Nobody Drives a Three-Row EV for “Just in Case.” We Drive It Because Life is Full

Jan 13, 2026

EV9 named Cars.com’s Top Pick: 3-Row Electric SUV

Nobody Drives a Three-Row EV for “Just in Case.” We Drive It Because Life is Full

If your car regularly carries kids, friends, teammates, dogs, strollers, coolers, or camping gear, you already know this truth: space is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Add in the desire to drive electric without sacrificing comfort or convenience, and suddenly the options narrow fast. That’s exactly why the 2026 Kia EV9 keeps standing out. For the second year in a row, it has been named Cars.com’s Top Pick: 3-Row Electric SUV, earning top honors in a competitive field by doing something surprisingly rare. It delivers real space, real usability, and real electric performance without asking families to compromise.

Why Cars.com Picked the 2026 Kia EV9 Again

Cars.com editors don’t hand out repeat wins lightly. Their evaluations focus on the things that matter in everyday life, including comfort, user-friendly technology, driving enjoyment, cargo flexibility, charging convenience, and overall value. The EV9 impressed across the board by raising the standard for what a three-row electric SUV should feel like. Editors highlighted its true third-row usability, generous cargo room, competitive driving range, and quick-charging capability, noting that it works just as well for busy families as it does for long road trips and weekend adventures. In their words, the EV9 isn’t just a strong EV. It’s a genuinely great three-row SUV, electric or not.

EV9 is Built for Full Seats, Full Trunks, and Full Weekends

The 2026 Kia EV9 was designed for people who actually use all three rows. With seating for up to seven adults and a spacious, airy cabin, everyone gets room to stretch out instead of squeezing in. When passengers turn into cargo, the EV9 adapts easily, offering up to 160.3 cubic feet of available cargo space for sports equipment, road trip luggage, or car-camping setups. Available first- and second-row lounge seating adds a premium touch for longer drives, while thoughtful storage throughout the cabin keeps life organized even when the car is packed. Whether you’re running daily carpools or loading up for a long weekend away, the EV9 feels ready before you are.

EV9’s Electric Power Keeps Up With Your Plans

Under the hood, the EV9 pairs everyday practicality with confident performance. A standard battery and motor setup provides smooth, efficient driving, while available upgrades include a larger battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. For drivers who tow boats, campers, or extra gear, the EV9 offers towing capability while maintaining electric efficiency. Quick acceleration, stable handling, and available terrain modes make it just as comfortable on highways as it is pulling into a trailhead parking lot.

Charging fits easily into real life, too. With fast-charging capability, the EV9 can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes when connected to a 350 kW DC fast charger. Access to Tesla’s charging network adds even more confidence for long-distance travel, while home charging options make daily driving simple and stress-free.

The Tech That Makes Big Vehicles Feel Easy

Large SUVs can feel overwhelming, but the EV9 balances its size with intuitive technology. Inside, an available ultra-wide digital cockpit puts navigation, media, and vehicle information front and center, reducing distractions and simplifying control. Over-the-air updates help keep software current, while Kia Connect allows drivers to manage charging, climate control, and vehicle access from their smartphone. Features like Remote Smart Parking Assist, a head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror help the EV9 feel manageable in tight parking lots and busy drop-off lines.

When you’re carrying the people you care about most, safety matters. The 2026 Kia EV9 continues Kia’s strong safety reputation with advanced driver-assist systems designed to help protect passengers from every angle. Its dedicated electric vehicle platform uses high-strength materials to enhance rigidity, while available safety technologies support confidence on highways, in traffic, and during long drives. It’s protection that works quietly in the background, so you can focus on the road ahead.

Meet the Award-Winning 2026 Kia EV9 at Destination Kia in Albany

The brand new Kia EV9 in 2026 proves that going electric doesn’t mean downsizing your life. It means upgrading how you move through it. With space for people, room for gear, and the efficiency of an all-electric powertrain, the EV9 fits families, adventurers, and drivers who simply need more from their vehicle. Visit Destination Kia at 760 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206 to experience the EV9 in person. Our team proudly serves drivers from Albany, Schenectady, Clifton Park, Queensbury, and beyond, and we’re here to help you explore trims, features, and flexible financing options. If your life takes up space, your electric SUV should too.