If you’re looking at a big three-row electric SUV, safety is probably near the top of your list. The good news: the Kia EV9 safety rating and crash test results put it among the safest family vehicles on the road right now, electric or otherwise. Let’s unpack what NHTSA, IIHS and Euro NCAP have actually found, and what that means for you, your passengers and your budget.
Quick safety snapshot
Kia EV9 safety overview
Before we dive into the alphabet soup of agencies, it helps to frame what you’re getting with the EV9. This is a large, three-row electric SUV built on Hyundai–Kia’s dedicated E-GMP EV platform, the same architecture used for the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, vehicles that have also scored very well in crash testing. The EV9 benefits from a rigid battery-floor structure, extensive use of high-strength steel and a long wheelbase, all of which help manage crash forces.
- Three-row, family-oriented electric SUV with up to seven seats
- Built on the E-GMP platform with a low-mounted battery pack and strong safety cage
- Comes standard with a long list of active safety and driver-assistance features
- Tested by all three major safety bodies that matter to U.S. shoppers: NHTSA, IIHS and Euro NCAP
Shopping tip
Kia EV9 NHTSA 5-star safety rating
In U.S. government testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the 2024 Kia EV9 an overall 5-star safety rating, which is the highest rating the agency awards. That overall score is based on several individual crash tests:
Kia EV9 NHTSA crash test scores (2024 model year)
Summary of government crash-test ratings for the Kia EV9 so you can see where it performs strongest.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall vehicle score | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal crash (overall) | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Side crash (overall) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Side barrier + pole (front & rear seats) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover resistance | ★★★★ (4/5) |
All scores are on NHTSA’s 1–5 star scale, with 5 stars being the best.
In plain English, that means the EV9 performs very well if it’s hit from the side, and solidly in frontal impacts and rollover resistance. Very few large, three-row SUVs, electric or gasoline, manage a 5-star overall score with this kind of consistency.
Model year note
Kia EV9 IIHS crash test results
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is the other big name in U.S. crash testing. For 2024, the Kia EV9 initially earned a Top Safety Pick award after Kia corrected a headlight-aim issue on certain trims. More recently, under IIHS’s tougher 2025 criteria, the EV9 has stepped up to a coveted Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) for newer model years.
Key IIHS results for the Kia EV9
The EV9 even shares its IIHS side-impact test data with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9, because both ride on the same platform and performed essentially identically in the lab. That’s an indication of solid engineering at a fundamental level, not just tuning airbags after the fact.
What “Top Safety Pick+” really means
Kia EV9 Euro NCAP 5-star rating
If you look beyond U.S. borders, Europe’s Euro NCAP program has also put the EV9 through its paces. Tested in 2023, the EV9 achieved a maximum 5‑star Euro NCAP rating, with strong scores across all four categories the group evaluates.
Kia EV9 Euro NCAP scores (2023 test)
Euro NCAP scored the EV9 in four categories that cover adults, children, vulnerable road users and safety tech.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant protection | 84% |
| Child occupant protection | 88% |
| Vulnerable road users (pedestrians & cyclists) | 76% |
| Safety assist (driver assistance systems) | 83% |
Percent scores are relative to Euro NCAP’s current reference vehicle, with higher being better.
The child-occupant and safety-assist scores are especially important if you’re hauling kids or regularly driving in busy urban areas. They reflect both how well the structure protects smaller occupants and how capable the EV9 is at avoiding crashes in the first place.
What the EV9 crash test scores actually mean
1. Crashworthiness: How well it protects you in a hit
Across NHTSA, IIHS and Euro NCAP, the EV9’s crashworthiness scores are consistently strong. The rigid battery floor and multi-load-path design help spread crash forces around the passenger cell instead of letting them intrude into the cabin.
- Side impacts are a particular strength, the EV9 earns top marks in the updated IIHS side test and NHTSA’s side barrier and pole tests.
- Frontal impacts are solid, with good IIHS small-overlap scores and 4‑star government frontal ratings, which are still very competitive for such a large, heavy vehicle.
2. Crash avoidance: How well it helps you avoid the crash
The other half of the equation is preventing crashes. The EV9’s advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) earn strong scores for automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and pedestrian detection.
- IIHS rates the EV9’s pedestrian front crash prevention system as Good in both day and night tests.
- Euro NCAP’s safety-assist score reflects how well systems like lane-keeping, speed assistance and AEB support real-world driving.
Don’t over-trust any safety rating
EV9 active safety & driver-assistance tech
Safety ratings are one thing; living with the vehicle is another. Kia has loaded the EV9 with a long list of standard and available safety technologies. Names vary a bit by market and trim, but here are the core systems you’re likely to see on U.S. models:
Core Kia EV9 safety & ADAS features
What most shoppers will encounter on typical EV9 trims
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
Uses camera and radar to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists ahead, warning you and automatically braking if you don’t react in time. In many scenarios it can either prevent a crash or significantly reduce impact speed.
Lane Keeping & Lane Following Assist
These systems actively help keep the EV9 centered in its lane, gently nudging the steering if you begin to drift without signaling. They’re especially helpful on long highway drives.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance & Rear Cross-Traffic
Radar sensors watch your blind spots and behind the vehicle. The EV9 can warn you of an approaching car when you change lanes or back out, and in some cases automatically brake to avoid a collision.
Smart Cruise Control & Highway Driving Assist
Adaptive cruise maintains speed and distance to the car ahead. Highway Driving Assist adds lane-centering guidance to reduce fatigue on longer trips; some markets also get more advanced Highway Driving Pilot functionality.
