2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, albeit without the futuristic design of some competitors. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, which made the grille appear smaller and more refined compared to the aggressive front fascias prevalent in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while garish against certain paint colours like Radiant Red Tintcoat, looked appealing on others such as Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trims: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada, and standard on the RS and Premier.

The Equinox's design language shared similarities with the larger Chevrolet Traverse, particularly in its thick C-pillar and big windows, which contributed to a sense of spaciousness. Inside, the Premier trim featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery and standard heated front seats across all trims in Canada. Despite its somewhat dated interior with a small touchscreen and basic driver-information display, the Equinox was practical and user-friendly. The PRNDL shift lever was a refreshing change from the increasingly common dial- and button shifters, and the Confidence and Convenience II package added desirable features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, marked a bold step forward for Kia EVs with its cutting-edge design. Its exterior retained a distinctly Kia look, enhanced by blockier lines reminiscent of digital clock numbers. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights outlining the new "Digital Tiger Face." The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of smaller light points visible only when the vehicle was on. The EV9's design was both futuristic and distinctly Kia, setting it apart in the SUV segment.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration adequately, it struggled to impress at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speed. The six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the Equinox's powertrain noise. AWD was available across all trims, but required manual engagement via a button on the centre console. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. Its suspension handled bumps well, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrain options. The base Light trim featured a single motor with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing an EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, offered a range of 489 kilometres but reduced horsepower to 201. The top Land trim, with dual motors, delivered 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres. The GT-Line sacrificed some range for performance, offering 435 kilometres. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and minimal body roll. Its regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered a cargo area of 847 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, it provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options, including cup holders for every passenger. The Premier trim's power liftgate operated nearly silently, and a panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 millimetres of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Third-row legroom ranged from 783 to 813 mm, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's high and flat load floor made loading and unloading easier. Up front, the "floating" centre console provided limited flat surface space, but second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage options.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective technology offering. The touchscreen interface, measuring 7 inches on lower trims and 8 inches on the Premier, was crisp and easy to use. While it lacked the visual flair of some competitors, it offered quick response times and good voice recognition. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The infotainment system provided customizable icons and hard buttons for easy access to features. A Bose seven-speaker audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with its three-screen curved display. The 12.3-inch driver information display, 5-inch Climate Display, and 12.3-inch infotainment screen provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was a standout feature, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for future upgrades and customization. This "future-proofing" approach offered intriguing possibilities for buyers.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on lower trims. While it received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, it scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, with a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and a Marginal score in the side-impact crash test.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance as standard. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. While the EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP, indicating strong safety performance.