If you’re shopping for a used luxury electric SUV, the question of used Kia EV9 vs Cadillac Lyriq boils down to one thing: do you want a futuristic family bus or a quiet, tech-heavy lounge on wheels? Both are compelling, both are early in their life cycles, and both come with trade-offs you’ll want to understand before you wire tens of thousands of dollars to a seller or dealer.
Two Very Different Takes on Luxury EVs
Overview: Kia EV9 vs Cadillac Lyriq as Used Buys
On paper, the Kia EV9 and Cadillac Lyriq don’t directly overlap: one’s a three-row family hauler, the other a two-row luxury crossover. But on the used market, they’re cross-shopped because they occupy a similar price band and promise long-range, high-tech electric luxury from mainstream brands rather than the usual suspects from Germany or Tesla.
Kia EV9 (2024–present)
- All-electric three-row SUV on Hyundai‑Kias E-GMP platform.
- Available in RWD or dual-motor AWD, multiple battery sizes.
- EPA range from ~230 to ~304 miles depending on trim.
- Strong DC fast charging thanks to 800‑volt architecture.
- Positioned as a practical, tech-forward family flagship.
Cadillac Lyriq (2023–present)
- Two-row luxury crossover on GMs Ultium platform.
- Single‑motor RWD or dual‑motor AWD; high-output Lyriq-V available.
- EPA range up to the mid‑320 mile ballpark on RWD models.
- Emphasis on quietness, design, and tech like Super Cruise.
- Cadillacs halo EV aimed at pulling buyers from Tesla, BMW, Mercedes.
How to Read This Comparison
Headline Numbers: Used EV9 vs Lyriq at a Glance
Quick Specs: Used Kia EV9 vs Cadillac Lyriq
Core Specs Comparison (Typical U.S. Spec)
Exact numbers vary by model year and trim, but this table shows the ballpark for common used EV9 and Lyriq configurations youll see on the market.
| Spec | Kia EV9 (typical used trims) | Cadillac Lyriq (typical used trims) |
|---|---|---|
| Model years on used market | 2024–present | 2023–present |
| Seating | 6–7 seats, three-row | 5 seats, two-row |
| Battery capacity | 76.1 or 99.8 kWh (usable) | ~102 kWh (rated) |
| EPA range (popular trims) | ~230–304 miles | ~303–326 miles RWD; ~285–319 miles AWD |
| Drivetrain | RWD or dual‑motor AWD | RWD or dual‑motor AWD; Lyriq-V high output |
| Max DC fast charge | Up to ~230 kW | Around 190 kW |
| Max AC charge | 11 kW Level 2 | 11.5–19.2 kW depending on onboard charger |
| Towing (when equipped) | Up to ~5,000 lbs | Up to 3,500 lbs |
| Body style | Boxy, tall SUV | Lower, sleeker crossover |
| Charging port (earlier years) | CCS; moving toward NACS with adapters | CCS with available NACS adapter access to Tesla Superchargers |
Always verify specs on the specific VIN youre considering; both models have multiple battery and drivetrain configurations.
Trim and Year Matter a Lot
Space & Practicality: Three-Row Hauler vs Lounge-on-Wheels
Interior Space Priorities: Family Duty vs Adult Comfort
Think about how often youll really use a third row before defaulting to the biggest SUV.
Kia EV9: Real Family Hauler
- Available three-row seating with 6- or 7-passenger layouts.
- High roofline and boxy shape translate into generous headroom.
- Easy-access third row; kid, teen, or occasional adult friendly.
- More cargo space with seats up than most two-row rivals.
- Heavier and bulkier in parking lots, but genuinely replaces a minivan or large SUV.
Cadillac Lyriq: Two-Row Luxury Lounge
- Only two rows; rear seat is spacious but strictly for 5 passengers max.
- Lower roofline and coupe-like rear eat into vertical cargo space.
- Plenty of room for adults, but no third-row flexibility.
- More maneuverable than EV9 and easier to garage in tight spaces.
- Better suited for couples, empty nesters, or families with smaller kids and a second car.
If you regularly haul three kids, grandparents, and gear, the EV9s third row is not a nice-to-haveits the whole reason to pick it. If your life looks more like airport runs, date nights, and the occasional road trip with four people, the Lyriqs more intimate, upscale cabin will feel like the better fit.
Rule of Thumb
Range, Performance & Towing
Both SUVs deliver ranges that make them viable as primary vehicles in the U.S., but they go about it differently. The Lyriq emphasizes outright range and quiet, linear power. The EV9 trades a bit of range for space, towing, and a taller, less aerodynamic shape.
Kia EV9: Solid Range, Big Body
- Smaller 76.1 kWh pack on base Light RWD: EPA ~230 miles.
- Larger 99.8 kWh pack on Long Range RWD: EPA around 304 miles in ideal trims.
