I Have 2,000 Miles on My KIA EV9 and Like It, But Regret I Didn't Go a Trim Level Up

Some of you may remember that about a month ago I reviewed the 2024 KIA EV9, which I thought it surpassed the Telluride and I showed how KIA's EV investment paid off.

But having experienced the new 2024 KIA EV9 myself, I wanted to hear from some other EV9 owners and see if anyone had any regrets about this really nice SUV.  This one owner's regret about his chosen trim level was particularly interesting and I wanted to share it with you here at Torque News.

There is an active Facebook group called KIA EV9 with 17,500 members as of this writing. Two days ago I posted there writing "Hello everyone. How is your experience with the EV9 so far?" By now my question has generated 41 comments from people who say they are EV9 owners, but this one comment stood out.

Dan D writes, "I have 2000 miles or so. A couple of 6-hour trips. I like it, but have a few minor complaints and one regret. I should have gone a trim level up. My minor complaints are the following. I own a 2020 Kia Niro, an older generation car than my new EV9, but with a far better key fob. The stereo and cruise control buttons are reversed between the cars. That's annoying. The Android auto stuff and actual car radio seem to be competitive. It's almost either/or. Range drops quickly at high speeds, more than I would like. But I like the build quality and ride, it's very comfortable for me, and I'm glad I bought it."

What particularly interested me - besides his comparison of his 2024 EV9's key fob to that of his 2020 KIA Niro - was his regret of not going a trim level up. I was very much interested in his trim choice because I recently myself reviewed the 2024 KIA EV9.

I asked Dan what trim he has now and what trim he thinks he should have taken instead. I also asked him to tell us the advantages of the upper EV9 trim compared to what he has now.

His reply was very surprising to me, but very much appreciated. It was surprising because he has the EV9 trim, which Car and Driver says offers the most value. Dan has the Wind e-AWD EV9 trim. The Car and Driver in its review of the 2024 KIA EV9 says, "The midrange Wind trim appears to offer the most value, by unlocking the more powerful all-wheel-drive powertrain for 379 horsepower. It also comes with desirable standard features such as second-row captain's chairs, a heat pump for the climate-control system, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a host of driver-assistance features."

Dan explained what is missing in his chosen trim level and what he would like to have. "I bought the Wind (referring to the e-AWD EV9 trim). I might have gone one level up for a few little convenience features, like driver memory stuff. And I wish I had a trailer hitch, but I'll add one in a year or so when they are more available aftermarket."

These are minor things. Dan finds the EV9 comfortable, well-built, and enjoyable to drive. The EV9 has already piled up awards and nominations. This vehicle offers great ride, space and we think the EV9 will outsell the EV6 in the United States if car buyers don't have cheaper options.

A Few More Responses From KIA EV9 Owners

"I’ve driven Toyotas my whole life. I traded in a Toyota 4 runner for this and I don’t regret it. Best car I’ve ever owned and I love it," writes Jeff P.

"No problems so far. Had it about three weeks. 2470 miles. GT Line. Lots of tech to learn. Even though I have had a MachE for 3 years. Sometimes the tech is glitchy but usually I am able to sort it out. I am currently on a road trip from Wisconsin to Utah and am returning home sometime next week. Hopefully it continues. Might have waited if I knew that they were going to drop the price. And I am worried about the glass front end. Will have to see about getting it wrapped," writes Micahel F.

"We are at 1350 miles, with highway and city driving. (Normal driving habits) we have had a great experience so far. Range is higher than posted. Overall, we love it. The suspension could be a bit softer but with the 21” wheels, only so much can be absorbed," writes Jambert C.

Here is one more interesting comment on how the KIA EV9 does on snow. 

"10,000km already! Most of it on the sea to sky Vancouver to Whistler. Tons of snow. BEST car to drive in snow, better than my Toyotas. The heavy battery that evenly weights all 4 wheels gives a kind of traction you just don’t get in ICE cars without loading your trunk. And it’s the most comfortable car I’ve ever had for road trips. And it’s huuuge….fits 7 adults, unlike Tesla where best you can do is little kids in row 3. The household plug is awesome, I can no longer live without the air conditioned seats. All 3 rows recline. The middle row slides to make more leg room in whatever row you want. Seriously great car," writes Kathryn M.

"We have around 4000 miles on our GT-Line and have been enjoying it so far. No real road trips yet and I'm nervous about it because my charging experience away from the house has not been great, so I take my Tesla. Once they open up the Tesla Supercharger network to Kia, it'll be amazing because I never have a worry in it," writes Richard S.

Now getting back to Dan. Do you have any regret about a trim level of a vehicle you have chosen? Please, click the red link below to write your comment whether it's about the EV9 or another model.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.