Kia sets its sights on Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol with all-electric EV9 concept

Kia might finally have a big, boxy and bold SUV to take on the Toyota LandCruiser - and it’s all-electric.

The Kia Concept EV9 was unveiled overnight at the Los Angeles motor show and previews the next major EV model from the brand, which should land in local showrooms by 2025 at the latest. It is the follow-up to the incoming EV6, which is the brand’s second EV but first on its new-generation ‘e-GMP’ architecture that will underpin a range of battery-powered models from Kia, Hyundai and Genesis.

Officially it’s just a concept and as such the design is likely to change to suit mass production, but Kia’s intention is clear - it wants to offer a seven-seat electric SUV. The EV9 will likely be closely related to the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 7, in the same way the EV6 and Ioniq 5 share a similar-sized version of the e-GMP platform.

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While it’s still a few years from production and won’t have the same outback appeal as a LandCruiser, the new Kia does measure up well with its Toyota rival. This would give Kia a full-size SUV to sit above the Sorento.

The Concept EV9 is 4930mm long, 2055mm wide and 1790mm tall, compared to the LandCruiser’s dimensions of 4980mm, 1980mm and 1950mm. That means the Kia is only 50mm shorter but 75mm wider.

The EV9 has also been created to showcase the brand’s new design language, dubbed ‘Opposites United’. Kia uses words like “rugged” and “adventurous” to describe the exterior of the new concept.

“The Kia Concept EV9 is yet another important marker for us in what has been an incredible journey since the start of the year,” said Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design Center. “Having made our intentions clear – to become a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions – today we are proud to show the world our all-electric SUV concept, which fuses together an advanced zero-emissions powertrain, a cutting-edge exterior design and a contemporary and innovative tech-based interior space.”

One of the most important design elements, from Kia’s perspective, is the “reinterpreted” Tiger Face. The signature grille shape that has defined the last two generations of vehicles from the South Korean brand has been reimagined for an EV that doesn’t need a traditional grille.

As such the new ‘Digital Tiger Face’ is a light show that sits behind the facade of the front of the car and can illuminate in a variety of different ways - from a welcome light to the driving lights when needed. This new Tiger Face is flanked by the vertical daytime running lights to complete the front design statement.

Another interesting design touch is the solar panel integrated into the bonnet vent, which the company claims can recuperate energy to stretch the driving range.

On top the roof rails are retractable, which allows for great aerodynamic efficiency and therefore extra driving range, when not in use. But they can pop up again at the touch of a button if needed.

Inside the cabin has been designed under the concept of ‘Water Element’, which is part of the ‘Opposites United’ vision for the brand’s new look.

As previewed in the design sketches released last week, the interior is dominated by a 27.0-inch ultra-wide display screen that, according to Kia, serves “as a nerve centre for all the driver and passenger requirements” which will include entertainment and climate control settings.

Then there’s the new “pop-up steering pad” which Kia says is “integrated and harmonised” within the cabin more than a traditional wheel that is often treated like “a total standalone subsystem.”

Befitting its role as a seven-seat people-mover Kia has put a lot of thought into the design of the seating. As such there are three “forward-thinking interior modes that capture different journey situations and requirements.”

Active Mode makes sure all occupants have an “optimal driving experience.” Pause Mode reconfigures the cabin, with the first row turning to face the third row, while the second row becomes a table. Finally there’s Enjoy Mode, which turns every row around and allows all occupants to face backwards, which Kia says gives “all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond” while still inside the SUV.

Kia hasn’t provided any technical details of the EV9, but it will almost certainly be based on a stretched version of the e-GMP platform used for the EV6.

Expect the EV9 to follow shortly after the Hyundai Ioniq 7 hits Australian showrooms in 2024, although no official timing has been released.