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Kia EV9 Family SUV: What Makes This Electric SUV Different?

2026 EV9

If you're shopping for a 3-row SUV and wondering whether an electric option can actually keep up with family life, the 2026 Kia EV9 family SUV might be your match. It offers seating for up to 7 adults, impressive range, fast charging, and a cabin packed with comfort and technology—all without a drop of gas. For Charlotte, North Carolina families who have daily commutes, sports practices, huge grocery runs, and everything in between, the EV9 is a strong alternative to save for you where it counts. 

Range and Charging: Keeping Up With Your Family's Schedule 

One of the first questions families ask about any electric vehicle is how far it can go. The 2026 Kia EV9 family SUV answers clearly. The Light Long Range RWD trim offers up to 305 miles on a full charge, which is more than enough for most weekly routines and weekend road trips. 

When you do need to charge, the EV9's 800V charging architecture and built-in NACS charge port make the process fast, getting you from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. The Kia Charge Pass also gives you access to more than 47,000 DC fast chargers nationwide, including 29,000 Tesla Superchargers. For families on the go in Charlotte, North Carolina, that kind of flexibility matters. 

Interior Space: Room for Everyone and Everything 

Space is where the Kia EV9 genuinely shines as an electric 3-row SUV. The cabin offers up to 160.3 cu. ft. of passenger room, including 42.8” of 2nd-row legroom—figures that hold up well against well-known luxury SUVs. 3rd-row passengers benefit from a tilting walk-in entry that makes getting in and out easier, along with USB-C charging ports and cupholders back there too. 

Cargo room is equally practical. With about 20 cu. ft. of space even when you’re traveling with a full house, you can accommodate groceries and daily needs. Fold the 3rd row down to expand that to 43.5 cu. ft., while folding both rear rows gives you an impressive 81.7 cu. ft. of cargo area. The EV9 handles everything from sports gear to luggage without compromising passenger comfort. 

Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance: Peace of Mind for Parents 

The 2026 Kia EV9 family SUV earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation and received NHTSA's 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score—2 of the most respected benchmarks in vehicle safety. Those aren't small achievements for any SUV, electric or otherwise. 

More than 25 standard safety features put the EV9 ahead of the pack, including features like Auto Emergency Braking with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection, Blind-Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Higher trims add Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, taking all the guesswork out of tight situations. For families navigating busy school drop-off lanes or highway commutes, it’s a welcome convenience. 

Technology and Comfort: More Than You'd Expect 

The EV9 doesn't cut corners on the experience inside. Nearly 30 inches of combined digital displays anchor the cockpit, with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ standard across all trims. An available 12” Head-Up Display keeps key info visible without pulling your eyes from the road. 

Available lounge seating in the 1st and 2nd rows indulges you with heated and ventilated seating, while the available Meridian™ Premium Audio System with 14 speakers, ambient mood lighting, and sound-insulating glass round out what is a notably refined interior for this segment. Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Battery and EV System Warranty adds long-term confidence for buyers making the switch to electric. 

For families weighing the jump to electric, the 2026 Kia EV9 family SUV brings together long-range capability, genuine 3rd-row usability, top-tier safety ratings, and a thoughtfully designed interior. It's a practical, well-rounded choice for drivers in Charlotte, NC who want more from their next SUV. Visit Planet Kia Charlotte at planetkianc.com to explore available inventory and find the right trim for your family. 

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Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Kia Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: A Smart Middle Ground for Charlotte, NC Drivers

