2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a sophisticated three-row, midsize crossover, boasting a modern Lincoln face and grille that stood out in the automaker’s lineup. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Grand Touring model added a hybrid twist with a 75-kilowatt electric motor and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, maintaining the AWD feature. Despite its luxurious appeal, the Aviator's wheel designs were considered plain, and the electronic door latches required careful handling to avoid pinching. Inside, the Aviator was lavishly appointed with high-end materials, though some chrome detailing felt cheap. The cabin was a visual feast with patterned metal trim and chrome accents, but the key fob felt too lightweight and plasticky for a vehicle of its calibre.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 made a bold statement with its cutting-edge design, featuring a blockier aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its exterior lighting, including the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Tiger Face grille, set it apart. The EV9's interior was spacious, especially in the third row, offering ample headroom and legroom. The vehicle's design incorporated a floating centre console, providing a modern and functional layout. The EV9's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a high and flat load floor for easy cargo access. The second-row seats were comfortable, with contoured bolstering to enhance passenger comfort.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was a plug-in hybrid that delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. Despite its added weight from the electric motor and battery, it offered a 34-kilometre electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured multiple driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing drivers to optimize efficiency. During testing, the Aviator demonstrated a fuel economy equivalent to 1.4 L/100 km when relying heavily on electric power. However, the drivetrain's responsiveness was sometimes unpredictable, and the brake pedal required careful handling for smooth stops. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package with adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension provided a smooth ride, but the vehicle lacked the fun-to-drive factor, even in Excite mode.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, with the Light trim featuring a single motor RWD setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, provided the best range at 489 kilometres. The top Land trim offered AWD with dual motors, generating 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The EV9 GT-Line, tested in Napa Valley, delivered smooth power delivery and refined acceleration, avoiding the typical electric car's pinning-you-to-your-seat feel. The handling was stable, with minimal body roll, and the regenerative braking system was adjustable, offering a natural feel. The EV9's fast charging capability allowed it to go from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. However, the third row was cramped, with limited kneeroom and legroom, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 519 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 1,183 litres with it folded down, and a maximum of 2,200 litres with only the front seats in place.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 millimetres of headroom and up to 813 mm of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs available in higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,231 litres with it folded down, and a maximum of 2,313 litres with only the front seats in use. The EV9's interior design included a floating centre console and practical storage solutions, enhancing its functionality.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and the optional Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the vehicle included advanced parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured 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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad as standard. Higher trims included a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades. This future-proofing approach provided flexibility for customization and enhancements over time.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator came with a comprehensive suite of airbags and driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a robust suite of standard driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance were standard, with additional features available in higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.