2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without resorting to massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a different front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to various trim levels.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a fresh take on Kia EVs, with a blockier design reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its exterior retained a distinctly Kia identity, enhanced with modern touches like octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. 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. The EV9's design was both innovative and familiar, blending Kia's traditional SUV elements with cutting-edge aesthetics.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, with adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and Brembo brakes ensuring control.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor, RWD setup with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering an EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a 99.8-kWh battery, provided 201 hp and a range of 489 kilometres. The top Land trim, with AWD and dual motors, delivered 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres for the base and Premium Package versions, and 435 kilometres for the GT-Line. The EV9 GT-Line offered smooth power delivery and refined handling, with adjustable regenerative braking and i-Pedal mode enhancing the driving experience. Fast charging capability allowed the EV9 to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard two front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models towing up to 2,812 kilograms and V8 models up to 3,946 kilograms.

The 2024 Kia EV9's third row was a standout feature, offering ample headroom at 1,004 millimetres and legroom ranging from 783 to 813 mm. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, 1,231 litres with the third row folded, and 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's high and flat load floor facilitated easy luggage retrieval. Front storage space was adequate, with a "floating" centre console and a large open compartment on the floor. Second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage features.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with SRT models offering additional performance information through the Performance Pages app. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9 boasted a three-screen curved display, with a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. 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 noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and customization options. This future-proofing approach allowed owners to upgrade their vehicles over time, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with top "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included on all trims, but other features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were not standard.

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