The 2025 Kia EV9’s second row excels with top grades for car seat installation, but its third row presents significant challenges due to fixed head restraints and limited legroom. This objective assessment, conducted by certified child safety seat technicians, provides a clear guide for families considering this popular three-row electric SUV.
How Accessible is the EV9's LATCH System?
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system is designed to simplify car seat installation. In the 2025 Kia EV9, this system earns high marks for accessibility.
In the second row, the two sets of lower anchors are partially exposed, making connection straightforward. The top tether anchors are situated midway down the seatback and are clearly marked. This ease of use contributes to an overall LATCH system grade of A. The third row also features two sets of exposed lower anchors and accessible top tether anchors, similarly earning a grade of A.
Which Car Seats Fit Best in the Second Row?
The second row of the EV9, especially in captain’s chair configurations, is where this SUV truly shines for family functionality. We tested a variety of seat types using standard models.
- Infant Seat: Grade A. Installation was trouble-free thanks to the easy-access lower anchors. There was also ample legroom remaining for a 5-foot-6-inch front passenger.
- Rear-Facing Convertible Seat: Grade A. Similar to the infant seat, this seat was easy to install. There were no compromises on front-passenger legroom after installation.
- Forward-Facing Convertible Seat: Grade A. After removing the head restraint, the seat fit perfectly. Connecting to the top tether anchor was effortless.
- Booster Seat: Grade A. The booster fit well after head restraint removal. A key advantage is that the seat buckles are mounted on tall, stable stalks, which are easy for children to grasp and use independently.
It is important to note that the EV9 with second-row captain’s chairs cannot accommodate three car seats across the second row. For families requiring three seats, a bench seat configuration would be necessary.
What Are the Challenges of Using the Third Row?
While the anchors are accessible, the third row's usability for car seats is hampered by a few key design elements.
Third-row entry itself earns a Grade C. The step-in height is tall, and the power-sliding captain’s chairs in the GT-Line trim move slowly, taking about nine seconds to create a relatively small opening. An alternative is a small pass-through between the chairs. Manual second-row chairs, as found in the Land trim, are reported to move much quicker.
Once inside, installing seats is more difficult:
- Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade B. The main issue is the fixed head restraint, which pushes the car seat forward, preventing it from sitting flush against the seatback. Furthermore, if a rear-facing car seat is installed in the second row directly in front, there is practically no legroom left in the third row.
- Booster Seat: Grade C. The fit is again compromised by the fixed head restraint. Additionally, the third-row buckles sink into the seat cushions and are held by straps, making them tricky for children to find and use. The same severe legroom limitation applies if a rear-facing seat is in front.
What Practical Tips Should Caregivers Remember?
Based on our assessment experience, the 2025 Kia EV9 is a strong candidate for families who primarily use the second row. For optimal use, consider these key takeaways:
- Prioritize the second row for car seat installation whenever possible due to the ease of use and better space.
- Be aware of the third row's limitations, especially the fixed head restraints and critical legroom reduction when a rear-facing seat is in the second row.
- Remember that you can use either the LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt to install a car seat; both are equally safe when installed correctly.
- Note the LATCH weight limit of 65 pounds, which includes the combined weight of the child and the car seat. Heavier children will need to be secured using the seat belt system.
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