Kia America announced that the 2026 Kia EV9 has been named Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle of 2026, the second year in a row the three-row electric SUV has received this honor. The award follows the model’s recent distinction as Cars.com’s Top 3-Row EV Pick, underscoring the EV9’s leadership in driving range, charging performance, family-focused design, and overall electric-vehicle excellence.
Kia positions the EV9 as a flagship electric SUV that delivers an everyday, confidence-inspiring ownership experience for modern EV customers. With this latest recognition, the company emphasizes the vehicle’s role in advancing mainstream EV adoption in the United States.
Cars.com Evaluation and Judges’ Praise
Cars.com’s automotive experts evaluated a competitive field of new electric vehicles using criteria that included driving range, fast-charging performance, interior space, onboard technology, and overall ownership value. According to the publication, the EV9 distinguished itself by combining long-distance capability with a spacious three-row interior and advanced in-vehicle technologies.
“The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV — strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor at Cars.com. He added that after extensive testing, the EV9 earned unanimous praise from judges for being “exceptionally usable, family-friendly and genuinely well-rounded,” qualities that helped secure its Best EV of 2026 title.
Executive Commentary from Kia America
Kia America highlighted that the back-to-back Best Electric Vehicle wins validate the brand’s development strategy for the EV9. “Being named Cars.com’s Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year reinforces what we set out to achieve with the EV9,” said Eric Watson, VP of Sales, Kia America.
Watson noted that the EV9’s versatile three-row seating, advanced technology, and performance are designed to meet “the real-world needs of today’s EV customers.” He emphasized that the vehicle delivers a confident everyday electric experience across a variety of use cases, from family transportation to long-distance travel.
Advanced Electric Powertrain and Charging Capability
The 2026 Kia EV9 is powered in standard form by a 76.1-kWh battery paired with a 160-kW (215-hp) motor and features DC fast-charging compatibility. For customers seeking additional performance or range, optional configurations include a 99.8-kWh battery with a single motor or a dual-motor setup offering 283 kW (379 hp) and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive that produces 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
When connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger under optimal conditions, the EV9 can charge from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes, as validated by Kia Corporation testing at approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit battery temperature. Kia notes that real-world charging times may vary depending on options, driving and charging habits, vehicle and battery condition, and environmental factors, and recommends minimizing frequent DC fast charging to help preserve long-term battery performance.
Family-Oriented Design and In-Vehicle Technology
The EV9 offers a spacious three-row cabin designed to serve families and larger groups, complemented by available towing capability when properly equipped. Kia advises that towing may significantly reduce electric range and that owners should follow all towing instructions and exercise caution while towing.
Inside, the model incorporates Kia’s latest technology suite, including support for vehicle system over-the-air updates and an ultra-wideband-based Digital Key. Over-the-air update capability allows certain vehicle systems to be updated remotely, while the Digital Key feature requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan.
Kia Connect Services and Disclaimers
Select Kia vehicles equipped with Kia Connect, including the EV9, come with a complimentary three-year subscription starting from the retail sale or lease date recorded by the dealer. After this period, continued access to the full suite of Kia Connect services requires a paid subscription at the then-current rate, and some features may terminate without renewal.
Use of Kia Connect is subject to the Kia Connect Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and availability may vary by model, model year, trim, and region. Kia reserves the right to change or discontinue Kia Connect services at any time, and notes that cellular and GPS coverage are required for most features.
