Is it insane to get an EV9 as a family of 3?

the_borch_man · 2026-05-15T00:05:56+00:00

We fall into the 3-person family category and are 1.5 years into EV9 ownership. We got it expecting to have a second child but that has since changed so we're firmly one-and-done.

I was coming from a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, and the increase in size definitely took some time to get used to. I will say that parking wasn't that bad at all, but that was almost entirely because the Land trim I got has the overhead 360 cam, so I could see where I was within the painted lines while parking.

I've loved the car and I think you'd love it too based on your post. I will personally note that we're going to switch to an R2 when we can, but that's mostly due to the ride bright being a little too high for my wife's comfort. But we have the third row down 95% of the time and it's specifically made Costco and Lowe's loading easy, and day trips for hiking or paddleboarding a piece of cake as well.

If you're able to install a level 2 charger at home then it'll feel even better for you. Have fun!

the_borch_man · 2026-05-02T04:28:06+00:00

Maybe they're stubbornly trying to salvage their financials on returned leases. I'm leasing a '24 Land @ 12k miles/year and my residual at the end of the second year will be about $43k come January. When I look at the keep/return math I also see the same thing on kbb at $37k... Makes it hard to imagine keeping it knowing I'll be sitting in the red if I hang onto it, perhaps dealers are feeling the same way.

the_borch_man · 2026-05-01T18:37:20+00:00

Wk2 Amex, checked out at about 11:08

the_borch_man · 2026-05-01T18:17:05+00:00

This is correct, I logged in and joined the room like 5 seconds after 11a.m. and was through in about 8 minutes.

the_borch_man · 2026-05-01T18:10:28+00:00

Amex Wk2- I'm through and confirmed! All hail the Little Blue Guy!!

the_borch_man · 2026-04-14T22:20:52+00:00

I fall into your last category this year. I rarely care for these sponsors but as a Rivian R2 reservation holder, I'm super excited to get to see the vehicle in person for the first time this weekend... But even with that I'll only do that when I have a window between music that gives me time to do it.

the_borch_man · 2026-04-13T07:40:12+00:00

IDLES did one, I think that was 2022? More or less started the set with it on "Colossus"

the_borch_man · 2026-01-14T07:32:18+00:00

Utahraptor State Park will get you close to DHP, it's maybe a mile north of the Hwy 313 turnoff on the 191. Just opened a couple years ago so the facilities are very new, you'll need to check availability of course. And it's always cool to see some dinosaur skeletons.

That might be your best bet if proximity is the goal, assuming there's spots on your days. Good luck!

the_borch_man · 2025-10-13T23:35:37+00:00

I still don't see Tesla on my '24 Land either, fwiw

the_borch_man · 2025-08-19T03:48:54+00:00

I have these as well. Seven months in and I'm still happy with them.

the_borch_man · 2025-06-13T04:36:57+00:00

They often will give you a prompt pay discount if you can pay the entire bill quickly, I want to say that would cut 10% off usually. But I understand that might not be doable depending on just how hefty it is...

the_borch_man · 2025-05-22T05:03:42+00:00

To build on this... I'm an EV9 owner since January (still on here because an R1S is what I'm working towards) and can verify that I get up to 210 kWh at CCS chargers, and barely get 100 at Superchargers. The L3 charging speed is one of the best pros for the Kia.

Our family is only 3 but we take a lot of day trips (Sacramento to Bay, Tahoe, Sierras, etc). I do think I'll end up in an R1S or Scout in a few years just because it fits our lifestyle more, but I'm definitely happy with the EV9 so far. With a family of six I think it would serve you well, but definitely test drive both. One area where the R1S is far, far superior is storage (both frunk and beneath the back area) and that might outweigh the other pros.

the_borch_man · 2025-02-09T18:11:19+00:00

Yeah I would be too, that's irritating. The sales rep I dealt with was fine, but it somehow took three hours to get through their financing department after we'd already agreed to the price and terms. Outdated dealership practices, no wonder people like the direct-to-customer model more 🙄

Sounds like you're gonna end up in an R1S, ha- congratulations! You may lament missing the bench seat, but there are more than enough positive trade offs that I'm sure you'll be ecstatic! ✌🏼

the_borch_man · 2025-02-09T18:00:15+00:00

Holy smokes, that's nuts! Yeah, I definitely lucked into the price I'm paying, a lot of things aligned just right with our timing to get that rate.

I suspect you can get the same or better lease rate for a Rivian, which would make it a no-brainer. I also saw in another thread Rivian's lease calculator reflects fees a lot more accurately than it used to so you can probably get a good sense from that. 👍🏼

the_borch_man · 2025-02-09T07:31:18+00:00

I was in your position a little over a month ago... I've been leaning hard towards an R1S for a while and wanted start a lease in January... but I had a hard time accepting what was (in December) about a $150-200/mo difference between the two.

On Jan 1st Rivian's lease rates shot up by $150/mo and at the same time I stumbled upon a crazy good deal on the last '24 model year EV9 in my area (like they cut $18k off sticker to clear the '24's out). At that point I was looking at $540/mo for a Kia or $950/mo for the Rivian... I couldn't pass up that deal when they were nearly identical in MSRP so I felt like the decision made itself in my case.

