2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior maintained a conventional style, offering functionality and versatility with quality materials. Standard features in Canada included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, emphasizing a balance between function and attraction.

The 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a new design direction for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of a digital clock’s numbers. Its body lines followed octagonal wheel arches, and the rear window angled sharply upwards. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the “Star Map” daytime running lights outlining the “Digital Tiger Face” and LED headlights appearing as clusters of dashes or dots. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with additional light points. The EV9's design was distinctly Kia, yet modernized with innovative lighting options, setting it apart from traditional SUVs.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was equipped with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine sound, though it was tuned more for comfort than sporty driving. The TrailSport variant increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), making it a versatile family SUV.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor 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 a range of 489 kilometres. The top Land trim, with dual motors, produced 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres. The GT-Line prioritized performance, reducing range to 435 kilometres. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking. 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 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, featuring a dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims offered a nine-inch display. The Pilot included practical storage solutions, such as a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The stowable second-row centre seat provided flexibility, and the cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 3,219 litres. The power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a spacious third row, with headroom of 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 or a bench seat. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9 featured a “floating” centre console, with a wireless charging pad and a large open compartment. Second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage options, such as a drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system enhanced the driving experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured 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, with a wireless charging pad. The Land Premium and GT-Line packages offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's safety features functioned smoothly, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Kia EV9's standard suite of advanced driver-assistance systems included 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 earned the highest rating from Euro NCAP, though it had not yet been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.