Pedestrian & cyclist detection
Part of the forward collision system, this function looks specifically for people and bikes, day or night, and can brake the EV9 automatically if you don’t respond to warnings.
Parking & low-speed safety
Surround-view cameras, parking sensors, and optional Remote Smart Parking Assist help you maneuver this large SUV in tight spaces without scraping wheels or bumping into obstacles.
How to compare trims for safety
Family safety: car seats, teens and third-row use
Crash scores tell you how the structure and restraints perform in a lab, but everyday family safety is just as much about how easy it is to use those restraints correctly, and how forgiving the vehicle is when somebody makes a mistake. Here’s how the EV9 stacks up for real-world family use:
Key Kia EV9 family-safety considerations
LATCH and car-seat friendliness
The EV9’s second row offers multiple LATCH points and wide door openings, making it easier to get bulky rear-facing seats installed correctly. Always verify anchor locations in the owner’s manual and test-fit your specific seats before you buy.
Third-row safety and access
The third row benefits from the EV9’s strong crash structure and curtain airbags, but as in most SUVs, it’s still best reserved for older kids and adults. Practice folding and sliding the second row so your passengers can exit quickly in an emergency.
Teen drivers and power output
Many EV9 trims are quite powerful. If you’re sharing the vehicle with a new driver, dig into the driver profiles and speed/acceleration limiters that can tame performance and encourage safer habits.
Cabin visibility and cameras
A high seating position, available digital mirrors and surround-view cameras give you better situational awareness. Take a test drive at night to see how well you can judge the EV9’s corners and blind spots in real-world conditions.
Seatbelt reminders and occupant alerts
The EV9 includes multi-seat belt reminders and can alert you if it thinks a rear seat is still occupied. These seemingly small nudges can prevent serious mistakes, especially on hectic days.
Good match for growing families
Kia EV9 vs other electric SUVs on safety
The EV9 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Shoppers often cross-shop it with vehicles like the Tesla Model X, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Volvo EX90 and, soon, the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Here’s how the EV9’s safety story compares at a high level:
How the Kia EV9 stacks up vs. rival electric SUVs (safety only)
A simplified look at where the EV9 sits relative to key three-row or near-three-row electric SUVs on safety credentials as of early 2026.
| Model | NHTSA overall | IIHS award status* | Euro NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia EV9 | 5-star overall | Top Safety Pick+ (newer MYs) | 5-star overall |
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Not yet tested (U.S.) | Expected similar to EV9 | Expected similar to EV9 |
| Tesla Model X | Not fully rated under latest protocols | Prior testing strong, but aging platform | Not recently re-tested |
| Premium European 3-row EV SUVs | Varies by model | Some earn TSP/TSP+ | Many 5-star, but check year |
Availability of ratings varies; always confirm current scores for the exact model and year you’re considering.
Safety isn’t the only factor, but it’s a durable one
Shopping a used Kia EV9? Safety checklist
Because the EV9 launched for the 2024 model year, every used EV9 you’ll see for a while will be relatively new, and that’s a plus for safety. Still, there are smart steps you can take to make sure you get the safety performance you’re expecting.
Used Kia EV9 safety checklist
1. Confirm build date vs. safety awards
For IIHS and NHTSA, small changes like headlight aim or airbag tuning can matter. Check the vehicle’s build month on the door jamb and compare it to the effective dates of safety awards. For example, some early 2024 EV9s only earned IIHS Top Safety Pick after a headlight adjustment.
2. Check for open recalls and software updates
Use the VIN on the NHTSA recall site and with a Kia dealer to verify all safety recalls and major software updates have been completed, especially anything touching airbags, ADAS cameras or braking systems.
3. Inspect ADAS sensors and cameras
Look closely at bumper radars, windshield cameras and parking sensors. Evidence of repairs or misalignment can compromise performance. A high-quality pre-purchase inspection should include a scan for diagnostic trouble codes and a calibration check where appropriate.
4. Review crash history and structural repairs
A 5‑star vehicle that’s been poorly repaired after a major collision may no longer behave like the test car. Request a detailed history report and, if there’s past damage, have a trusted body shop verify proper structural repairs.
5. Evaluate tires and brakes for EV duty
EVs are heavy, and the EV9 is no exception. Make sure the tires are the correct load and speed rating and that the brake system is in top condition so you actually get the stopping performance the tests assume.
6. Ask for a battery and safety report
With a used EV, you’re buying both a safety cage and a large battery pack. At <strong>Recharged</strong>, every vehicle includes a Recharged Score report that covers verified battery health along with key safety and condition checks, so you know what you’re getting before you sign.
Where Recharged fits in
Kia EV9 safety rating & crash test FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kia EV9 safety
Bottom line: How safe is the Kia EV9?
Taken together, the Kia EV9’s safety ratings and crash test results paint a very clear picture. This is a three-row electric SUV engineered to protect its occupants and to help you avoid trouble in the first place. A 5‑star NHTSA rating, Top Safety Pick+ status from IIHS on newer builds, and a 5‑star Euro NCAP score are not easy boxes to check, especially under today’s tougher testing regimes.
If you’re a safety-minded shopper, especially one hauling kids, car seats and plenty of cargo, the EV9 deserves a close look. And if you decide a used EV9 is the smarter financial move, make sure you’re getting the same level of safety performance the crash tests promise by verifying build dates, software updates and repair history. The right partner can help; at Recharged, every vehicle comes with a detailed Recharged Score report, expert EV advisors and nationwide delivery, so you can match top-tier safety with a buying experience that’s just as confidence-inspiring.
