The Kia EV9 is the largest electric vehicle based on Hyundai's Electric Global Modular Platform. Slightly longer than the front-biased Telluride, the EV9 will soon get a pickup truck-bodied sibling.
Spied by KindelAuto in the United States, the camouflaged prototype is also related to the EV9 crossover in terms of styling, not the internal combustion Tasman pickup truck. The headlights and front end scream EV9, and out back, the taillights are unmistakably inspired by those of the Santa Cruz.
Pictured with six-lug wheels rather than five for the EV9 and Santa Cruz, the zero-emission pickup truck features a multitude of paint colors: blue up front, black for the pillars, white for the mirror caps, as well as gray for the fenders, doors, and roof. The manufacturer-plated vehicle is also equipped with rear bumper steps à la the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
The carparazzo further managed to catch a glimpse of the camouflaged interior, which appears to rock the Santa Cruz's dual-screen layout rather than the larger screens of the EV9. Whatever may be hiding under that camo, it's hard to imagine this electric pickup truck with old-fashioned gauges.
It's not known when this pickup will enter series production, and furthermore, it's not clear if Kia will build it stateside. Regarding the latter question mark, one could make a case for the Metaplant in West Point, Georgia. The factory is expected to start EV9 production by the end of May 2024, meaning that EV9 will soon qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit.
Photo: KindelAuto on YouTube
Looking at the bigger picture, the EV9 sure needs a price cut. $54,900 before taxes and options isn't exactly a deal, especially for an electric vehicle that bears the Kia badge. By comparison, the Santa Cruz retails at $26,900 for the 2024 model year. The Hyundai brand's compact pickup truck can be had with either a 2.5-liter or a turbocharged 2.5-liter.
As for the EV9, make that single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD. The Light RWD opens the list of trim levels/drivetrain configurations with an EPA driving range of 230 miles (370 kilometers) and seating for seven. The Light Long Range RWD appears to be the sweetest spot in the lineup, for it comes as standard with second-row captain's chairs, a HomeLink garage opener, and a larger battery for an EPA-estimated 304 miles (489 kilometers).
Rated at up to 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm) of near-instant torque, the EV9 accelerates to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in as little as 4.5 seconds, but only as long as you spend at the very least on the EV9 GT-Line. Not bad for a people hauler, let alone for a Kia!
If you aren't exactly pleased with the range, the Telluride should be more than adequate for your family. Alternatively, you can go for a rear-biased sport utility vehicle such as the Mazda CX-90.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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