The Kia EV9 Won the 2024 World Car Awards, Twice

The Kia EV9 has come a long way since it burst on the scene last October, when we declared it the definitive electric SUV. Flash forward six months later, and it’s good to know that the rest of the world is in agreement. Last week, the World Car Awards ceremony took place at the New York Auto Show. The Kia EV9 entered the event as an awards-season darling, and it emerged victorious – not once, but twice.

The EV9 took home a pair of prestigious titles: World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle. Continuing Kia’s dominance at the World Car Awards, it marked the company’s fourth and fifth wins at the event since 2020. While the EV9 was practically a shoe-in to claim the EV-centric honors – considering it’s become the gold standard for all-electric capability in rapid time – the win for World Car of the Year is a testament to how well-rounded the full EV9 experience is.

And the Award Goes To…

The World Car Awards were established two decades ago, in 2003. Since then, they’ve become globally recognized as a premier standard for automotive excellence and leadership within a constantly transforming industry. And it’s not a small sample size of voters determining the winners; the jury is made up of over 100 distinguished automotive journalists, representing 29 total countries. This year, these auto enthusiasts from across the globe found common ground in their appreciation for the Kia EV9.

The EV9’s dual victory is a rarity; think the Best International Feature Film also taking home Best Picture at the Academy Awards. (Fun movie trivia: 2020’s Parasite was the first and only film to accomplish this.) But they’re hardly the only global awards that Kia’s all-electric SUV has taken home in recent months; the EV9 also claimed the title of Best Family Vehicle at the Golden Steering Wheel Awards in Berlin, and it added another pair of wins at the 2023 Newsweek Autos Awards.

Redefining the Electric Experience

What differentiates the 2024 EV9 from past Kia EVs enough to propel it to such heights? For starters, it marks Kia’s first dedicated three-row SUV, yet retains superior power and performance specs. The EV9’s resume includes 379 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque, and a towing capacity of over 5,000 lbs. When you need to haul cargo up Route 81 towards Winchester, this unassuming electric SUV will get the job done as ably as any heavy-duty pickup.

With exceptional range and ever-expanding charging options, the EV9 confidently dismisses modern EV concerns. Its innovative charging system allows for ultra-fast, 350kW DC fast charging, capable of raising your charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. EV9 drivers also have access to a charging network that includes over 41,000 charging stations across the country. And with an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles, your chances of hitting 0% mid-trip are slimmer than ever before.

A World-Class Interior

The Kia EV9 offers an unparalleled level of luxury compared to its competitors. Occupants of the interior’s first two rows enjoy heated lounge seats that offer power leg rests and power extendable footrests. Third row passengers have access to USB-C charging ports, cup holders, and an abundance of shoulder and hip room. Overall, the EV9 stands apart from the competition when it comes to freedom of movement and cargo space.

Meanwhile, the EV9’s Digital Cockpit features over two combined feet of digital instrumentation. Its infotainment system performs automatic, voice-enabled vehicle software updates, keeping you up-to-date on the latest tech. The EV9’s long list of driver-first features includes:

• Surround View Monitoring
• Full Display Mirror
• Head-Up Display
• Remote Smart Parking Assist 2

Join the EV Community Today

Steven Kia is Rocktown’s home for the latest in electric and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the EV9, you can check out the electrifying Kia EV6 crossover. Or, if you’re venturing into the electric space for the first time, explore the versatility of hybrid power with the Kia Niro Hybrid and its innovative “Green Zone” technology.

If you’ve been looking for the ideal opportunity to make the switch to electric, look no further than the EV9. It’s the rare EV where the total package is so complete, the powertrain driving it becomes almost an afterthought. Schedule your test drive at Steven Kia today and discover why the EV9’s dual win at the World Car Awards isn’t just a feather in Kia’s cap – it’s the start of a thrilling new chapter.