Kia EV9 Launch in Saudi Arabia: A Turning Point for Family EVs?

The arrival of the Kia EV9 in Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the country is making a strong push towards sustainable transportation. This is a full-size, three-row electric SUV built on Kia's E-GMP platform. It comes with a higher range and some key practical features, like fast charging, that make it perfect for families who prefer space without the fuel bills. With a starting price of SAR 357,999, the EV9 positions itself between mainstream and premium, targeting buyers who want a practical car. While buyers are curiously looking at EV options, it is not fully clear whether Saudi families, traditionally loyal to petrol-powered SUVs like the Land Cruiser and Patrol, will make the switch. Will this big size be the pivot in the EV market in the kingdom? We try to find out.

What Makes the EV9 Stand Out?

Attractive Design

The first element of the EV9 is the digital tiger face, which attracts attention the moment you see it. Likewise, the vertical LED headlamps create a wide, commanding presence, and the star map lighting at the rear flows up and down when you lock or unlock. It is 5 metres long with a 3,100 mm wheelbase; it certainly is a big SUV, something buyers really want.

Interior & Tech at a Glance

Feature	Details
Display Setup	Dual 12.3-inch curved screens + 5.2-inch segment display
Sunroof	Panoramic dual sunroof across all three rows
Materials	Vegan leather, recycled plastics, soft-touch surfaces
Floor	Completely flat – more foot space than traditional SUVs

The Flexible Seating

One particular aspect of the SUV which Saudi families are likely to find more useful is that the second-row captain's chairs in the six-seater rotate 180 degrees when parked. This is like an office or a workplace as you face the third row, talk to your kids, or swivel forward again, and actually it works. In the seven-seater configuration, you get bench seating instead, with full-flat folding at the press of a button. Third-row space appears to be genuinely usable for adults on short trips, not just kids, which makes it quite a family SUV. 

Charging & Practical Electric Features

• You can charge it between 10% and 80% in just 24 minutes on a 350 kW charger.
• Get nearly 249 km of range in 15 minutes, ideal for long road trips like Riyadh–Jeddah trips.
• V2L (Vehicle to Load) powers devices inside and outside.
• The 220V output is for camping gear or emergency equipment.
  

Everything You Need to Know About the Kia EV9

Power & Range Numbers

Drivetrain	Power	Range (WLTP)	Real-World Estimate
2WD (19-inch wheels)	149 kW	563 km	400 km in Saudi heat
AWD	283 kW	512 km	380 km in Saudi heat

The 2WD long-range model offers solid performance for family needs, and the real-world range drops in extreme Saudi heat, but 400 km still covers daily driving and weekend trips without charging stress.

Space Interior That Works

One of the big positive aspects of Kia’s E-GMP platform is that it creates a flat floor you notice immediately; that means all three rows get proper headroom. The cabin storage is plenty, with compartments everywhere: under the floor, in the doors, and between seats. Just like expected, the power tailgate opens to a deep boot that swallows luggage, and with seats folded, you can fit furniture. This feels like a vehicle a class above, which makes it quite a choice for most SUV buyers. Here is the list of the Best Chinese SUVs for Saudi Roads in 2025.

Tech & Connectivity

• Digital side mirrors with 7-inch OLED screens, which are much clearer in bad weather.
• The high-quality Meridian sound system with 14 speakers.
• Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• The head-up display for speed and navigation adds to the already strong safety credentials.
• The 64-colour ambient lighting.
  

The Safety Focus 

The EV9 has plenty of safety features, making it one of the safest SUVs to drive around town or on highways. The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 watches for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists and brakes automatically if needed. Similarly, Lane Following Assist 2 centres the car with an improved steering feel. Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist checks blind spots and steers away from danger. The remote Smart Parking Assist 2 lets you park from outside using the key fob.

Terrain Mode adjusts power for snow, mud, or sand using AI. The car senses wheel slip and redistributes torque. This is not full off-road capability, but it is enough for beach trips or unpaved desert tracks.

Comfort Where It Counts

Feature	Front Seats	Second Row
Heating/Cooling	Relaxation seats with massage	Ventilated & heated
Adjustment	Deep recline and leg rests	Standard comfort
Climate	Individual zone control	Separate zone control

Build quality feels solid. Panel gaps are tight, doors close with a satisfying thunk, and there's no squeaking over bumps. Kia has improved significantly here.

A Turning Point for Family EVs?

So, does the EV9 have what it takes to turn the curious ones into serious buyers? Basically, it enters a market where families are quite happy with their petrol SUVs. To understand its position, compare it against both traditional and electric competitors.

