I drove Kia’s $78,000 EV9 family SUV. It’s pricey, but one of the finest EVs money can buy.

I was impressed by the SUV’s solid driving dynamics, spacious and tech-laden cabin, and striking looks.

While generally excellent, the EV9’s elevated price point, especially compared to capable ICE alternatives, was concerning. In addition, I had some gripes with some interior design choices, such as the climate control screen hidden behind the steering wheel.

The base, rear-wheel-drive ‘Light’ version starts at $54,900. Those wishing for all-wheel drive will need to upgrade to the mid-tier Wind trim, which starts at $63,900.

My top-of-the-line EV9 GT-Line with AWD starts at $73,900.

Freight fees and optional extras, such as a $2,000 Second Row Relaxation Package, pushed the as-tested price to more than $78,000.

According to Kia, the EV9’s look is meant to evoke the looks of a “beautiful sculpture on a rock” with the SUV’s wheels and bulging fenders designed to represent a rock in nature.

At the same time, its LED headlights were inspired by a constellation of stars, Kia says.

There are 84 small L-shaped lamps on the front grille between the main headlights that perform configurable dynamic lighting animations when the vehicle is unlocked.

The active air flaps automatically open and close to help optimize fuel efficiency and powertrain cooling.

The taillights flank the EV9 smart hands-free liftgate, which triggers if you stand within 3 feet of the rear bumper for more than three seconds while possessing the key fob.

The GT-Line wheels consist of a four-spoke wheel with dark silver plastic aero covers.

Base trim EV9s get 19-inch wheels, while the mid-tier models get 20-inch alloys.

The EV9 is half an inch longer than the Telluride but about three inches shorter than the Rivian.

But its 7.8 inches of ground clearance trails both the Telluride and R1S by half an inch and 2 inches, respectively.

The EV9 one of a handful of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis branded EVs including the GV60 and Ioniq 5 to share the platform.

Under the EV9’s floor, you’ll find one of two different lithium-ion battery packs. The base EV9 comes with a 76.1 kWh pack while all other trims are equipped with a 99.8 kWh pack.

My GT-Line test car came equipped with a pair of 189.5-horsepower electric motors, one mounted on each axle, to create a virtual all-wheel-drive system.

The motors come together to produce 379 total system horsepower and 516 lb. ft. of torque.

According to Kia, the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a DC fast charger.

The EV9, like its platform mates, comes equipped with bi-directional charging, too. That means it’s able to power small appliances outside of the vehicle.

My GT-Line test car was rated by the EPA for 270 miles of range. However, during my time behind the wheel, I was able to push the vehicle’s projected range past the 300-mile mark.

The Kia EV9 GT-Line didn’t drive quite like a sports car, but it great for 5,800-pound family SUV.

Although a bit numb, the EV9’s steering was well weighted and precise.

The EV9’s low center of gravity, along with exceptional grip from its all-wheel-drive system and exceptionally wide tires, meant it was surprisingly surefooted in the twisty bits.

The EV9 is fast and powerful, but never felt rushed in its effortless acceleration.

According to Kia, the SUV can do 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. However, my experience of testing a few hundred cars tells me that it may be a tad quicker than that.

Kia’s designers did a great job curating a quiet and comfortable space with loads of useful storage and charging for mobile devices that’s suitable for everyone from families to business executives.

It’s a design that has proliferated the Hyundai/Kia/Genesis family from the Hyundai Santa Fe family SUV to the GV60 EV.

The main infotainment screen is 12.3-inch touch screen running Kia’s latest user interface. It was fairly intuitive to use, but some menus took some hunting to find.

The EV9’s overall cabin ergonomics are solid, but there were a couple of design choices I found to be questionable.

This is one of them.

While useful, they can be difficult to see and are extremely sensitive. In several instances, the system reacted to inadvertent commands when I accidentally rested my hand on or even momentarily grazed one of the buttons.

The five-inch climate control touchscreen is nestled on the dash between the infotainment screen and gauge cluster. While the screen itself is intuitively organized, its location is less than ideal as it’s hidden from the driver by the steering wheel.

It’s a far reach for those occupying the passenger seat. Even though Kia did place some basic temperature and fan speed controls on the center console, it still doesn’t beat the convenience of a centrally located climate control panel.

The digital gauge cluster offers some minimal customizable options, but doesn’t offer the type of display variation like maps or multi-media capabilities as other SUVs.

The gauge cluster is also home to the EV9’s blind spot view monitor.

The EV9’s shifter is on the right side of the steering column where a traditional ignition key would have lived once upon a time.

The shifter shares the stalk with the EV9’s “on” button.

To shift into drive, twist the right end of the stalk forward. Twist it backward to shift into reverse, and press the “P” button at the end of the stalk to put the EV9 into park.

The EV9’s center console is open with lots of configurable storage and charging options.

The cupholders share the center console with a wireless phone charger and a pair of USB-C plugs.

The system is incredibly useful when the rear cabin of the SUV filled with people or cargo.

With the leg rest extended and the seat reclined, this is a great place for the driver to recharge with a nap when the EV9 is charging.

On roadtrips, the EV9’s driver’s seat is equipped with a ergo-motion feature that gently massages you to prevent soreness.

That’s on par with the Kia Telluride.

The VIP package comes with adjustable leg supports and special “relaxation seats” that create an almost limousine-like experience for passengers.

The outer edges of the headrest folds to provide additional support, especially when the seat is reclined.

The smaller front sunroof opens while the larger rear glass roof does not.

The drawer is perfect for storage place for snacks, books and mobile devices on a road trip.

Third row in my test car offered just 29.9 inches in legroom due to the relaxation chairs. Other trims levels get up to 32 inches.

That’s on par with the Telluride.

With the third-row seat folded, cargo capacity increases to 43.5 cubic feet. That figure increases to 81.7 cubic feet with the second row also folded.

The frunk is limited to cargo weighing less than 44 lbs.

The EV9’s standard safety tech includes forward collision avoidance, blindspot collision avoidance assist, driver attention warning, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, rear cross traffic avoidance assist, smart cruise control, rear occupant alert, and navigation-based smart cruise control.

The Kia EV9 is a world-class three-row family SUV. And I don’t mean for an EV.

It’s as good as any three-row family SUV on the market today.

Given the critical and sales success of the Telluride, it should be no surprise that Kia knocked it out of the park with the EV9.

The real sticking point with the EV9 isn’t the car itself, which is objectively fantastic.

It’s the mental hurdle consumers will have paying nearly $80,000 for the EV9.

Even a barebones base trim EV9’s $54,900 is enough to cover the price of a full-loaded Telluride.

I get it.

Those are Mercedes-Benz prices for a Kia.

However, you can’t think of it that way. EV SUVs command a price premium, and there’s currently nothing else in the segment that starts below $70,000.

So, compared to its peers, the EV9 and its $54,900 starting price are true bargains.