lists, and have award competitions, consumers have more information than ever to make an informed decision on the best car for them. Recently, Cars.com concluded its Cars.com’s 2023 Best Value New Cars report, and continuing its already burning success when it comes to awards and lists, Kia took five of the 34 spots listed in the report.
“We expect affordability to be top of mind for consumers in 2023. Finding affordable vehicles that still offer impressive technology and safety features can be challenging for car shoppers…Cars.com’s 2023 Best Value New Cars report will help shoppers find a quality vehicle within their budget including five options in small SUVs, sedans and plug-in hybrids from Kia.” Jane Ulitskaya, Cars.com Editor
