Does the 2024 Kia EV9 Have as Much Cargo Room as Regular 3-Row SUVs?
Driving our long-term 2024 Kia EV9 test car has been a breath of fresh air for a family man such as myself thanks to its generous passenger and cargo space versus many other electric vehicles. But how does the EV9’s cargo room compare to such three-row SUV stalwarts like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas? (All three SUVs have earned recognition at different times in Cars.com’s annual awards for their family-friendliness and overall greatness.)
Related: What’s the Best 3-Row SUV for 2024?
To compare the EV9’s cargo space with other three-row SUVs, we turn to our cargo testing, where we measure the cargo area behind the second and third rows using a methodology that aims to create standardization between makes and models, because automakers don’t all measure cargo space the same way.
2024 Kia EV9 Cargo Space Vs. Regular 3-Row SUVs
The EV9 certainly doesn’t top our list of three-row SUVs with the most cargo space, but it’s a tight grouping of competitors. The EV9’s cargo space behind the second row is a stone’s throw away from its gasoline-powered Kia Telluride sibling, though the Telluride has a notable advantage in space behind the third row. Among 2024 models, the Volkswagen Atlas remains the top pick for those looking to maximize space behind the second row, while the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the go-to for those looking for the most space behind the third row.
More than just cargo space, there are other differences between the EV9 and the gas-powered SUVs. The Hyundai Palisade offers a power-operated third row in higher trim levels, while the EV9 only has a manual-release third row via straps in the back. The EV9 does have cargo area power releases for the second row that let the seatbacks fold forward, but there’s no up-and-down power operation. Otherwise, there’s nothing unusual or very different about the EV9’s cargo area versus your run-of-the-mill three-row SUV, but the fact that the EV9’s cargo area can be used just like any other three-row SUV’s is notable for an EV.
In the EV9, you do have some space in a front trunk, but it’s extremely limited because this space is also the perfect size for the mobile charge cord and vehicle-to-load adapter that plugs into the battery charge port to let you use the large EV battery to power household devices. Very little room remains with those items in the frunk, and that’s where we keep them in our EV9 to free up space in the back for other things. Similarly, there’s some underfloor storage in the rear, but it’s occupied by a tire repair kit (there’s no spare tire in the EV9). You won’t find a large storage area under the rear cargo floor like you do in the Telluride and Honda Pilot.
| Make, Model | Model Year, Trim Level Tested* | Space Behind Second Row (Cubic Feet) | Space Behind Third Row (Cubic Feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Atlas | 2024 SEL Premium R-Line AWD | 28.5 | 13.3 |
| Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | 2024 Limited | 26.0 | 14.5 |
| Hyundai Palisade | 2024 Calligraphy Night Edition AWD | 24.9 | 11.2 |
| Kia Telluride | 2024 SX-Prestige X-Line AWD | 24.4 | 12.3 |
| Kia EV9 | 2024 Land | 23.4+0.7† | 10.4 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 2024 Platinum AWD | 23.0 | 9.1 |
| Subaru Ascent | 2024 Touring AWD | 22.5 | 9.6 |
| Honda Pilot | 2023 Elite AWD | 22.1 | 11.0 |
†Volume measured in front trunks
2024 Kia EV9 Cargo Space Vs. 3-Row EV SUVs
There aren’t many three-row electric SUVs, and there certainly aren’t any as large as the EV9 priced under $60,000, which is where the Kia starts. Of the three-row electric SUVs we’ve tested for cargo, the EV9 falls in between the roomiest Rivian R1S and smaller Tesla Model Y with its optional third row that’s not suitable for most adults. Other EVs that offer three rows of seats include the Tesla Model X, as well as the Mercedes-EQ EQS and EQB SUVs, though we haven’t put three-row versions of these models through our regimented cargo testing yet.
What’s interesting about the Model Y’s cargo space is that, if you add up its frunk and cargo space behind the second row (23.7 cubic feet), you have nearly as much space as the EV9 (24.1 cubic feet), though the Model Y’s numbers come from compartmentalized spaces with its large frunk and a large underfloor storage area in the back versus a larger open cargo area like in the EV9. The EV9’s single, expansive cargo space is preferable for larger items such as strollers and bicycles that families may need to carry.
| Make, Model | Model Year, Trim Level Tested* | Space Behind Second Row (Cubic Feet) | Space Behind Third Row (Cubic Feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1S | 2024 Performance Dual Max | 25.7+6.0† | 12.6 |
| Kia EV9 | 2024 Land | 23.4+0.7† | 10.4 |
| Tesla Model Y | 2021 Long Range | 20.8+2.9† | 9.9 (lid in flat position) |
†Volume measured in front trunks
While the EV9 doesn’t top any three-row SUV cargo space charts, its combination of cargo space, electrification and a sub-$60,000 starting price still allows it to stand out among three-row SUVs and three-row electric SUVs.
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- Is the 2024 Rivian R1S Worth Almost $30,000 More Than Our 2024 Kia EV9?
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Kia EV9?
- State of the EV: Lessons Learned Road-Tripping a 2024 Kia EV9
- We Bought a 2024 Kia EV9
- Research the 2024 Kia EV9
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