The all-electric EV9 was recognized for automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value; this is the third North American UV of the Year win for Kia in five years.
The all-electric Kia EV9 three-row SUV has been named the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year 2024 by the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) jury. This is the third occasion in five years that the NACTOY jury has named a Kia vehicle as its top choice in the category, and the second win for a Kia electric vehicle (EV).
“The Kia EV9 represents a new paradigm in the three-row SUV segment,” said Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “For the second consecutive year, the three finalists have been EVs or included EVs as part of a larger lineup, which illustrates where the segment is headed. This win proves that EV9 is not only a top utility vehicle, but also an exemplary EV.”
The EV9 was selected by 50 automotive experts from print, online, radio, and broadcast media. As part of the evaluation process, NACTOY jurors tested vehicles ranging from sports cars to pickup trucks, and assessed criteria including automotive innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and value.
Following on the heels of the Kia EV6 winning the prestigious accolade last year, the all-new Kia EV9 signifies the first mass-market three row EV SUV in the U.S. The EV9, which has a starting price of $54,900 (Rs 45.90 lakh), has an EPA-estimated 304 miles / 486 kilometres of all-electric range on the Light Long Range RWD. The EV9 is billed as a true SUV with an available 7.8 inches of ground clearance, up to 81.9 cu.-ft. of cargo room with the second and third rows folded and an available 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Later this year, the Kia EV9 is expected to be assembled in the U.S. at Kia’s manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia.
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