2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was both familiar and fresh. It was shorter in height, broader in width, and had a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, yet maintained the same overall length. The reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines contributed to a smaller appearance, while the floating roof effect added a modern touch. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a mesh texture and elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a touchscreen display. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trims were available, enhancing the luxurious feel.

The 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new design for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of a digital clock's numbers. Its lighting signature was a standout feature, with "Star Map" daytime running lights and a "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with customizable light points. The EV9's interior was spacious, especially in the third row, which provided ample headroom and legroom. The cargo space was competitive, with a high and flat load floor for easy access. The EV9's interior design included a "floating" centre console and a curved display with three screens, offering a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth ride, though occasional torque steer and body motion were noted. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, provided a more secure and comfortable driving experience. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor RWD setup, delivering 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Wind model, with a larger battery, provided the best range at 489 kilometres. The top Land trim featured AWD with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. 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.

The 2023 Lexus RX offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The back seat was roomy, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space was improved, with 838 litres available with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded down.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 mm of headroom. The second row was comfortable, with contoured bolstering. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's interior featured a "floating" centre console and ample storage space, though the front storage was somewhat limited.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant offered natural voice recognition, though some responses were inaccurate. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, digital instrumentation, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a curved display with three screens, including a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a premium audio system available on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades.

The 2023 Lexus RX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Features included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. New technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance were standard, with additional features available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by North American safety organizations but received high marks from Euro NCAP.