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The Kia EV9 is the kind of machine that makes you stop scrolling. It is not because it is the fastest thing on the interstate or because it wears a badge from Stuttgart or Modena. It is because the EV9 does something harder. It makes everyday owners want to share their experiences in the wild. That is the sound of a brand connecting with real people, not just running glossy ad campaigns.
A recent post in the Facebook group Kia EV9 Owners USA captured this spirit perfectly when one owner decided to show off a rare trim in an even rarer color.
“After being in the service department on and off for the first month we had her, she’s finally out. The car didn’t want to connect to the Kia access servers.
Long story short, it seems like, out of the factory, a cable must have been loose for the head unit. Now the only real issue is that the brake lights randomly stay on even after the car is turned off. The only way to fix it is to disconnect the 12V. But other than that, she has been a dream. Took her on a quick camping trip near Lake Tahoe.
This is after getting the windows tinted and getting Icon Rocklear coating on her. Still need to take her to the detailing place to have its final inspection and fix any imperfections the coating makes, it’s like it has a glass coating over the paint. The last picture is of leaving Tahoe and going downhill. Best mileage just cruising down the mountain hahaha. Just wanted to show her off. Haven’t seen another Road Rider brown in the wild.”
That is from Walter DeLeon, who has turned early frustrations into a story of pride and enthusiasm. The key detail in his post is not the loose cable or the stubborn brake lights.
It is the paint. Road Rider brown, an exclusive shade to the Land trim, is the sort of finish that stops people mid-scroll. One commenter, Marlene Hoang, asked if it was new for 2026. Walter replied that it was indeed Land-exclusive. That kind of distinction matters. It transforms a family hauler into a conversation piece and gives the EV9 the sort of personality that owners cherish.
Kia EV9 Trim Models And Features
- Available in rear-wheel-drive (215 hp Light, 201 hp Light Long Range) and all-wheel-drive configurations (379 hp standard, 501 hp GT model), offering flexibility for different needs and budgets.
- The Long Range models provide a competitive driving range with efficient battery management, suitable for long-distance family travel and daily commuting needs.
- Accommodates up to seven passengers with flexible seating configurations, including captain’s chairs or bench seating in the second row, making it ideal for large families.
- Features premium synthetic leather upholstery, unique mesh headrests, heated/ventilated/massaging second-row captain’s chairs, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
Of course, service issues remain part of the picture. Walter’s EV9 spent too much time in the shop early on, thanks to that factory cable, and the brake lights continue to flicker into mischief even when the car is turned off.
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As he explained to another member, “It happens randomly. I still don’t know what causes it. So hard to diagnose something when you don’t know the cause. As of now, it happens once a week.” These quirks are not ideal, but they are also the growing pains of a machine built on layers of software and hardware working in concert.
What Did The Comment Section Say?
Even so, the mood in the comments leaned toward admiration rather than frustration. Gra Jl wrote, “Beautiful, I’m waiting for mine 2026, a week after I get it, problems with batteries.” That confession carried both anticipation and caution. Kevin Michael responded,
“I hate hearing these kinds of stories. Especially on the ’26s. Hope you get yours back real soon!”
This exchange was more supportive than critical, showing how owners rally around one another rather than turning the forum into a complaint board.
It is worth remembering that negativity often travels faster and louder than praise. The internet magnifies isolated problems, while the many uneventful and satisfying miles often go unrecorded.
Walter’s Tahoe trip, with tinted glass reflecting alpine skies and Rocklear coating giving the finish a glass-like sheen, says more about what it means to own an EV9 than a single service hiccup ever could. For him, the memory of cruising downhill with “the best mileage” overshadows the inconvenience of a 12-volt disconnect.
Kia EV9 Screens & Infotainment System
- Dual 12.3-inch screens for gauge cluster and infotainment, with logical menu organization, quick system responses, and attractive graphics for an intuitive user experience.
- Offers 20 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 82 cubic feet with seats folded, providing excellent utility for family adventures and cargo hauling.
- The new 2026 GT variant delivers 501 horsepower with an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and sport-tuned dynamics for enhanced driving excitement.
- Starting around $56,495, the EV9 positions itself as an affordable three-row electric SUV alternative to more expensive luxury competitors while offering premium features.
That is the essence of the EV9. It is a bold move from Kia, a company that has stepped into the front row of modern automotive design. The squared-off stance, the lounge-like cabin, and the smooth torque of its electric drivetrain give it character beyond the usual crossover template.
Walter’s story is proof that it is more than a silent commuter. It is a road-trip partner and a family machine with enough depth to inspire owners to personalize, celebrate, and share.
What emerges from this snapshot is the reality of the electric age. The EV9 is not flawless, but it is meaningful. Owners are already building stories around it, stories that blend technical headaches with road-trip triumphs and aesthetic pride. A rare Road Rider brown EV9 cruising down from Tahoe is not just an image of an SUV on the road. It is an example of how cars still matter, how they become part of their owners’ lives, and how the balance between imperfection and joy defines the true experience of driving.
Image Sources: Kia Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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Source: torquenews.com