Comparison: EV9 vs Traditional Family SUVs

Feature	Kia EV9 (2WD)	Toyota Land Cruiser	Nissan Patrol
Starting Price	SAR 357,999	SAR 270,000	SAR 261,000
Fuel Type	Electric	Petrol V6	Petrol V6/V8
Seating	6 or 7	7-8	7-8
Monthly Fuel Cost*	SAR 150-200	SAR 1,200-1,500	SAR 1,100-1,400
Charging/Refueling	24 min (10-80%)	5 minutes	5 minutes
Towing Capacity	2,500 kg	3,500 kg	3,500 kg

*Based 2,000 km of monthly driving

Comparison: EV9 vs Electric SUVs

Feature	Kia EV9	Audi Q8 e-tron	Mercedes EQB	Tesla Model X
Starting Price	SAR 321,999	SAR 392,000	SAR 331,000	SAR 480,000
Range (WLTP)	563km	436 km	420 km	580 km
Charging Speed	24 min (10-80%)	31 min (10-80%)	32 min (10-80%)	25 min (10-80%)
Seating	6 or 7	5 or 7	7	5 or 7
Power Output	149 kW / 283 kW	300 kW	215 kW	493 kW

Looking at the numbers, it is not hard to understand what exactly this means. When it comes to purchase price, the EV9 costs more than traditional petrol SUVs but saves SAR 12,000–15,000 annually on fuel. Against electric competitors, it offers more space and range than the EQB at a similar price, while undercutting the Q8 e-tron and Model X significantly.

Right now, Saudi Arabia's overall EV market is growing, which is getting a boost from growing infrastructure like charging networks expanding over the last 2–3 years. Today, you will find chargers on most major highways and in cities. Also, the government is encouraging buyer switch incentives, like reduced registration fees and customs duties on electric vehicles. The government’s ambitious push toward Vision 2030's sustainability goals means more support is coming.

However, we can’t simply overlook the roadblocks to wider adoption of EVs and some key challenges that need to be addressed. The first and foremost is Saudi Arabia, or for that matter, the overall Gulf’s weather, which continues to be a challenge. We all know summer temperatures hitting 50°C are normal here, which affects battery performance and range. Long distances between cities increase range anxiety. Furthermore, it is common for many families to own multiple vehicles; the EV9 works as a primary vehicle for city use and regional trips, but you might keep a petrol vehicle for extreme long-distance travel or towing heavy loads.

Some of the standout features, like swivelling seats and V2L power output, are remarkable. They are simply not gimmicks but rather practical for Saudi family life.

Price positioning is clever. At SAR 357,000, the EV9 sits below luxury EVs but above mainstream electric crossovers. You're paying for space, range, and features that traditional petrol SUVs offer, just with an electric powertrain. The five-year savings on fuel (around SAR 60,000–75,000) bring the effective cost closer to a well-equipped Palisade or Santa Fe.

Should You Buy?

Not an easy answer, as it is quite subjective and depends on an individual's or family's preference. But there certainly are key elements that work in favour of owning one. The EV9 makes sense if you fit a specific profile: if you drive mostly in cities with occasional long trips and get a home charger or easy access to public chargers. If you want lower running costs without sacrificing space and are ready to plan charging stops instead of quick fuel station visits.

Families for city use and weekend beach trips will find the EV9 perfect because the 563 km range covers most weekly driving on a single charge. The fast charging means road trips to Jeddah or Dammam work with a 30-minute charging break.

Consider alternatives if you tow heavy trailers regularly, drive to remote areas without charging infrastructure, or need absolute maximum range for desert exploration. The Land Cruiser and Patrol still win there. If the budget is tight, wait; EV prices typically drop as the market matures, and more charging infrastructure is rolling out monthly. Also, check out major Chinese EVs Taking Over – BYD, MG & Zeekr Explained.

Conclusion

The electric vehicle market of Saudi Arabia has been buzzing with action. Most global brands are keen to bring their offerings to the kingdom’s buyers and take that early lead. In this context, Kia with the EV9 brings serious family electric SUV capability, and it’s spacious, well-equipped, and practical for most families' daily needs. Given that EV infra is improving every month, owning one is not a total novelty. The charging infrastructure is catching up fast enough to make it viable. Whether it's a turning point depends on how many families are ready to change habits around refuelling. Check out our quick guide to Where to Charge an EV in Saudi Arabia – Locations, Costs & How Fast Charging Works.

Against rivals like the Mercedes EQB, Audi Q8 e-tron, and upcoming models like the BYD Tang and Hongqi E-HS9, the EV9 offers strong value and features. For families ready to go electric, the EV9 delivers what matters most: space, comfort, and enough range to work in Saudi conditions.