2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 presented a sophisticated and stylish exterior, maintaining Volvo's reputation for design excellence. Despite its aging theme, the XC60's aesthetic remained appealing, especially in the Recharge spec with the Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme. The Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out trim added to its allure, while the 20-inch wheels provided a robust stance. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian minimalism, with a focus on high-quality materials and a luxurious feel. The black leather interior, complemented by wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting, created an opulent atmosphere. The panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob further enhanced the cabin's elegance, making it a delightful space for occupants.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, marked a bold step forward in Kia's EV lineup, with a design that was both futuristic and distinctly Kia. Its blocky silhouette, reminiscent of digital clock numbers, set it apart from other Kia SUVs. The "Star Map" daytime running lights and "Digital Tiger Face" grille added a modern touch, while the LED headlights varied in design depending on the trim. The top Land trim featured a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, showcasing a constellation of light points. The EV9's interior was equally impressive, with a focus on spaciousness and comfort. The third row offered ample headroom, surpassing competitors like the BMW X7 and Rivian R1S. The second-row seats provided comfort and support, while the cargo space was generous, making the EV9 a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range before switching to hybrid mode. The XC60 Recharge could accelerate to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, making it one of the most powerful Volvos in history. The vehicle offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. The XC60 Recharge excelled in both performance and efficiency, with a fuel economy of 4.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Wind model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, providing an impressive 489 kilometres of range. The top Land trim came with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivering 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The EV9 GT-Line prioritized performance, with a slightly reduced range of 435 kilometres. During testing in Napa Valley, the EV9 GT-Line demonstrated smooth power delivery and refined handling, with minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, offering a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles. The EV9's fast charging capability allowed it to go from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, as a compact crossover SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats offered exceptional comfort, wrapped in Nappa leather with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The rear seats, while comfortable, had limited legroom for taller passengers. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, and heated rear seats were a welcome feature in colder climates. The XC60 provided 730 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,792 litres with the seats folded down. Practical storage solutions included door panel bins and a glovebox, though the centre console bin was small.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering ample headroom and legroom, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats were comfortable, with contoured bolstering for added support. 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 luggage easy. Up front, the "floating" centre console provided storage options, though the shallow top-closing cubby was less practical. Second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage with a large drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, operated via steering wheel controls. The 9-inch infotainment system, with Google Built-in, offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. It supported both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with additional features like Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Wi-Fi access. The voice-recognition system was impressive, though it occasionally required specific phrasing. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, though the standard Harman Kardon system was likely sufficient for most users.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with 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. The Land Premium and GT-Line packages featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This future-proofing approach allowed owners to customize their vehicles over time, enhancing the EV9's appeal.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 was synonymous with safety, featuring Pilot Assist, Volvo's advanced driver-assistance system. It combined adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and lane-centring capability. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the XC60 Recharge had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with potential updates for 2023.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and warning were standard, with additional features 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, indicating strong safety performance.