Kia EV9 Wins Drive Car of the Year 2024 Award as First Electric Vehicle to Take Top Honor

The Kia EV9 has made history by clinching the prestigious Drive Car of the Year 2024 award, marking the first time an electric vehicle has secured the highly sought-after trophy in the 18-year history of the awards program.

With a rigorous selection process that involved evaluating over 400 new models released in 2023, the Kia EV9 emerged as the standout winner among the 18 category champions, which included well-known brands like Honda CR-V, Hyundai Kona, Mercedes-Benz GLC, MG 4, and Tesla Model 3.

Simon Halfhide, the CEO of Drive, expressed his excitement at the growth of the Australian electric vehicle market, which witnessed a significant uptick in sales in 2023, with a whopping 90,000 EVs sold compared to the previous year.

James Ward, the Director of Content at Drive, lauded the Kia EV9 for its game-changing features, highlighting its blend of functionality, practicality, and cutting-edge electrification that makes it an appealing choice for families across Australia.

The award-winning Kia EV9, a seven-seat all-electric SUV, presents a compelling vision of the future of Australian family transport, offering silent, clean, and cost-effective ownership for discerning buyers.

In a statement following the win, Damien Meredith, Kia Australia’s CEO, expressed pride in the recognition of the EV9 as the overall winner of Drive Car of the Year 2024, emphasizing the model’s advanced technology, expansive battery range, and refined suspension.

The victory of the Kia EV9 marks the third Drive Car of the Year win for Kia in the last four years, underscoring the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative and competitive vehicles to the market.