2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Kia EV9

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance compared to VW's gasoline models but lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which could be a drawback for buyers seeking those features. The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with VW's gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base model included leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, although it had a manual driver’s seat.

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new design for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its lighting signature was a standout feature, with "Star Map" daytime running lights and LED headlights in unique patterns. 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 interior featured a spacious third row, a rarity in electric vehicles, and a high-tech dashboard with three screens in a single curved display. The EV9 also offered over-the-air updates and the ability to purchase additional features through the Kia Connect store, providing a customizable and future-proof driving experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with options for RWD or all-wheel drive (AWD). The single motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kg, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's regenerative braking system allowed coasting in its default setting, with a more aggressive "B" setting that stopped short of one-pedal driving.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor RWD setup with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering an EPA-estimated range of 370 km. The Wind model, with a 99.8-kWh battery, provided 201 hp and a range of 489 km. The top Land trim, available only with AWD, boasted dual motors producing 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with ranges of 451 km for the base and Premium Package versions, and 435 km for the GT-Line. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, with good handling and minimal body roll. Its regenerative braking system was adjustable, featuring Kia's i-Pedal one-pedal driving mode. The EV9 supported fast charging, capable of reaching 80% charge in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with greater front and rear legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4's towing capacity was 1,000 kg for RWD models and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 mm of headroom and 783 to 813 mm of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat option. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,231 litres with the third row folded, and 2,313 litres with only the front seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor for easy luggage retrieval. The front storage space included a "floating" centre console with a wireless charging pad and a large open compartment.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ID.4's user interface included sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, but the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less intuitive. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues.

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. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 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 notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for feature upgrades and customization.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. The 2022 model received the IIHS’s "Top Safety Pick+" rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Kia EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Some features, like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist, were reserved for higher trims.