Big, boxy and bold – that’s the Kia EV9… and we like it a lot. It’s one of only a few true electric seven-seaters on the market, which means it’s ideal for anyone with a growing family. It looks fantastic, is hugely practical, is loaded with tech and has the range and charging capability to match. The EV9 is super-sustainable, too, with 34kg of different eco-materials used throughout including recycled bottles, bio-plastics and recovered fishing nets.

Key highlights

The EV9 is hugely practical with space for all the family with six or seven seats available. If you opt for the six-seat option, the middle row seats can swivel and recline for complete comfort – it also makes lifting kids in and out a breeze.

And even if you’ve got a full car of passengers, the boot is decent 333 litres. Flip the rear seats down, though, and that increases to a massive 728 litres. Plus, there’s a bonus space (or frunk) under the bonnet that will take a few shopping bags or luggage. To achieve all this, it means the EV9 is big and so at five metres long you might want to think twice if you need to parallel park on a narrow street on a regular basis.

Kia hasn’t held back with the technology, either. There’s a “triple panorama display” – three big touchscreens to you and me – along with wireless smartphone charging, 360-degree HD cameras and sensors to power all the safety systems, an EV route planner to take the strain of finding somewhere to charge and the option for digital side mirrors.

Performance and range

There’s a standard model and an all singing, all dancing GT-Line trim to choose from, with various power options depending on your needs. The range is over 300 miles so you’ll be able to visit long-distance family or take a holiday roadtrip with ease. If you do stop, though, the EV9 also offers some of the best charging capability around – plug into one of our High Power chargers and you can add 150 miles in just 15 minutes.

Tech specs

EV9 RWD GT

• 0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
• Top speed: 115mph
• Battery: 99.8kWh
• Range:  336 miles
• Max charging speed: 250kWh
• Boot space: 333 litre

Similar models

If you need a seven-seater then look at the Mercedes-Benz EQB as well as the Volvo EX90. If you can make do with five but want a big SUV then you have plenty of choices, whether that’s the Tesla Model Y and X or the Audi Q4 e-tron. For something a little different, look at the VW ID. Buzz.