Buff EV9 SUV Joins Kia Lineup in 2023

Kia confirms the U.S. market gets a production version of the EV9 concept vehicle next year, a vehicle that U.S. dealers have been hot to get.

“The EV9 Concept will be on sale in the U.S. in the second half of 2023,” says Steve Center, COO and executive vice president-Kia America, at the New York International Auto Show.

The EV9 is a 3-row, battery-powered electric SUV that was unveiled in November at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show. Considering the timing, the U.S. model would probably be a 2024 model.

Center says worldwide, Kia plans to introduce 14 BEVs by 2027. In January 2020, Kia announced its “Plan S,” to shift to a greater focus on electric vehicles and mobility solutions, and away from internal-combustion engines.

At the auto show, Kia also shows a facelifted version of the Kia Telluride (below) for the 2023 model year. Tom Kearns, chief designer-Kia Design Center, North America, says the new grille conveys a rugged look. Interior improvements include a 25-in. (63-cm) curved display.

Kia also unveils an all-new Kia Niro. Like the model it replaces, the new Niro comes only as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or a BEV. A good piece for news for dealers: The redesigned Kia Niro will be available in all 50 states, the company says.

Until then, Kia offers EVs only at select retailers, with limited availability in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

2023 Telluride