Power Revolution: Why 516 lb-ft Feels Stronger in the 2025 Kia EV9 Than Any SUV

The 2025 Kia EV9 AWD delivers 516 lb-ft of torque the moment you press the accelerator. No waiting for RPMs to build. No turbo lag. No gear changes. Just immediate, overwhelming power that launches this three-row electric SUV faster than most sports cars from decades past.

This instant torque delivery fundamentally changes how families experience acceleration. Traditional gasoline engines need time to reach peak torque output, usually between 3,000-5,000 RPM. The EV9's dual permanent magnet synchronous motors provide maximum torque at zero RPM, creating a driving experience that feels more like a rocket launch than a family SUV.

Electric vs Gasoline: The Torque Delivery Revolution

Understanding the difference between electric and gasoline torque delivery explains why the EV9 feels so dramatically powerful. Gasoline engines build torque gradually as engine speed increases. Even turbocharged engines need a moment for boost pressure to develop before delivering maximum power.

Electric motors work oppositely. Peak torque arrives instantly and remains constant until higher speeds where efficiency considerations reduce output. This creates the characteristic "punch" that EV drivers describe - immediate, linear acceleration that never hesitates or delays.

The EV9's 379 hp and 516 lb-ft combination produces acceleration that feels more powerful than the numbers suggest. While many gasoline SUVs claim similar peak figures, they can't deliver that power instantly across the entire RPM range.

Real-World Impact for Family Driving

This instant torque transforms everyday driving situations that families encounter regularly. Highway merging becomes effortless as the EV9 provides immediate acceleration without downshifting or waiting for turbo response. Passing slower traffic requires just a gentle accelerator press for instant power delivery.

The torque advantage shows most clearly during:

• Highway on-ramp merging - instant acceleration eliminates timing concerns
• Uphill climbing with cargo - maintains speed without power loss
• Passing maneuvers - immediate power reduces time in opposing traffic
• Stop-and-go traffic - smooth, consistent acceleration improves traffic flow

Traditional three-row SUVs often feel sluggish when loaded with passengers and cargo. The EV9's instant torque delivery maintains strong acceleration regardless of load conditions, ensuring confident performance during family road trips or daily school runs.

AWD Torque Distribution Intelligence

The EV9 AWD uses separate front and rear motors to distribute torque intelligently between all four wheels. This system responds faster than mechanical AWD systems found in gasoline vehicles, providing optimal traction within milliseconds of detecting wheel slip.

Electric AWD delivers several advantages over traditional systems:

• Instant torque redistribution - no mechanical delays or losses
• Individual wheel control - each motor adjusts power independently
• Silent operation - no transfer case noise or vibration
• Variable torque split - continuously optimizes front/rear power distribution

During challenging driving conditions like wet roads or gravel cottage driveways, the EV9's electric AWD system provides superior control compared to conventional mechanical systems. The instant response helps maintain traction before wheel slip occurs.

Performance That Surprises Everyone

The EV9's acceleration capability shocks passengers who expect traditional SUV performance. This 5,010mm, three-row family hauler accelerates faster than many sports cars from the 1990s, yet does so silently and smoothly.

The 99.8 kWh battery pack provides enough energy to deliver this performance repeatedly without concern about engine overheating or transmission stress. Electric motors maintain consistent output regardless of operating temperature, ensuring the same strong acceleration during summer cottage trips or winter city driving.

Unlike gasoline engines that lose power at high altitude, the EV9's electric motors maintain full torque output regardless of elevation. This makes the vehicle particularly suitable for mountain driving or areas where traditional engines might struggle.

Your passengers will experience acceleration unlike anything they've felt in a family vehicle. The instant torque delivery creates a sensation that's both thrilling and confidence-inspiring, changing how everyone thinks about electric vehicle performance.

Discover how 516 lb-ft of instant torque transforms your driving experience during a test drive at Kia of Newmarket, where you can feel the difference that electric power delivery makes.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia EV9, visit Kia.ca