Kia EV9 Earth Review: Is the $10K Premium Over Air Worth It?
Kia EV9 Earth: Decoding the $10,000 Question
For Australian families considering the award-winning Kia EV9, the $97,000 Air trim presents a dilemma: does the mid-spec Earth model justify its $106,500 price tag? After analyzing Drive's comprehensive review, I believe this decision hinges on three critical factors: the dual-motor AWD advantage, the extended 512km range, and real-world usability differences. While the Air won 2024 Drive Car of the Year for its impressive tech suite, the Earth adds tangible performance benefits that merit scrutiny.
Performance and Range Comparison
Earth's decisive upgrades over Air transform the driving experience:
| Specification | EV9 Air | EV9 Earth |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single Motor RWD | Dual Motor AWD |
| Battery | 76.1kWh | 99.8kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 443km | 512km |
| 0-100km/h | 8.8 seconds | 6.0 seconds |
The Earth's larger 99.8kWh battery delivers class-leading range - even surpassing the $121,000 GT-Line's 505km. Combined with 282kW power output, acceleration feels remarkably responsive for a 2.5-tonne SUV. Testers noted the dual-motor system provides superior traction in wet conditions, a significant advantage for Australian climates.
Charging practicalities revealed real-world nuances:
- 350V fast charging achieves 10-80% in 24 minutes (theoretical)
- Using 50V public chargers, reviewers gained only 15% charge in 30 minutes
- Efficiency proved impressive: 265km driving consumed just 40% battery
Practical Family Features Analyzed
Seating and storage solutions demonstrate thoughtful engineering:
- Stadium-style cabin offers generous space across all three rows
- Four ISOFIX points and five top tethers accommodate multiple child seats
- 333L boot (all seats up) expands to 2,318L with folded seats
- Wide-opening doors simplify child seat access
Yet material compromises exist at this price point. The cabin uses predominantly soft-touch plastics which, while visually appealing, may show wear over time. The Earth also lacks a spare tire (repair kit only), a notable omission for regional driving.
Technology execution shows minor frustrations:
- The 5-inch climate panel is obscured by the steering wheel
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto experienced occasional dropouts
- Overzealous safety alerts triggered frequent "beeps and trills" during urban driving
Driving Dynamics and Daily Usability
On-road behavior reveals inherent contradictions:
- Highway excellence: Near-silent cabin, supple ride quality, and confident acceleration make it an exceptional tourer
- Urban challenges: The 5m length and 2m width create parking difficulties despite 360-degree cameras
- One-pedal driving feels jerky initially but becomes intuitive with practice
The Drive team discovered the Earth's suspension tuning improves upon the Air's firmness, with reduced road noise from acoustic laminated glass. However, visibility compromises exist: the tall bonnet obstructs front sightlines, while rearward views diminish with occupied seats.
Ownership Value Verdict
Three critical considerations for buyers:
- Range seekers: Earth's 512km justifies the premium if you regularly exceed 400km between charges
- Performance families: The 6-second 0-100km/h acceleration and AWD warrant the cost for driving enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious: The Air retains all essential safety tech and seats seven at $10,000 less
Kia's servicing costs remain competitive against rivals like Tesla Model X. However, the Earth's $106,500 price still challenges family budgets. As the reviewer noted, alternatives exist but none match the EV9's combination of space, tech, and driving refinement that secured its Drive Car of the Year title.
Your Decision Checklist
Prioritize the Earth if you require:
☑️ Maximum possible EV range (512km)
☑️ All-weather AWD traction
☑️ Sub-6-second acceleration
☑️ Tolerance for urban maneuverability trade-offs
Recommended Next Steps:
- Compare energy plans: Check EV-specific electricity rates like AGL EV Saver
- Test both trims: Experience the Air's RWD vs Earth's AWD handling differences
- Calculate charging costs: Use Kia's EV charging calculator for real-world expense projections
While the Earth enhances performance, the Air remains Drive's recommended pick for delivering 90% of the experience at $10,000 less. The Earth justifies its premium only for those who specifically need its extended range or all-wheel drive capability.
"Which factor matters more for your family: maximum driving range or keeping below the $100k threshold?" Share your priorities in the comments.
