The 2024 Kia EV9 has made its first official appearance on American soil, with the unveiling taking place at the New York International Auto Show after the global reveal took place earlier this month. Kia has officially confirmed the electric SUV will be available to local customers in the fourth quarter of 2023 and that, crucially, it will be assembled in America from next year, making it eligible for certain tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.

Kia's flagship EV sits on the E-GMP architecture (as employed by the EV6) and measures 197.4 inches long and 77.9 inches wide. Thanks to the cleverly packaged interior and flat floor, passengers and cargo have plenty of space. With both rows of rear seats folded away, there are 81.9 cubic feet to haul large items.

At launch, customers will be able to select from two powertrain options. The standard setup comprises a 76.1 kWh battery and a 215 horsepower motor that channels motivation to the rear wheels. A 99.8 kWh battery will be made available as an option for the single-motor variant. Kia America says it's targeting 300 miles of range with this setup.

For now, the range-topping model will make use of a dual motor setup that musters up 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to all four wheels. This model receives torque vectoring capabilities as standard. Kia notes all models will offer four drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and MyMode.

A high-performance GT derivative will follow in the coming years and could utilize the 576-hp powertrain from the EV6 GT.

As for charging, the EV9 is rated to charge at speeds of up to 230 kW when plugged into a DC charger. Thanks to the 800-volt electrical architecture, the electric SUV needs just 25 minutes to charge from 10-80%. Currently, Kia has only released range estimates for the 99.8 kWh Long Range derivatives, but official EPA estimates will be released closer to the on-sale date.

The interior is a symphony of modern design and cutting-edge features, with plenty of toys to keep occupants entertained.

In keeping with the sustainability theme, the cabin is trimmed in eco-friendly materials. The seats boast a non-leather polyurethane finish, while the interior trim is free of BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers). The rest of the fabrics and carpets are fashioned out of partially recycled materials.

Convenience features abound, and passengers are treated to a dual-level, floating center console that stretches across the first and second rows of seats and hides storage compartments and cupholders for passengers. Other luxuries include tri-zone climate control and USB-C outlets strewn across the cabin.

As for options, buyers can specify the powerful 708-watt Meridian Premium Audio system with 14 speakers and a "Relaxation Mode" that provides power-operated leg rests for occupants seated in the front and second rows. Those in the middle row are also privy to eight-way powered seats with heating and cooling facilities. Customers can choose between a traditional seven-seater layout or a more luxurious six-seater configuration in which the second-row seats can rotate 90 or 180 degrees.

It doesn't end there, though. The EV9 ships with Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) operating system. The Korean automaker claims the new OS processes faster than existing systems; the EV9 is the first Kia to offer vehicle system over-the-air updates. Another nifty feature is the navigation-based charging system that allows owners to plan their routes accordingly.

A digital key, compatible with Samsung or Apple smart devices, enables owners to lock and unlock their vehicles easily without a physical key. You can even share the virtual key with friends and family members, allowing them to drive the car without the physical key fob.

Naturally, the EV9 is armed with a bevy of safety features. Lane Following Assist 2 and Advanced Highway Driving Assist are standard, and the electric SUV is the first Kia available in North America to embrace these driver assists. Other safety features include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision warning, and a blind-spot view monitor.

Other standard safety kit includes 10 airbags, which includes a front-row center airbag that aims to prevent front-passenger impacts. Optional features consist of a rear-view monitor and a surround-view monitor, as well as remote smart parking assist, which allows you to extricate the large Kia from tricky parking sports.

So, what else do you need to know? Those who haul heavy items on a regular basis will be delighted to know the EV9 is rated with a 5,000-lb towing capacity.

"The EV9 is a credible, high-value SUV that encapsulates our approach to bringing innovative, consumer-focused products to market with a serious commitment to electrification," said Kia North America CEO, Sean Yoon.

Pricing, EPA range ratings, and trim specifications will be shared closer to the time of launch.