The showdown between the Kia EV9 GT and the Volvo EX90 Twin Motor pits two seven‑seat electric SUVs against each other, each promising rapid charging, all‑wheel drive and a price tag that sits within three thousand dollars of its rival.
Size, seating and practicality
Both models feature fold‑away third‑row seats that operate electrically from buttons in the boot, allowing adults to sit in the rear row. The EV9 GT is marginally larger, offering a slightly bigger cargo opening and a wider access gap for the second row, which flips forward with a button press.
The Volvo’s second‑row seats each slide and recline individually, while the EV9 uses a 60:40 split. In practice, neither vehicle feels cramped; the EV9’s extra bulk simply adds a few more liters of storage.
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Interior design and user interface
The Volvo interior leans toward a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic, with Cardamom leather and a single central portrait touchscreen. Aside from a volume knob, most functions—including mirror adjustment, heated seats and airflow—require taps or swipes on the screen. The system can feel intrusive, even prompting messages like “You seem tired, is it time to take a break?” during a test drive.
By contrast, the Kia adopts a more tactile approach. A 12.3‑inch central display shares space with a similarly sized driver’s screen, but the cabin also includes a haptic mode bar, physical buttons, rockers and knobs. This mix of digital and analog controls can be overwhelming at first, yet it provides an alternative to the Volvo’s button‑free philosophy.
Both vehicles rely on 800‑volt architectures that enable charging from 10 % to 80 % in roughly twenty minutes when paired with a suitable fast charger.
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From a broader perspective, these models illustrate how electric SUVs are beginning to replace traditional diesel‑powered equivalents in both passenger comfort and cargo capacity, signaling a shift in family‑car expectations as automakers prioritize sustainability without sacrificing utility.
Driving performance and handling
The Volvo EX90 Twin Motor offers three drive modes—essentially normal, permanent AWD and off‑road—but lacks a dedicated sport setting.
Pricing and ownership costs
Financing scenarios for both SUVs are similar. A typical six‑month deposit followed by a three‑year PCP contract with a 10,000‑mile annual allowance places the Volvo EX90 at roughly £1,200 per month, while the Kia EV9 GT comes in at about £1,100. Though the monthly difference is modest, the overall cost remains high for most consumers.
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Both models include heat pumps and a suite of driver‑assistance features. The Kia offers more standard “toys,” such as additional driver‑adjustable settings, whereas the Volvo carries a more prestigious badge that may appeal to brand‑conscious buyers.
In the end, the choice between the two depends on personal preference. The Volvo provides a serene, understated ride that feels like a deep exhale, suitable for daily commutes and long journeys alike. The Kia, with its bold styling and performance‑oriented features, delivers a more extroverted experience that can be appealing for weekend adventures. Both require a period of familiarisation—learning where the buttons live in the Kia or adapting to the Volvo’s screen‑heavy interface—but once mastered, each offers a competent, stylish solution for families seeking an electric seven‑seat SUV.