- Dual-motor AWD versions typically land in the 270–280 mile range band.
- 0–60 mph from roughly mid-5 to mid-6 seconds depending on trim.
- Towing up to about 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, important if youre eyeing a small camper or boat.
Cadillac Lyriq: Long-Legged and Smooth
- RWD Lyriq with ~102 kWh battery delivers 300+ miles of EPA range, with some trims rated around 319–326 miles.
- Dual-motor AWD trims trade a small amount of range for power, still comfortably in the high‑200s to low‑300s.
- Lyriq-V cranks output to over 600 hp with an estimated ~285-mile range.
- 0–60 mph in the 5-second range for mainstream trims; Lyriq-V is properly quick.
- Rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs, adequate for small trailers but less capable than EV9 when maxed out.
Real-World Range vs EPA Stickers
Charging, Road Trips & Network Access
Range only matters if you can recharge conveniently. Here, both SUVs are competent, but they make slightly different bets on charging hardware and network access, especially as non-Tesla EVs tap into the Supercharger network via NACS adapters.
Charging Experience: What Its Like to Live With
Both EV9 and Lyriq can road-trip; you just need to understand their charging personalities.
Kia EV9: Fast DC Charging
- 800‑volt architecture enables up to ~230 kW peak DC fast charging.
- Can add roughly 100 miles in just over 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
- Works best on newer 350 kW DC fast chargers along major corridors.
- CCS port on early years; look for NACS access/adapter support on newer builds.
Cadillac Lyriq: Ultium + Network Access
- Ultium pack supports DC peaks around 190 kW.
- Cadillac quotes ~86 miles added in about 10 minutes at fast chargers.
- 11.5 kW or optional 19.2 kW onboard AC charger makes home Level 2 charging flexible.
- GM-approved NACS adapter enables access to a large portion of Tesla Superchargers in the U.S.
Home Charging Reality
- Both SUVs are happiest on a 240V Level 2 setup at home.
- Expect a full charge overnight with 40–48 amp service.
- Overspecd 19.2 kW chargers only make sense if your electrical panel and utility rates support them.
- If youre new to EVs, read a basic EV charging primer before you pick hardware.
Road-Trip Confidence
Ride Comfort, Tech & Driver Assistance
Neither of these SUVs feels like an econobox; both are quiet, quick, and loaded with screens. But they communicate very different values the moment you sit down and start driving.
Kia EV9: Functional, Modern, Slightly Utilitarian
- Clean, horizontal dashboard with dual screens and physical controls for key functions.
- Cabin materials feel modern and durable; some trims are more pragmatic than opulent.
- Available second-row captains chairs, heated/ventilated seats, and relaxation seats on higher trims.
- Ride quality is tuned for comfort but you still feel the EV9s size and weight over broken pavement.
- High seating position and big glass area give a commanding view of the road.
Cadillac Lyriq: Design-Forward Luxury and Super Cruise
- Striking 33-inch curved display dominates the dash; ambient lighting and materials feel genuinely premium.
- Quieter cabin with more of the traditional luxury-car hush, especially at highway speeds.
- Adaptive suspension and sophisticated damping on higher trims; Lyriq-V adds more dynamic hardware.
- Super Cruise hands-free driving (where equipped and subscribed) is a standout for long highway trips.
- Some tech (like GMs native app ecosystem instead of CarPlay/Android Auto in newer builds) may be polarizing.
Driver-Assistance Reality Check
Reliability, Recalls & Warranty on the Used Market
Both EV9 and Lyriq are early in their product lives, which means two things: they benefit from fresh engineering and long EV component warranties, but also carry more first-generation quirks than a decade-old platform. For a used buyer, that makes due diligence, and independent battery health data, absolutely critical.
What Were Seeing So Far on Reliability
Early data is noisy, but trends are beginning to form.
Kia EV9 Early Reliability
- Consumer surveys and recall data show the 2024 EV9 has had several early recalls, including body hardware and electronics issues.
- Owners report problems with items like seats, windows, and in-car electronics more often than average for a new model.
- Battery-pack reliability concerns are rare so far, but its early days.
- Kias 10‑year/100,000‑mile EV battery warranty is a key safety net for used buyers.
Cadillac Lyriq Reliability Picture
- As an Ultium launch product, Lyriq also had teething issues: some early build quality complaints and software rough edges.
- GM has a long history with EV hardware, but Ultium is a major step-change; long-term durability is still being proven in the field.
- Warranty coverage on the high-voltage battery is typically around 8 years/100,000 miles.
- Software updates and the OTA stack matter as much for long-term satisfaction as mechanical reliability.
Why Battery Health Data Matters More Than Badges
If youre shopping outside a curated marketplace, push for a pre-purchase inspection that includes high-voltage diagnostics and pack health data, not just a quick OBD scan. For newer EVs, even a few months of frequent DC fast charging or towing can meaningfully affect long-term battery life.
