What Does This Button Do in the Kia EV9?
There’s a familiar button in our long-term Kia EV9 test car that’s seemingly out of place in the three-row electric family SUV: 4WD Lock. That’s a button we’re used to seeing in off-road-oriented SUVs and trucks with honkin’ transfer cases and locking differentials. So what does the 4WD Lock button do in the EV9?
Essentially, 4WD Lock splits the torque distribution 50/50 front to rear, giving both sets of wheels equal power for freeing the EV9 from muddy or sandy off-road conditions, which is the same effect as in other SUVs and trucks with the feature. Where the EV9’s mode differs from a traditional all-wheel- or four-wheel-drive system is that it does this electronically; its AWD system is made up of front and rear electric motors that aren’t mechanically connected to each other.
Related: What’s the Difference Between AWD and 4WD?
If you look at the EV9 owner’s manual, you’ll find the feature is called AWD Lock, which is a more appropriate name than the “4WD Lock” displayed on the steering wheel button. The traditional difference between an AWD and 4WD system is that 4WD has heavier-duty components, more driver selectability and a low-range gear ratio for off-roading. But there’s really no ironclad definition, and there are situations like in the EV9 (but definitely not limited to Kia) where the terms are used interchangeably.
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We tested 4WD Lock on an icy paved incline and observed minimal differences with the mode on or off, but Kia said this might not have been the right conditions to fully experience it.
“AWD Lock maximizes traction under generally more extreme conditions than paved roads (unpaved off-roads, sandy roads and muddy roads),” Kia said. “The biggest difference would be found in cases where there is wheel spin left to right (on the same axle) and not front to back (on different axles).”
One of the interesting things we learned from Kia is that the EV9’s 4WD Lock feature will work at all speeds because it’s software-based rather than relying on a physical part like a clutch. This makes it different from some mechanical systems that can disengage at higher speeds. A traditional clutch-based AWD system, for instance, can reduce clutch pressure at higher speeds to prevent wear.
Given our long-term EV9’s on-road-focused tires and moderate ground clearance, we don’t think we’ll be out in the wilderness anytime soon to give its 4WD Lock feature a legitimate test, but if we do, we’ll be sure to report our findings.
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