The Lowdown on Kia’s EV Range

Based on Kia’s new “Opposites United” design philosophy, the EV range all feature similar boxy and revolutionary design aesthetics. While it might not be to everybody’s taste, the bold and innovative approach by Kia undeniably stands out and unifies the lineup.  

Kia’s EV lineup features 5-year factory warranty (except for the new EV3 which comes with a 7-year warranty), while the high-voltage drive batteries are covered for 8 years or 160,000 kms.

At a recent EV drive day that doubled as a launch for the new EV3 and EV4, we had the opportunity to drive the entire lineup currently on offer. We’ll run through them and give you the lowdown on what’s what with Kia’s EV lineup. 

First up is the big daddy of the lineup. As big on the outside as it is spacious on the inside, the EV9 offers a roomy and comfortable experience with a premium feel.

You’re going to want to go for the upper two variants as they boast dual electric motors delivery 282.6 kW to all four wheels, giving the larger-than-life SUV enough power to reach 100km/h in just six seconds and enough grunt to tow 2500kg (braked).

Prices start just upwards of six figures and includes a broad range of onboard technology and safety assists that will have you discovering new features long after driving it off the yard.

The EV9 strikes the perfect balance between elegance and practicality. With massive amounts of space on the inside for everyone, it still feels smooth and well-planted on the road. 

The EV6 blends practicality with thrilling sportiness. Kia offers the EV6 in five flavours, each offering a variety of power outputs and ranges from the 125kW entry-level variant all the way up to impressive 430kW GT flagship.

This punchy BEV offers smooth, well-rounded comfort and practicality for everyday driving and forceful acceleration when you need it.

The cabin is spacious and refined, filled with modern touches and like all Kia EV’s packed with plenty of onboard technology.

With its exclusive blend of futuristic styling and undeniable performance, it proves that even as the oldest model in Kia's EV lineup, it’s still a real head-turner.

Kia’s website states all stock is sold out, but a facelift model is in the works so watch this space. 

The EV5 is a compact, five-seater SUV crossover that resembles a scaled-down EV9.

Prioritising practicality, it still offers a smooth, poised drive with decent acceleration, making it well-suited for everyday use.

With two powertrain options, a 160kW single motor or a 230kW dual motor, the EV5 delivers solid performance in both front and all-wheel drive variants.

Starting at $67,990 (plus on-road costs), it comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and technological features.

Inside the entry level cabin may not feel as luxurious as the higher-end EV models, but its 513L boot space is more than enough by todays standards.

Overall, the EV5 lacks some of the premium features of other models in the range but remains elegant, stylish, and practical.

The EV4 will be available towards the end of the year and will only be available as a fast-back sedan version (pictured). Kia predicts the car to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Polestar 2 as top EV sedan.  

Positioned as the "baby EV9", the EV3 offers much of its bigger brother’s design and onboard technology, but at a more accessible price. Starting at $55,520 (plus ORC), you get a maximum range of 436km, while the long-range version allows for 605km, according to Kia.

When you do need to charge, ultra-fast DC charging will fill’er up in only half an hour (10% - 80%).

Powering the front wheels only across all variants is a 150kW motor which accelerates the EV3 from 0-100km/h in an appropriate time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3 offers admirable performance for daily driving, while inside, it combines comfort with premium features such as physical climate control buttons and a panoramic touchscreen.

The EV3 also shares advanced tech from the EV9, including a full suite of driver assist features which may be a little more intrusive than people would like them to be.

Despite its compact size on the outside, the EV3 boasts an impressive interior space and a generously sized boot. Overall, it combines style and practicality all at a competitive price, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a user-centric electric SUV.