2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape presented a departure from its earlier generations, embracing a more European design language that contrasted with the rugged, boxy aesthetic that had become popular in modern crossover design. The 2023 refresh introduced a more traditional front end, replacing the previous grille with a stylish LED light bar and the iconic Ford blue oval logo. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape boasted diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt somewhat hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat allowed for easy customization. However, the interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt cost-cutting.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, showcased a bold and futuristic design, with a blocky exterior reminiscent of a digital clock's numbers. Its lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, included a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points. The EV9's wheels complemented its geometric design, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion and aerodynamics. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining the chairbacks and center console was durable. The EV9 offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with additional customizations available on higher trims.

The 2023 Ford Escape differentiated itself with multiple powertrain options. The base engine was a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine could be configured with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with all-wheel drive. Despite the impressive output, the Escape was not a performance crossover, with a soft suspension and no paddle shifters for manual gear changes. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, Wind and Land, came with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line prioritized performance, offering 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. During testing in Napa Valley, the EV9 GT-Line delivered smooth power delivery and good handling, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode. The EV9 also boasted fast charging capability, reaching 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable driving experience with supportive seats and excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt good to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, trailing behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Passenger space was also limited, with less rear-seat legroom than rivals, though headroom was impressive.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, 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 was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 81.7 cubic feet with the front-row seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor, making luggage retrieval easier. Up front, storage space was adequate, with a floating center console and a large open compartment on the floor.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the feature set and layout were impressive.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display, including 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 were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. 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 upgrades. This future-proofing approach allowed for further customization and enhancements over time.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, the IIHS did not grant it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.

The 2024 Kia EV9's safety features were comprehensive, with standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, 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.