2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

In Canada, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a popular choice, outselling the Land Rover Discovery by a significant margin. This was largely due to its classic boxy design, reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers more than the Discovery's Ford-like appearance. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all of which contributed to its classic truck aesthetic. Tasteful accents, such as the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and the body-colour square separating the side glass, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle was available in three body styles: the short two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130, offering a variety of choices for consumers.

The interior of the Defender was designed with function and durability in mind, featuring rubbers and plastics that resisted stains and moisture. Despite its high price, the interior was basic and barren, with exposed screws and plain-looking air vents, which some found refreshing as it maintained the Defender's hardcore character. The build quality and fit were excellent, but the Defender's price tag, especially for the 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, was considered excessive by some. Nevertheless, the Defender continued to sell well in Canada, indicating that not everyone shared this sentiment.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, introduced a new design direction for Kia EVs, while maintaining a distinctly Kia SUV appearance. Its exterior featured a blockier design with body lines following the 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 "Digital Tiger Face" grille and LED headlights appearing as clusters of dashes or dots, depending on the trim. 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 modern and innovative, setting it apart from other Kia models.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender was renowned for its off-road capabilities, with features like incredible wheel articulation, generous clearance, and a Terrain Response 2 system that adapted the vehicle's powertrain and chassis to different surfaces. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, while the turbocharged four-cylinder engine was less powerful at 296 hp and 295 lb-ft. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning the worst ratings at 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor RWD setup, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an electric range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, offered the best range at 489 kilometres, albeit with slightly reduced horsepower at 201. The top Land trim featured AWD with dual motors, producing 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's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles. Fast charging capability was a highlight, with the ability to go from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled as an everyday SUV, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 offered an optional third row, and the 130 had a standard third row for up to eight seats. The Defender's large glass areas provided excellent visibility, and the 130 featured a panoramic moonroof. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with the third row and second row folded. The Defender also offered a range of accessories, including off-road tires, a metal roof rack, and a console refrigerator.

The 2024 Kia EV9's standout feature was its spacious third row, offering ample headroom and legroom. 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 interior featured a "floating" centre console, with a wireless charging pad and a large open compartment for storage. Second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed a large drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software, with a standard 10-inch screen and an optional 11.4-inch touchscreen. Both screens were quick and simple to operate, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard features included heated front seats, keyless entry, and heated power-folding mirrors. Higher trims offered additional features like air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took the curved screen concept to the next level, featuring three screens in a single curved display. The 12.3-inch driver information display, 5-inch Climate Display, and 12.3-inch infotainment display provided a comprehensive tech experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless charging pad, were standard. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, praised for its solid structure. It came equipped with six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Kia EV9's standard suite of advanced driver-assistance systems was comprehensive, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and forward collision avoidance. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP. Optional features included the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist.