Best Electric Vehicle for Families?

The automotive world is buzzing, and U.S. News & World Report has spoken! The 2025 Kia Telluride is the "Best 3-Row Midsize SUV for Families" again, marking its sixth year on the throne. And the all-new 2025 Kia EV9? It's been crowned the "Best Electric Vehicle for Families." BUT, before you rush out to trade in your current ride, let's pump the brakes and inject some real-world perspective. Are these Kias really the undisputed family-friendly kings?

Telluride: Reigning Champ or Getting Complacent?

Six years at the top is seriously impressive. The Telluride clearly nails the family formula: spaciousness, features galore, practicality for days, and safety scores that give you peace of mind. It's the automotive equivalent of your favorite worn-in jeans – reliable and always feels right. However, the SUV arena is a battleground, and the competition is breathing down Kia's neck. Is Kia resting on its laurels, or are they pushing the envelope? Are there newer, more thrilling options out there that deserve a spot on your family's shortlist? The Telluride needs to stay sharp to maintain its edge. The auto market doesn't wait for anyone, and rivals are hungry for that crown.

EV9: Electric Revolution or Range Anxiety Nightmare?

The EV9 is stealing headlines left and right! A relatively affordable, three-row electric SUV? Now that's a power move. Alex Kwanten from U.S. News & World Report is all about the lower running costs, super-fast charging (when you can actually find a charger that works, that is), and head-turning style. And I've got to admit, the EV9 looks incredible. It's a genuinely handsome SUV. But let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

Here's what keeps us awake at night: range anxiety is STILL a thing. Can the EV9 actually handle those epic family road trips without constant charging stress? What's the real battery life after a few years of real-world wear and tear? And while that starting price might seem tempting, how quickly does it skyrocket when you load it up with the features families actually need? These are the questions that demand answers.

Beyond the Awards: The Ultimate Family Road Test

U.S. News & World Report's methodology is solid, focusing on safety, reliability, space, and those must-have family-friendly features. But let's be real: awards are just a snapshot. The real test is how these vehicles perform in the gloriously chaotic, messy, and unpredictable reality of family life. Can the Telluride survive the never-ending onslaught of spilled juice boxes and rogue goldfish crackers? Will the EV9's battery hold strong after years of soccer practice sprints and school drop-off marathons? And will the charging network be ready to support it all?

Kia's Promise: Optimism with a Side of Skepticism

Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, is talking a big game about Kia's dedication to quality and understanding family needs. And that's music to our ears. Both the EV9 and Telluride do boast impressive technology, eye-catching design, and advanced driver assistance systems that could make your life easier. But let's keep Kia accountable. Let's push them to keep innovating, to tackle those real-world EV ownership concerns head-on, and to make sure their vehicles stay truly family-friendly for the long haul.

The Verdict: Promising Contenders, Not Yet Untouchable

The Kia Telluride and EV9 are definitely forces to be reckoned with. They're shaking up the family SUV scene in a big way. But let's keep the hype in check. Let's keep a close watch on their long-term performance, their reliability when the going gets tough, and their real-world usability. They've got the crowns, but the competition is hungry. Only time will tell if they can truly reign supreme.