Ownership Costs: Depreciation, Insurance & Maintenance
Luxury EVs dont follow the same depreciation curves as mass-market gasoline SUVs yet, but some patterns are clear. As a rule, expensive EVs depreciate quickly in the first 3–4 years, then flatten as long as range and charging remain competitive. Where the EV9 and Lyriq land on that curve depends heavily on equipment and brand positioning.
Kia EV9: Value-Oriented Flagship
- New pricing sits below comparable German and Tesla three-row offerings, which anchors used values competitively.
- Kias brand image isnt as strong as traditional luxury badges, so early depreciation could be steeper, but thats good news if youre buying used.
- Insurance costs reflect the EV9s size and repair complexity; shop quotes with VINs before you commit.
- Routine maintenance is relatively light: tires, brakes, cabin filters, and occasional software or hardware campaigns.
Cadillac Lyriq: Luxury Badge Economics
- Sticker prices are higher trim-for-trim, and brand positioning leans into premium territory.
- Luxury EVs often take a big value hit in years 1–3, which can make a lightly used Lyriq compelling compared to new.
- Insurance can be pricier given the badge, parts, and tech content; verify with your insurer.
- Cadillac dealer network is broadly distributed in the U.S., but EV expertise varies widely store to store.
Leverage Depreciation, Dont Fear It
Which Used EV SUV Should You Buy?
Kia EV9 vs Cadillac Lyriq: Choose Based on Your Life, Not the Brochure
Both are excellent in their lanes; the best choice is the one that fits your actual use case.
Choose a Used Kia EV9 If…
- You regularly carry 5–7 people and need a usable third row.
- Family road trips, carpools, and weekend adventures are routine.
- You want strong towing capacity for a camper, utility trailer, or boat.
- You value fast DC charging and are comfortable with a slightly shorter range if it means more space.
- You prefer a practical, modern cabin over maximum opulence.
Choose a Used Cadillac Lyriq If…
- You rarely need more than two rows of seating.
- You prioritize quietness, cabin design, and the "luxury experience" over maximum cargo volume.
- You want long highway range with a bit more buffer between charges.
- Youre interested in Super Cruise and a sophisticated driver-assistance stack.
- Youre okay paying a bit more for the badge and design, even on the used market.
In other words, there isnt a single winner in the used Kia EV9 vs Cadillac Lyriq debate. The EV9 is the better tool if your life looks like a juggling act of kids, cargo, and long drives with a trailer in tow. The Lyriq is the better companion if what you want is a stylish, refined, long-range EV that makes every solo commute or couples trip feel a bit more special. Either way, make sure the specific used example youre eyeing has the battery health, software updates, and service history to back up the promise.
Checklist: How to Shop a Used EV9 or Lyriq Smartly
Used EV9 / Lyriq Buyer Checklist
1. Match Seating and Cargo to Reality
Write down your typical passenger load and cargo needs for a month. If you rarely exceed four passengers, a Lyriq may suffice; if youre regularly at five-plus, the EV9s third row and extra cargo volume are hard to beat.
2. Verify Battery Health and Fast-Charge History
Ask for <strong>battery health data</strong>, not just an estimated range on the dash. At Recharged, the Recharged Score gives you a quantified view of battery condition. Elsewhere, insist on a high-voltage diagnostic or bring in an EV-savvy inspector.
3. Check Recall and Service Campaign Status
Both models have seen early recalls and software updates. Run the VIN through OEM tools, and confirm that open campaigns, especially those affecting chargers, high-voltage components, or safety systems, are completed before purchase.
4. Inspect for Charging Port and Cable Wear
Look for bent pins, corrosion, or physical damage on the charging port and cables. These SUVs are heavy and often fast-charged; worn ports can cause intermittent charging issues and annoying downtime.
5. Confirm Home Charging Plan
Before you buy, make sure you have a path to a <strong>reliable Level 2 solution</strong> at home or work. Factor in electrician quotes, panel upgrades, and any utility rebates. An EV9 or Lyriq without decent home charging is like a luxury car without a driveway.
6. Evaluate Software, Subscriptions & Features
For Lyriq, confirm the status of Super Cruise and connected services; for EV9, check app connectivity, OTA capability, and ADAS features. Features that feel standard in the showroom can actually be tied to subscriptions in the real world.
7. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Price
Get insurance quotes with the VIN, estimate energy costs based on your local rates, and budget for premium tires. A slightly cheaper purchase price can be offset by higher running costs over a few years.
8. Consider a Curated Marketplace
If you dont want to cobble this all together on your own, work with an EV-focused marketplace like <strong>Recharged</strong>, where every vehicle comes with a verified battery health report, fair market pricing, and expert EV support from start to finish.
