If you’re eyeing a three-row electric SUV that can haul the family *and* a camper, the Kia EV9 towing capacity and range numbers are probably at the top of your list. On paper, the EV9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds and deliver up to 304 miles of EPA-rated range, but hitch up a trailer and those numbers change fast. Let’s unpack what the specs really mean in the real world.
Big picture
Kia EV9 towing and range overview
Kia EV9 headline towing & range numbers
Every EV9 sold in the U.S. is rated to tow, this isn’t an “if equipped with towing package” afterthought like some early EVs. The catch is that not every trim has the same tow rating, and towing chops depend on which battery and drivetrain you pick. At the same time, range swings from 230 to 304 miles before you add a trailer, and that matters a lot when DC fast chargers aren’t spaced like gas stations yet.
Quick advice if you’re shopping
Kia EV9 towing capacity by trim
Kia splits EV9 towing into two tiers in the U.S. market: 2,000 pounds for the base Light trims, and up to 5,000 pounds for the higher trims when properly equipped. Here’s how it breaks down.
Kia EV9 towing capacity by trim (U.S.)
Approximate maximum trailer ratings; always verify with the specific vehicle’s door-jamb label and owner’s manual.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Battery | Max towing (lbs)* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light RWD (Standard Range) | RWD | 76.1 kWh | 2,000 | Best for light utility trailers or small cargo boxes. |
| Light Long Range RWD | RWD | 99.8 kWh | 2,000 | More range, same lower tow rating. |
| Wind e-AWD Long Range | AWD | 99.8 kWh | 5,000 | Dual-motor; towing pack and self-leveling rear suspension available/standard on many builds. |
| Land e-AWD Long Range | AWD | 99.8 kWh | 5,000 | Similar power as Wind; towing package optional/standard depending on spec. |
| GT-Line e-AWD Long Range | AWD | 99.8 kWh | 5,000 | Top trim; self-leveling rear suspension and 5,000 lb tow rating when properly equipped. |
Remember these are maximums under ideal conditions with a properly equipped vehicle and trailer.
Check the fine print
If you’re thinking about a used EV9, this is where buying from an EV-focused retailer like Recharged helps. A good listing should clearly show tow rating, hitch equipment, and suspension hardware, so you’re not playing detective in a parking lot.
Kia EV9 EPA range ratings by battery and drivetrain
On the range side, the EV9 lineup splits into a smaller Standard Range pack and a larger Long Range pack. Within those, wheel size and all-wheel drive make the biggest difference.
EPA-estimated range for 2024–2025 Kia EV9 trims
Official EPA combined range estimates for U.S.-market EV9 trims with 19–21 inch wheels.
| Trim | Battery | Drive | EPA range (mi) | EPA efficiency (MPGe, combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light RWD (Standard Range) | 76.1 kWh | RWD | 230 | ~88 MPGe |
| Light Long Range RWD | 99.8 kWh | RWD | 304 | ~89 MPGe |
| Wind e-AWD Long Range | 99.8 kWh | AWD | 280 | ~83 MPGe |
| Land e-AWD Long Range | 99.8 kWh | AWD | 280 | ~83 MPGe |
| GT-Line e-AWD Long Range | 99.8 kWh | AWD | 270 | ~80 MPGe |
Real-world range varies with speed, weather, elevation, and payload, even before towing.
Rule of thumb when you’re not towing
How towing actually affects Kia EV9 range
Here’s the honest part: towing is brutal on any EV’s range, and the Kia EV9 is no exception. The big battery and slippery shape help, but the laws of physics still rule. The heavier and boxier the trailer, the more air and rolling resistance your EV9 has to push through, and the faster range drops.
- Weight: More mass means more energy to get moving and climbing grades.
- Aerodynamics: A tall, blunt travel trailer hurts efficiency far more than a low, narrow utility trailer or boat.
- Speed: Drag rises quickly above 60–65 mph. On an EV9, every extra 5 mph with a trailer can slice another chunk from your remaining miles.
- Weather: Headwinds and cold temperatures can both stack on top of towing losses.
Light trailer scenario
Think: 1,500–2,000 lb teardrop or small utility trailer behind an EV9 Wind or Land.
- Start from a 280-mile EPA rating.
- At 60–65 mph on level ground, you might reasonably see 160–190 miles between 10–80% charge.
- That’s roughly a 35–45% hit versus driving without the trailer.
Heavier, boxy trailer scenario
Think: 3,500–4,500 lb travel trailer with flat sides, camping gear, and a family on board.
- Start from the same 270–280 mile EPA rating.
- At 65–70 mph, real-world usable range can drop to around 110–150 miles between 10–80% charge.
- That’s more like a 45–60% reduction in effective range.
Don’t plan to the last mile
Range loss while towing isn’t a Kia problem, it’s an EV reality. The flip side is that the EV9’s instant torque and low center of gravity make it impressively stable and quiet when towing, especially compared to a gas SUV constantly hunting for the right gear.
Best EV9 trims for towing and road trips
So which Kia EV9 setup makes sense if you care about both towing capacity and range? It depends on what you’re towing and how often.
