Forget the Kia EV5, buy a used EV9 instead – Mat Watson’s Car of the Day
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson recently reviewed the new Kia EV5, and while it’s a cracking electric SUV he reckons a second-hand Kia EV9 offers better value for money. Here’s why.
Kia is making some brilliant electric cars at the moment, and the most recent addition to its lineup is the EV5. I reviewed this car back in May, and I was quite impressed with it.
The EV5 is roomy inside, nice to drive, packed with tech and I like the way it looks as well. However, a range-topping version with all the toys will cost you £47,000, and for that sort of money I’d look at a second-hand version of its bigger brother – the Kia EV9.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Kia EV5 vs used Kia EV9: price and value for money
The Kia EV5 starts from just under £40,000, but the one you want is the GT-Line S. It comes with loads of kit, such as a panoramic glass roof, self parking aids and a Harman Kardon sound system, as well as some sporty styling upgrades.
That car will cost you £47,000, and for that sort of money I’ve found a late 2023 Kia EV9 with 15,600 miles on the clock. It still has four years of its seven-year warranty left, and it’s the range-topping GT-Line S.
It would’ve cost £77,000 when it was new, and it comes with seven seats, twin 12.3-inch touchscreens, adaptive LED headlights, massage seats, a head-up display and 21-inch alloy wheels.
There’s a lot to like about the Kia EV9. Here are three standout features.
Three good things about the Kia EV9
1. It’s incredibly spacious
The Kia EV5 is pretty roomy, but the EV9 is palatial. There are acres of space in the middle row, and adults can even get comfortable in the very back. You can choose between a seven-seater version for carrying the most people, or a six-seat model with two captains chairs in the back for added comfort.
With the third row folded away you have 828 litres of boot space, 260 litres more than the EV5, and you even get 333 litres of space with all the seats in place.
2. It looks really posh
Kia used to be known as a brand which built dull-but-worthy cars for people on a budget, but the EV9 looks like a properly premium product. I love the boxy shape and upright headlights, and all the bold creases make it look rugged.
It’s just as nice inside as well. The build quality is excellent, and all the materials feel really plush. Parking an EV9 on your driveway is sure to make the neighbors go green with envy.
3. It’s lovely to drive
Out on the road, the EV9 feels comfortable and composed. An SUV of this size was never going to feel like a sports car, but it stays planted through the bends and the steering is nice and accurate.
It’s pretty easy to drive in town as well, despite its size, thanks to the great all-round visibility. The suspension soaks up the bumps as well, although it’s not the quietest car at motorway speeds.
Three annoying things about the Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is by no means perfect, and here are three things which annoyed me about this car.
1. Baffling climate control screen
The Kia EV9 has a few physical buttons to change the temperature and fan speed, but all the other climate controls are on a tiny touchscreen in between the two main displays. You can’t see it past the steering wheel, so to make any adjustments you have to look around it.
2. Rear-view camera
You’d think a car such as this would have a washer jet for the rear-view camera, but it doesn’t. It’s also mounted so low down that it takes minutes in poor weather to get covered in grime, rendering it pretty much useless.
3. Badge snobbery
New, the Kia EV9 starts from just under £67,000, and it rises to an eye-watering £79,000 in top-spec trim with the six-seat layout. That’s Land Rover Discovery money, and those shopping for a Discovery are unlikely to want a Kia badge on the nose of their car.
That said, large electric seven-seaters like the EV9 are quite rare. A Volkswagen ID Buzz will cost you about the same, and a Volvo EX90 is over £30,000 more expensive than the Kia. Truth be told, I prefer the EV9 to the EX90 anyway.
And when you’re buying used, the Kia EV9 starts to look like great value for money. I’d have one over an EV5 any day of the week.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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