2026 EV9: Flexible Seating Arrangements to Fit Every Canadian Family's Needs

Finding the right three-row SUV means balancing passenger capacity with cargo flexibility for your family's changing needs. The 2026 Kia EV9 addresses this challenge through its versatile seating system that adapts from full seven-passenger capacity to maximum cargo hauling in moments.

Whether you're transporting the entire hockey team to practice in Calgary or loading camping gear for a Rocky Mountain adventure, the EV9's thoughtful seat design and intuitive controls make transitions effortless. The front passenger walk-in switch and power-folding options ensure easy access and configuration changes that work for Alberta families year-round.

At a Glance: EV9 Seating Configurations

Seven-Passenger Team Transport

The EV9's standard seven-passenger layout maximizes people-carrying capacity with a 60:40 split-folding second row bench and 50:50 folding third row. Each seating position includes proper headrests and access to climate vents, ensuring comfort for all passengers during longer drives across Alberta.

The second row features one-touch, tilt, fold, and slide functions that simplify access to the third row. Passengers can easily reach the back seats without complex adjustments, while the centre armrest with cupholders keeps the middle passenger comfortable.

Key seven-passenger features:

• 60:40 split second row for flexible entry
• One-touch fold and slide operation
• Third row 50:50 independent folding
• Individual climate vents for all three rows
• 573L cargo space behind third row

Six-Passenger Captain's Chair Luxury

The available captain's chair configuration trades the seventh seat for enhanced comfort and easier third-row access. Individual second-row seats create a natural walkway to the back, eliminating the need to fold seats when accessing the third row.

Each captain's chair operates independently with power adjustments and climate controls. The open floor space between chairs allows for easier installation of child seats and provides storage for personal items during travel.

This layout works particularly well for families who prioritize passenger comfort over maximum capacity, especially on longer trips through Alberta's expansive landscapes.

Cargo-Focused Configurations

When hauling takes priority over passengers, the EV9's folding seats create substantial cargo capacity. The third row folds completely flat, expanding cargo volume from 573L to 1,233L behind the second row. This configuration handles weekend camping gear, sports equipment, or shopping trips to Calgary's larger retailers.

For maximum hauling capacity, both second and third rows fold to create 2,314L of cargo space. This transforms the EV9 into a practical hauling vehicle for moving furniture, appliances, or outdoor equipment while maintaining comfortable front seating for two.

The power-folding third row seats (available in GT-Line Package) operate electronically, reducing the physical effort required for frequent configuration changes. This feature proves valuable for families who regularly switch between passenger and cargo priorities.

The Front Passenger Walk-In Switch

The EV9's front passenger walk-in switch demonstrates thoughtful engineering for real-world convenience. Located within reach of both front and second-row passengers, this control moves the front passenger seat forward and tilts it, creating additional space for second-row entry and exit.

This feature particularly benefits families with elderly passengers or anyone requiring extra space for comfortable entry. The switch operates from multiple locations, allowing the driver or rear passengers to adjust the front seat without requiring the front passenger to move.

The walk-in function works seamlessly with the second row's fold-and-slide mechanism, creating generous access space that accommodates passengers of all ages and mobility levels.

Practical Alberta Family Scenarios

Alberta families face diverse transportation needs throughout the year, from winter hockey tournaments to summer camping expeditions. The EV9's seating flexibility adapts to these changing requirements without compromising comfort or functionality.

For school carpool duties, the seven-passenger layout handles multiple children with proper restraint points and individual climate controls. Weekend ski trips benefit from the cargo flexibility, allowing families to fold seats as needed for equipment while maintaining passenger comfort for the mountain drive.

The captain's chair configuration excels for longer family road trips, providing individual comfort zones that reduce passenger conflicts during extended drives to destinations like Banff or Jasper. The walk-through design also allows parents to assist younger passengers without stopping.

Choosing Your Ideal Configuration

Your family's primary transportation needs should guide your seating choice. Families who regularly transport seven people should prioritize the standard bench configuration, which maximizes passenger capacity while maintaining cargo flexibility.

The captain's chair option suits families who value comfort over capacity and frequently take longer trips. The enhanced second-row experience and easier third-row access justify the reduction in passenger count for many Alberta families.

Consider your typical usage patterns: daily school runs versus weekend adventures, urban driving versus highway touring, passenger priority versus cargo hauling. The EV9's flexibility means you're not locked into a single configuration, but your most common needs should influence your trim selection.

Power and Convenience Features

The EV9's seating system incorporates multiple convenience features that enhance the flexibility experience. The power-folding third row seats eliminate manual effort, while the walk-in switch provides effortless access control from multiple positions.

Memory settings for the front seats ensure driver comfort remains consistent regardless of walk-in switch usage. The seats return to predetermined positions automatically, maintaining your preferred driving position after accommodating rear passenger access.

Second-row climate controls allow passengers to adjust their environment independently, while the tri-zone automatic climate control system ensures consistent comfort across all seating positions regardless of configuration.

Experience EV9 Flexibility at Straightline Kia Calgary

The 2026 EV9's seating versatility adapts to your family's evolving transportation needs, from daily commutes through Calgary to weekend adventures across Alberta. The thoughtful engineering behind each configuration ensures comfort and convenience regardless of your passenger and cargo requirements.

Visit our Calgary showroom to explore how the EV9's flexible seating arrangements can simplify your family's transportation challenges and discover which configuration works best for your lifestyle.

To learn more about the 2026 Kia EV9, visit Kia.ca