2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, a full-size luxury SUV, maintained its classic design without significant updates since its last redesign in 2018. It remained the largest in Lincoln's lineup, offering a single trim level in Canada, the Navigator Reserve, with standard four-wheel drive. The test vehicle, a triple-black Navigator Reserve, featured the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. Despite its upscale cabin with quality materials, some chrome plastic elements failed to convey luxury. The interior was predominantly black, with ambient lighting providing contrast. The Navigator's cabin was spacious, with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, but the ride quality was criticized for being rough over smaller bumps.

The 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new design for Kia's electric SUVs, featuring a blockier exterior reminiscent of digital clock 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 additional light points. The EV9's design was distinctly Kia, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The vehicle's futuristic appearance was complemented by its advanced lighting technology, setting it apart from other Kia SUVs.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five drive modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an optional Hill Climb mode. Despite its adaptive damping suspension, the Navigator's ride quality was criticized for being rough over smaller bumps. The Excite mode improved handling but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size was a liability in urban settings, making parking and maneuvering challenging.

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. It had an EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, offered a range of 489 kilometres but reduced horsepower to 201. The top Land trim featured dual motors with AWD, producing 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 its handling was stable, with minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural driving experience.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering roomy seats in all three rows and a spacious cargo area. The Navigator's cabin featured power-deploying running boards and 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third-row seat, which offered ample headroom and legroom. Storage space was generous, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered even more cargo space, with 971 litres behind the third row and 3,403 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, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. The third-row legroom ranged from 783 to 813 mm, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 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, expandable to 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's high and flat load floor made loading and unloading easier. Storage space up front was adequate, with a floating centre console and various compartments for small items.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's digital assistant was praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided excellent sound quality. The Lincoln Way smartphone app allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the SUV using a digital key. However, the wireless smartphone charger was criticized for overheating devices.

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, along with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features. This "future-proofing" approach allowed for customization and upgrades over time, enhancing the vehicle's appeal.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor was available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.