Is the 2026 Kia EV9 Good for Winter Driving around Thornton, CO?

Grand Kia - Is the 2026 Kia EV9 Good for Winter Driving around Thornton, CO?

At Grand Kia, one question comes up again and again with in-market EV shoppers: Is the 2026 Kia EV9 built for Colorado winters? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that EV9 brings the right mix of traction technology, cold-weather efficiency features, and everyday comfort to help you feel confident from Thornton side streets to high-country switchbacks. EV9’s purpose-built EV platform, available Dual Motor e-AWD with Terrain Mode, and up to 7.8 in. of ground clearance are designed to help you navigate snow, slush, and icy mornings with ease.

EV9 also keeps you comfortable while protecting your usable range. The model is engineered with cold-climate smarts like an available heat pump and battery warmer, plus heated 1st and 2nd-row seats and a heated steering wheel. Visibility and driver assistance technology add even more peace of mind. EV9 has been recognized with World Car of the Year™ and the 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, underscoring the thoughtful engineering you feel the moment winter weather arrives.

Here are the winter-ready highlights Thornton shoppers ask about most when test driving with our team:

• Dual Motor e-AWD with Terrain Mode: Available all-wheel drive and selectable Terrain Mode help maximize traction and stability on snowy or slippery roads.
• Cold Weather Ready: An available heat pump helps preserve range, a battery warmer can enhance charging performance, and heated 1st and 2nd-row seats plus a heated steering wheel elevate comfort.
• DC Fast Charging with built-in NACS: With a built-in North American Charging Standard charge port, access over 18,000 Tesla Superchargers and more than 40,000 DC fast chargers nationwide with a Kia CCS adapter (sold separately); charge from 10-80% in as little as 24 minutes using a 350kW DC fast charger.
• Visibility and confidence tech: Blind-Spot View Monitor, Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror, Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, & Junction Turning Detection, Highway Driving Assist 2, and Lane Following Assist 2 support awareness in low-visibility conditions.
• Room for winter gear: Standard 81.7 cu. ft. of cargo capacity (rear seats folded), easy-access 3rd row, and generous 2nd-row legroom make loading skis, boots, and bulky coats simple.
• Warranty confidence: Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Battery and EV System Warranty helps you plan for the long haul.

EV9’s smart charging and connectivity further simplify winter life. With Kia Connect Remote Climate Control, you can pre-warm the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in—saving battery for the drive. Over-the-Air Updates help keep battery management and infotainment features current. And if you’re setting up home charging, Kia’s Qmerit partner can match you with a licensed electrician for Level 2 installation, so your EV9 is ready for early ski mornings and late-night flurries alike.

To make everyday ownership even easier, keep these Thornton-ready winter tips in mind:

1. Precondition before departure: Warm the cabin and battery while plugged in to preserve range once you hit the road.
2. Schedule charging for off-peak hours: Charging overnight or during warmer daytime windows can improve efficiency in cold weather.
3. Choose the right tires: Consider winter-rated tires for maximum grip and check tire pressure regularly as temperatures fluctuate.
4. Use Terrain Mode when needed: Leave EV9 in Normal for plowed roads and activate Terrain Mode when conditions deteriorate.
5. Know your fast-charge options: Get familiar with local NACS Superchargers and keep a Kia CCS adapter (sold separately) for additional networks.

Planning a mountain getaway? EV9’s available 5,000-lb towing capacity, available self-leveling rear suspension, and dedicated trailering mode support confident travel with winter toys in tow. On long downhill grades, adjust regenerative braking based on traction—gentle settings can feel more natural on slick surfaces. Inside, the Digital Cockpit with nearly 30 in. of total combined displays and the available 12-in. Head-Up Display presents key info clearly, while the available Meridian™ Premium Audio turns every snow-day trek into a calm, focused drive.

When you are ready to experience EV9 in person, our team at Grand Kia will walk you through Terrain Mode, winter charging strategies, and how to make the most of EV9’s Kia-est. range: 305 miles. Visit us in Thornton to test the features that matter for your commute and weekend adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does cold weather reduce range on the 2026 Kia EV9?

All EVs experience some range reduction in low temperatures. EV9 helps mitigate this with an available heat pump and battery warmer, plus Remote Climate Control for preconditioning while plugged in. Smooth driving, proper tire pressure, and preheating the cabin can help preserve usable range.

Can I use Tesla Superchargers around Thornton, CO?

Yes. The 2026 EV9 features a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, giving access to over 18,000 Tesla Superchargers. With a Kia CCS adapter (sold separately), you can expand to more than 40,000 DC fast chargers nationwide, making winter road trips easier to plan.

What helps EV9 maintain traction in snow?

Available Dual Motor e-AWD with Terrain Mode is designed to help maximize traction and stability on slippery surfaces, and up to 7.8 in. of ground clearance supports snowy neighborhood streets and rutted resort lots. For best results, consider winter-rated tires during the cold season.

How quickly can I warm the cabin on a cold morning?

Use Kia Connect Remote Climate Control to pre-warm the EV9 while plugged in, then rely on heated 1st and 2nd-row seats and the heated steering wheel for rapid comfort after you start driving. Available sound-insulating glass also helps maintain a quiet, cozy cabin.

Grand Kia, serving Denver, Northglenn, and Broomfield, is ready to help you compare trims, explore Terrain Mode on a test loop, and set up an EV-ready winter plan. Visit our Thornton showroom to see why the 2026 Kia EV9 is a confident choice for Colorado winters.

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