One particular of the more fascinating features of the Kia EV9 is its accessible next-row captain’s chairs that can spin 180 levels to face third-row seats in the back again. It was prominently highlighted during the EV9’s world wide debut, but regrettably, swivel seats won’t be accessible in North America. Bummer.
It truly is not for a absence of wanting on Kia’s aspect. A company spokesperson confirmed with Motor1.com that the swivel element will not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Requirements. That explains why the possibility was not stated in any capacity for the EV9’s new North American debut at the 2023 New York Car Show. A report from CarBuzz details out a unique regulation that could apply, even though Kia doesn’t elaborate as to precisely how the EV9 misses the boat. We have definitely observed our share of upfitted camper vans with swivel seats in position, but alas, we are not authorized gurus. The base line is there are no EV9 with swivel seats headed for the States.
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We suspect the EV9 will nevertheless locate lots of intrigued buyers, if for no other reason than it offers three-row seating in a phase the place competitiveness is pretty much nonexistent. People seeking an EV with room for six or 7 individuals presently have the Tesla Design X and Rivian R1S to pick out from, and neither are what you would get in touch with inexpensive. Kia’s SUV will be built in Georgia, this means it will qualify for EV tax credits that could knock $7,500 off the sticker selling price. Talking of which, Kia hasn’t formally introduced EV9 pricing, but studies suggest it will start someplace all around $55,000.
The entry position will even now have 3 rows of seats, but you can hope that rate to mirror the single-motor model with a normal-selection battery. For North The us, that is a 76.1-kilowatt-hour battery sending ability to an electric motor driving just the rear wheels, developing 215 horsepower. Kia does not have a assortment estimate for the foundation design, but it really is targeting 300 miles for the Extensive Variety variation employing a single 201-hp motor with a 99.8 kWh battery.
There is certainly more data continue to to come on the EV9. Hope that to filter out as a result of the summertime top up to its on-sale date in North The usa at the conclusion of 2023.