WARDS NAMES THE KIA EV9 ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL MODELS OF 2024

• Kia's pioneering three-row EV SUV made a mark during its introduction year with its winning combination of style, spaciousness, and technology

IRVINE, CA, January 9, 2025 - The 2024 EV9 has been recognized as one of the most impactful models of 2024 by WardsAuto, earning its place on WardsAuto's top 10 list of the most significant all-new or fully redesigned vehicles introduced last year. The EV9 was praised by Wards for its "bold design, spacious interior," and advanced features. The full list of Wards Most Impactful New Models of 2024 are as follows:

1. Kia EV9
2. Toyota Land Cruiser
3. Volvo EX30
4. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
5. Chevrolet Silverado EV
6. Tesla Cybertruck
7. Porsche Macan EV
8. Nissan Z Nismo
9. BMW 5-Series (i5)
10. Toyota Camry

"Kia is a brand on the move and the EV9 being recognized as one of the standout vehicles of 2024 by Wards is the result of our unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility leadership," said Steve Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. "This latest honor for the EV9 highlights the innovation that went into making the industry's first mainstream electric three-row SUV a game-changer, and it sets the stage for even greater achievements in 2025 and beyond as Kia continues to innovate."

Earlier in 2024, the EV9 was recognized for two prestigious Wards 10 Best accolades. It was named a winner in the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition, where judges praised its futuristic style, comfort, flexibility, and intuitive user experience. Additionally, the EV9 GT-Line was recognized as a 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsions Systems winner, in which its powertrain earned high praise for its exceptional range retention, power generation, and real-world practicality. Wards editors also highlighted the EV9 GT-Line's impressive NVH levels, noting its ability to handle everyday driving with ease.

"Kia launched into the three-row battery-electric SUV segment with a powerful performer on all measures, from its long-range propulsion system to its premium interior and exceptional UX functionality," said Bob Gritzinger, WardsAuto Editor-in-Chief. "The EV9 truly deserves our recognition as a game-changing and highly impactful model that takes Kia to a new level in the marketplace."

For 2025, the EV9 continues to make a strong impression in the three-row EV SUV segment. With seating for up to six or seven passengers, its long wheelbase and flat floor enhance both flexibility and comfort for everyone on board. The integration of Kia's latest in-vehicle technology, including over-the-air updates[1], ultra-wideband-based Digital Key[2], and Onboard Power Generator (V2L) functionality[3], allows the EV9 to evolve throughout the ownership experience. The EV9's standard 800V electrical architecture supports ultrafast recharging on high-speed DC chargers, designed to go from a 10 to 80 percent state of charge in under 25 minutes[4]. Announced last November, the EV9's lineup expands with the upcoming sportier 501-hp EV9 GT, expected to arrive in the second half of 2025.

Kia America - about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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*Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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