Which EV9 trim fits your towing style?
Match your trailer and driving pattern to the right battery and drivetrain.
Occasional light towing
Best match: EV9 Light Long Range RWD (99.8 kWh)
- 2,000 lb rating is fine for small utility trailers, bikes, and cargo boxes.
- 304‑mile EPA range gives a buffer when you’re not towing.
- Simpler RWD layout, slightly better efficiency.
Regular camping trips
Best match: EV9 Wind or Land e‑AWD
- 5,000 lb rating with the right equipment.
- 280‑mile EPA range is a good baseline for planning.
- AWD traction and self‑leveling rear suspension (on many builds) help with comfort and stability.
Maximum power & features
Best match: EV9 GT-Line e‑AWD
- Also rated up to 5,000 lb when equipped.
- 270‑mile EPA range, slightly lower due to bigger wheels and performance tune.
- Best for shorter towing legs between dense fast‑charging corridors.
How Recharged can help you shop
Charging strategy with an EV9 and trailer
The good news is that the EV9’s 800‑volt architecture can fast‑charge from about 10–80% in around 25 minutes at a high‑powered DC station in ideal conditions. The reality of road‑tripping with a trailer is that you’ll spend extra minutes just getting on and off the charger.
Smart charging habits when towing with an EV9
1. Aim for 10–80%, not 0–100%
Fast chargers pump energy in quickly at low to mid state of charge, then taper off. With a trailer, it’s usually quicker overall to stop more often and charge 10–80% than to sit and wait for the last 20%.
2. Pre‑plan stops with trailer‑friendly sites
Use apps and plugshare-style reviews to find chargers with pull‑through or easily accessible stalls. Backing a trailer into a tight fast‑charge site at night is nobody’s idea of fun.
3. Slow down a bit
Knocking your cruising speed down from 75 to 65 mph can save enough energy to skip a whole charging stop over a long day. With a trailer, that’s a game‑changer.
4. Watch elevation and weather
Headwinds, cold, and long climbs can all hammer your range. Build in extra margin on legs that cross mountain passes or open plains.
5. Unhitch if you need to
In a pinch, you can sometimes drop the trailer in a safe, legal spot nearby, charge the EV9 alone for a faster session, then return and re‑hitch.
6. Use campgrounds creatively
When you’re parked overnight, many RV parks and campgrounds offer 50‑amp hookups that can recharge your EV9 slowly while you sleep. Always ask permission and confirm power limits before plugging in.
Think like a pilot
Range & battery health when buying a used EV9
If you’re sizing up a used Kia EV9, you’re not just buying whatever range is on the window sticker, you’re buying whatever range the battery can still deliver after years of use, fast‑charging, and maybe some towing duty.
Questions to ask the seller
- Which battery and trim is this? (Confirm 76.1 vs 99.8 kWh, Light vs Wind/Land/GT‑Line.)
- Was this EV9 used for regular towing, and if so, how heavy?
- How often was it DC fast‑charged vs Level 2 at home?
- What’s the typical highway range at 70 mph today?
Why battery diagnostics matter
A strong EV9 battery should still deliver a big chunk of its original usable range after several years. A detailed health check, like the Recharged Score battery diagnostics included with every EV at Recharged, can show you how much capacity remains and whether the pack has been stressed by extreme fast‑charging or very high mileage towing.
Battery warranty basics
Kia EV9 vs other electric tow rigs
If you’re cross‑shopping, it helps to know where the Kia EV9 fits in the growing pack of electric tow vehicles.
How the EV9 stacks up as an electric tow vehicle
High‑level comparison with other popular EV tow rigs.
Rivian R1S
- Strong tow rating (up to 7,700 lb depending on configuration).
- Similar real‑world towing range reductions.
- More off‑road focused; less third‑row space than EV9.
Tesla Model X / Model Y
- Capable towing with access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
- Smaller overall package; not as roomy in the third row as EV9.
- Better efficiency but not a true full‑size three‑row SUV like EV9.
Kia EV9
- Up to 5,000 lb towing with the right trim and equipment.
- Family‑friendly three‑row packaging and a comfortable ride.
- Excellent DC fast‑charging speeds and strong value, especially used.
Remember: every EV hates air resistance
Kia EV9 towing & range FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kia EV9 towing and range
Bottom line: Should you tow with a Kia EV9?
If you’re expecting the Kia EV9 to tow like a diesel Suburban with 500‑mile legs between fill‑ups, you’ll be disappointed. But if you understand that 5,000 pounds of towing and 280 miles of EPA range translate into shorter, well‑planned stints between fast chargers, the EV9 can be a comfortable, capable electric tow rig for families.
The key is matching the right trim and battery to your trailer and routes, and going in with clear expectations about range. Whether you’re shopping new or used, look for transparent battery‑health data, documented tow ratings, and equipment that matches your needs. Retailers like Recharged make that easier by pairing every used EV9 with a Recharged Score report, expert EV guidance, and nationwide delivery, so you can spend your time planning the next campsite instead of puzzling over spec sheets.