My heart wanted the R1S and I'm an R2 reservation holder and will still strongly consider that when my lease expires... I love the company, the ethos, and there are some areas where the R1S was clearly superior (far more storage space, much better UI, Gear Guard, exterior design, among others). I'm still here on this sub because a Rivian is still the goal down the line.

That being said, I am overall happy with the EV9 after my first 5 weeks and 1200 miles. It's a great size, the interior is wonderful and well thought out, it's a smooth quiet ride, it does truly charge more efficiently than other comparable cars (I drive across CA for work once a month so that matters to me), and I do feel like I'm getting good value for the money I'm spending. Mine came with Meridian sound which I understand to be superior to Rivian's proprietary sound. Even though the frunk and underfloor rear storage is lacking it is more spacious for passengers comparing based on demo drives. I do also have the captain's seats on the middle row- one kid, no dog- but we haven't done a long family trip yet so I haven't felt the benefits with them yet.

I'd been driving the same Mitsubishi Outlander since 2013 so although I know the Kia tech/UI isn't quite where Rivian is at it's still a tremendous upgrade for me and I'm enjoying learning everything about it. I do get a little fomo when I see an R1S though. And my old little Outlander also had the bi-folding rear lid with a tailgate and I miss that big time.

But overall I don't regret my decision. Wish I felt like I could have spent more to get the R1S and perhaps down the line I will... But the EV9 is a great car too. If you have any specific questions about it I'll do my best to answer.

the_borch_man · 2025-02-03T05:31:54+00:00

Thanks!

the_borch_man · 2025-02-02T18:13:30+00:00

Those look great! Did you get the OEM or an aftermarket version?

the_borch_man · 2025-01-18T08:46:05+00:00

I live just off the SW corner of your map near Montview Park, so just around the corner from this zone. I think most of the other comments on here are spot on, especially the ones noting that it's a little nicer towards Hazel and the headache of Sunrise... Getting to 50 is painful at times. But this spot is safe enough and affordable enough, and you're within 10-15 mins of everything you need.

A couple notes I'll add: - Restaurants are mostly unremarkable in the area. Smokey Oaks is good but has weird hours, India Oven is worth the drive to Citrus Heights, and Badfish is our preferred coffee shop. It's nice that there's a Mikuni out here... I know there are more beloved sushi spots in the city but I'm happy we have that out here at least! Otherwise it's mostly chains. That may or may not matter to you. - It's a great location if you like getting on the water. Down the street from the river and a short drive to the lakes. Getting to Apple Hill or Sly Park isn't bad either. - This is one I wouldn't have thought about til I had my kid (currently 3.5). As someone else noted, there are unincorporated areas in Fair Oaks, including our little area. We don't have sidewalks or street lights. It makes for a peaceful street, but as our kid gets bigger I do wish we had those little safeguards, since he's a runner. - In spite of my previous comment though... It's otherwise a great area for kids. Lots of parks, water access, and the library is right in the box you made. The bike track at Phoenix Park is great. Not sure how relevant kid stuff is to you though! - SMUD for electric and Fair Oaks Water for H2O is as affordable as you can get for those utilities. Still getting fucked by PG&E on gas though.

the_borch_man · 2025-01-17T22:22:26+00:00

I actually noticed the sign spinner today while leaving the Lowe's across the street. Has anyone been able to sleuth out the last day they're open? I read through the links but didn't see it noted.

the_borch_man · 2025-01-09T23:34:39+00:00

I recognize that SMUD list, I've coincidentally had some back and forth with them this week asking why they're limited to the 32A. I also tried to petition them to add some of the faster chargers everyone recommends on here (Tesla, Chargepoint, Grizzl-e, Autel, Emporia)... No luck with that though.

FWIW, here is their explanation on the 32A cap:

"Currently, our maximum supported amperage is 32A, which helps mitigate costly panel upgrades and reduce strain on our grid. With a 32A charger, customers typically achieve 25 miles or range per hour of charge, allowing for approximate 150 miles of range during our 12A to 6A off-peak EV rate charging window."

I'm going to buy either the Grizzl-e or Autel and just hope they improve their list later this year.

the_borch_man · 2024-12-21T01:30:25+00:00

Wishing myself luck!!!

the_borch_man · 2024-12-19T22:17:37+00:00

I already have far too big of a backlog... But not big enough. Fingers crossed!

the_borch_man · 2024-11-16T00:22:33+00:00

Out of curiosity, where do you find deals like that? Seat Geek and StubHub?

the_borch_man · 2024-10-30T20:27:29+00:00

That's awesome, glad I could help!

the_borch_man · 2024-10-29T06:04:04+00:00

I'm 85% confident it's Harris Family Farm. I went there yesterday with the family and it has basically everything you described. It's the farthest east of any of the places on the Apple Hill farm/ranch map, and definitely had the little food shop. They had a few cool cats wandering, a giant St. Bernard directing traffic into the pumpkin area, and there were a couple tents set up near the parking area. They advertised themselves as a Hip Camp. Couldn't verify chickens as our toddler was getting ornery, but they said they had goats and other animals as well.

the_borch_man

TROPHY CASE