Kia passengers get freedom to maneuver their 2nd-row seats

A standout feature of the new Kia EV9 three-row all-electric crossover is its second-row seats that swivel. They rotate to face backward for a face-to-face lounge setting with people in the third row. They also turn sideways to face directly out the door to make it easier for passengers to get in or exit. The technological advance is in how the seats are embedded in the vehicle, using flexible bases instead of fixed runners for traditional forward-backward adjustment. Swivel seats are already known as specialty gear in vehicles for handicapped drivers. But Kia's application gives new maneuvering freedom for everyone. The EV9 isn't the first to offer them — swivel seating is also available in the Staria van from the Hyundai sibling brand. Watch for other applications to follow.