2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, available in Canada in four trim levels, offered a range of options from the RAV4 LE to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, particularly in the Trail trim, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Trail trim, tested in its US equivalent, showcased a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional rugged styling elements, though it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents and contrast stitching, while the Limited trim offered a more premium feel with features like a frameless rearview mirror and ventilated seats.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new design for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its standout feature was the lighting signature, 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, yet modernized with sharp angles and octagonal wheel arches. The lighting options could be expanded through purchases from the Kia Connect store, allowing owners to customize their vehicle's appearance over time.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with all-wheel drive across all trims, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more functional than thrilling, with a focus on reliability rather than speed. The Trail trim featured 19-inch wheels and a suspension system consistent with other RAV4 models, emphasizing comfort over sportiness.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor rear-wheel-drive 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 dual motors for all-wheel drive, producing 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance, with a slightly reduced range of 435 kilometres. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode for enhanced efficiency.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 958 millimetres of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the rear. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the back, providing ample space for passengers. The RAV4's cargo capacity was 1,059 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,977 litres with the seats folded. Storage options included a shelf above the glove compartment and generous door pockets.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 millimetres of headroom and legroom ranging from 783 to 813 mm. 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, expanding to 2,313 litres with only the front seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor for easy access to luggage, and the interior offered various storage solutions, including a floating centre console and a large open compartment between the front seats.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, while the Trail trim had a six-speaker stereo. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version in the Limited trim.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system and a head-up display. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades over time.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The updated TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, demonstrating its strong safety performance.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a robust set of standard driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The EV9 had not yet been rated by North American safety organizations, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP. Some advanced features, like the Blind-spot View Monitor, were reserved for higher trims.