When you’re shopping for a vehicle and trying to decide between brand-new and used, Kia certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles are a great option for drivers in Charlotte, North Carolina. You get the reliability and peace of mind that comes with a new car, but at a more accessible price point. That balance is exactly what draws so many buyers to the certified pre-owned route. more Kia's CPO program is backed by an industry-leading warranty, which is one of the brand's most recognized strengths. Every certified pre-owned Kia goes through a thorough inspection process before it earns that CPO designation. That means you aren’t just buying a used car—you’re buying a vehicle that has been held to a measurable standard with the paperwork to prove it. The Value of CPO Kia Models One of the biggest advantages of choosing a certified pre-owned Kia is the combination of lower upfront cost and continued warranty coverage. New vehicles lose value quickly in the first few years of ownership—and even right off the lot—so buying CPO allows you to avoid that initial depreciation while still driving a relatively recent model. Kia's wide range of models, from SUVs like the Sportage and Sorento to sedans like the K5, gives shoppers a variety of CPO options to choose from. You can give consideration to all your lifestyle needs, whether that’s extra cargo space, fuel efficiency, or everyday commuting comfort—without having to sacrifice choices. For Charlotte drivers who want the feel of a modern vehicle without the full cost of buying new, CPO is a genuinely smart move. Only Kias that are 6 years old or younger are available for the CPO program, so you can find recent models still equipped with current technology features, driver assistance systems, and updated interior designs. What to Expect From Kia's Warranty Coverage on CPO Vehicles Kia CPO vehicles come with warranty protection that gives buyers real confidence. The coverage typically includes a limited powertrain warranty and a comprehensive bumper-to-bumper limited warranty for one year or 12,000 miles, as well as the reinstatement of dKia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. That kind of protection is a meaningful differentiator when you compare CPO to buying a standard used vehicle with no warranty at all. Beyond the warranty itself, CPO vehicles also come with 24-hour roadside assistance coverage for extended peace of mind. For shoppers who worry about unexpected problems and repair costs after a purchase, these added layers of protection can make the decision much easier. You know what you’re getting before you drive off the lot, and you have support if something does come up down the road. How to Find the Right Certified Pre-Owned Kia for Your Needs Shopping for a CPO Kia starts with identifying what matters most to you. Are you looking for a fuel-efficient option? Kia offers hybrid versions of popular models like the Sportage and Sorento, and CPO availability for those can be a great opportunity. Do you need more passenger room? The Telluride and Sorento both offer 3-row seating configurations in larger trim levels. Once you have a sense of your priorities, it helps to explore the current CPO inventory at a dealer serving Charlotte, NC. Availability changes frequently, so checking in regularly gives you the best shot at finding the trim level and feature set that fit your needs. Kia's Certified Pre-Owned program also includes benefits like a vehicle history report and a vehicle exchange policy in some cases, which adds transparency to the process. That information helps you shop with confidence rather than guessing at a vehicle's past. Is a Kia CPO Vehicle Right for You? If you’re weighing your options and wondering whether new or used is the right call, Kia CPO vehicles give you a well-defined middle path. You get a vehicle that has been inspected and certified, backed by warranty protection, and offered at a price that reflects its used status rather than the full sticker price of something brand-new. For shoppers who value reliability, transparency, and smart long-term value, certified pre-owned Kia models consistently deliver on all three. Stop by Planet Kia Charlotte and explore the current CPO inventory to see which models are available and find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.

