The 2024 Kia EV9 is the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

The 2024 Kia EV9 has recently been honored with the prestigious title of North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, a recognition that underscores Kia's desire to lead in the electric vehicle (EV) race with innovative designs and technological advancements.

In-Depth Selection Procedure

This year's North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards marked an important milestone, celebrating 30 years of recognizing automotive excellence. The selection process began with an initial list of 52 vehicles in July, meticulously narrowed down through extensive research and multiple voting rounds. At the Detroit Auto Show, this list was refined to 25 top contenders, and further reduced to 9 finalists at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The evaluation was conducted by a panel of 50 experienced automotive journalists from various media outlets across the United States and Canada. They dedicated significant time to test driving and assessing the vehicles, examining them across various dimensions, including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience, and overall value.

The Kia EV9: Pioneering Electric Mobility for Families

What sets the Kia EV9 apart is its unique offering of a full 3-row configuration in an electric model. The EV9’s unique design not only catches the eye but also signifies that Kia’s is listening to consumer wants and needs in the electric vehicle domain. The decision to manufacture this model in the U.S. within the next year further enhances its appeal and market relevance.

Expert Opinions

The Kia EV9 has been widely praised by jurors for its potential to redefine the electric vehicle market. John Voelcker, a prominent figure in automotive journalism, pointed out the EV9's unique position in offering a 3-row electric SUV at a competitive price point. John McElroy, another esteemed industry analyst, commended Kia for its strategic approach in combining upscale design and advanced technology at accessible prices.

NACTOY's Distinctive and Independent Recognition

What makes the NACTOY awards stand out is their independence from any single media publication, with the jurors' votes confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP. This ensures a collective and unbiased decision-making process, enhancing the credibility and significance of the award. The Kia EV9's victory in this competitive segment highlights its outstanding capabilities and reflects the growing prominence of electric vehicles in the contemporary automotive landscape.

Significance of Kia EV9's Victory

The accolade of the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year for the Kia EV9 proves that Kia's direction towards more sustainable mobility is the right one. This model embodies a perfect blend of style, functionality, and technology.