The Kia EV9 has been declared the 2024 UK Car of the Year (UKCOTY), following rigorous testing by the UK's top automotive journalists. John Challen, UKCOTY Managing Director and judge labelled the EV9 "a deserved Kia flagship that sets the standard when it comes to transporting seven in electrically-powered heaven". Other judges lauded its interior quality, practicality, and ability to carry seven people with a genuine usable range. One judge noted that it was "luxurious enough to lure drivers out of premium-brand SUVs."
Air and GT-Line first reviews Elsewhere in the media, the first wave of independent first drive reviews have been published for the EV9 'Air' and 'GT-Line', following a UK media launch. Journalists immediately admired the longer range of the 'Air'; its greater efficiency compared with rivals; and the car's softer yet more composed ride thanks to less weight and 19-inch wheels. Autocar appreciated the spaciousness, stating: "accommodation is excellent", while praising the car's performance: "the single-motor EV9 has more than enough poke for A and B-roads". Auto Express commented that the EV9 is "one of the very best" 7-seater SUVs, "regardless of the fuel it takes". Piston Heads said the 'Air' "is a really lovely car to drive at any speed", concluding "the Kia EV9 Air is a deeply impressive seven-seater".
Success for our electrified lineup In Q1, Kia added to its impressive awards roster with three category wins at the What Car? 2024 Awards for the Sportage, EV6 and EV9, as well as the overall 'Tow Car Award' for Kia. The EV9 also won the overall 'Supreme Winner' accolade in the 2024 Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards. Fleet and business-focused awards came thick and fast too, with two awards at the 2024 Fleet News Awards, for EV9 and Niro, as well as four wins at the 2024 Business Motoring Awards, for Niro and Niro Hybrid, EV6, and EV9 each winning their respective categories.