2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The test model was showcased in a Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V's interior echoed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural centre console. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, with a design that was both sleek and sculptural. Its exterior maintained a distinctly Kia identity, enhanced with a blockier, digital clock-inspired aesthetic. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of smaller light points. The EV9's interior was spacious, particularly in the third row, which provided ample headroom and legroom. The second-row seats were comfortable, with contoured bolstering for added support. Cargo space was competitive, with a high and flat load floor for easy luggage retrieval. The EV9's interior design was complemented by a "floating" centre console, offering storage solutions for both front and rear passengers.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds during acceleration. The HR-V offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, each tailored for different driving conditions. The new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, enhanced the driving experience, making it surprisingly fun on mountain roads. However, the HR-V was not overpowered, and competitors offered more powertrain options.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering an EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, provided a range of 489 kilometres. The top Land trim, with all-wheel drive and 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. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural driving experience. The EV9 also featured fast charging capability, with the ability to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but the HR-V still provided ample space with 1,002 mm of front headroom and 965.3 mm in the rear. Cargo space measured 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied by trim, with the EX-L offering slightly more space. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, creating a nearly flat floor when folded.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 mm of headroom and 783 to 813 mm of legroom. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat option. 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 "floating" centre console provided storage solutions, with a wireless charging pad and a large open compartment. Second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage with a drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. Standard features included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, three USB-A ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry.

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 were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. The Land Premium and GT-Line packages included a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system and a head-up display.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.