experts at Planet Kia

Kia Lease Myths Drivers in Charlotte Should Stop Believing

Have you thought about leasing a Kia, but have been concerned about what that actually means, and if it's a good idea for you? You're not alone. Kia lease myths have been circulating for years, and they often keep drivers from exploring a flexible, affordable option that might suit their lifestyle better than buying. Let's set the record straight. more Myth 1: You're Just Throwing Money Away When You Lease This is one of the most common Kia lease myths out there. When you lease, you're paying for the portion of the vehicle you actually use - not the full purchase price. If you prefer a new vehicle every few years, that can mean lower monthly payments and access to the latest features without the long-term financial commitment of ownership. It's not throwing money away; it's paying for what you need. Myth 2: You Can't Customize or Accessorize a Leased Kia Many drivers assume they have to keep a leased vehicle completely as you got it from the factory. That's not entirely true. Kia offers a wide range of genuine Kia accessories designed to add style and functionality to your vehicle. As long as modifications are removable or approved, there's more flexibility than most people think. Leasing a Kia in Charlotte, NC doesn't mean you're stuck with a vehicle that doesn't feel like yours. Myth 3: Lease Mileage Limits Make It Impractical Yes, most leases come with annual mileage allowances, but they're far more flexible than drivers tend to believe. Many Kia leases offer options to customize your mileage limit upfront based on how you actually drive. If you commute locally or use your vehicle mostly for errands and weekend trips, a standard mileage plan is likely to work just fine. The key is planning ahead rather than assuming the worst. Myth 4: Leasing Means You're Stuck With a Basic Trim Another myth worth debunking is the idea that leasing only makes sense on base-level trims. In reality, drivers can lease well-equipped models across Kia's lineup - from the 2026 Sportage Hybrid to the 2026 K5 sedan. The Kia lineup includes SUVs, crossovers, hybrids, and EVs, giving shoppers a wide range of choices at various trim levels. Myth: 5 Leasing Is Too Complicated to Be Worth It Some drivers avoid leasing simply because it feels complicated. But the process is more straightforward than many expect. You review the vehicle options, agree on terms including mileage and duration, and drive away in a new Kia covered by the brand's industry-leading warranty. Kia's warranty coverage applies during the lease term, which means you get added peace of mind without extra cost. Myth 6: You Can't Benefit From Kia's Technology on a Lease This one couldn't be further from the truth. Leasing a Kia means you get access to the same Kia Connect features, including vehicle connectivity, security updates, and convenience tools, that come standard on purchased models. When you lease a newer model, you're often stepping into the most current technology Kia has to offer. Busting Kia’s Lease Myths Kia lease myths have kept too many drivers from exploring a practical option. The reality is that leasing can offer lower monthly payments, access to modern technology, and flexibility for drivers who prefer staying current with newer models. If you've been holding back based on outdated assumptions, now is a great time to take a fresh look. Come in and talk with the experts at Planet Kia and explore the latest Kia models to find a lease arrangement that fits your life.

2026 Kia K5

2026 Kia K5: Performance with Clear Intent

The 2026 Kia K5 does not rely on theatrics to make its point. It approaches performance with structure and balance, offering drivers in Charlotte, NC, a sedan that feels composed in daily use yet capable of something more when asked. It is a measured evolution of the mid-size formula, where power, control, and usability are aligned rather than competing. more Engine Options That Define the Experience The K5 begins with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lbs. ft. of torque. It delivers steady, predictable performance suited to commuting and longer drives alike. There is no strain here, only a consistent delivery that feels appropriate for the car’s purpose. The GT trim shifts that character. Its turbocharged 2.5L engine produces 290 hp and 311 lbs. ft. of torque, introducing a more immediate response and stronger acceleration. It is not excessive, though it is notably more assertive, particularly when merging or overtaking at speed. All-Wheel Drive and Chassis Control The available torque-vectoring AWD system adds another layer of composure. By distributing power between the front and rear axles as conditions change, it improves traction without requiring constant driver input. In varying weather or on less predictable road surfaces, the benefit is subtle but meaningful. Supporting this is a wide-track, sport-tuned suspension that manages body movement with restraint. The K5 does not feel unsettled through corners or over uneven pavement. Instead, it maintains a sense of control that encourages confidence rather than demanding attention. Technology That Supports the Drive Performance in the K5 is not limited to mechanical components. Driver assistance systems contribute to overall control, helping manage both routine and more demanding situations. Auto Emergency Braking, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control operate as a cohesive system, offering support without unnecessary intrusion. They are designed to assist, not dominate the driving experience. Inside, connectivity remains straightforward. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard, while the available 24-inch panoramic display integrates key information into a single, accessible interface. The layout is clear, reducing distraction while keeping essential functions within reach. Experience the Kia K5 at Planet Kia Charlotte If you are ready to explore how the 2026 Kia K5 brings its performance elements together, visit us in Charlotte, NC. You can compare trims, experience the powertrain options firsthand, and see how its systems respond on the road. Schedule a test drive online and take a closer look at a sedan designed with purpose and precision.