2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a grille that was assertive without being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's dimensions remained somewhat rectilinear, but it was far from resembling a toaster. The Ultimate trim featured 21-inch wheels that added a touch of drama, while the Platinum Grey paint with brown undertones provided a subtle richness. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was complemented by wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new design direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still retaining the brand's distinct SUV styling. Its exterior featured a blockier design reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The 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, adding a constellation of light points. The EV9's design was both futuristic and distinctly Kia, setting it apart from its predecessors.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured the new B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous T6 engine but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, reducing the engine's load and enhancing the fuel-saving auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Its handling was surprisingly agile for its size, and the brakes provided a confident pedal feel. While the XC90 lacked extensive off-road features, its simplicity in driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a straightforward driving experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This base model 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 slightly reduced horsepower at 201. The top Land trim featured all-wheel drive with dual motors, delivering 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 451 kilometres. The GT-Line prioritized performance, sacrificing some range for enhanced driving dynamics. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode. While charging details were not tested, Kia claimed fast charging capability, reaching 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was characterized by Scandinavian minimalism, which, while elegant, led to some space and storage limitations. The front seats offered a peaceful and pleasant experience, but cubby space for smaller items was lacking. The centre console bin was small, and the USB port placement was inconvenient. The second row was comfortable but adjusting the seats was challenging. The standard seven-passenger seating could be configured for six with captain's chairs. Accessing the third row was difficult, and space was limited. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 356 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,183 litres with the third row folded, and 1,856 litres with all rear seats down. Despite its smaller size, the XC90 drove like a more compact vehicle.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering ample headroom at 1,004 millimetres, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. Third-row legroom ranged from 783 to 813 mm, depending on the middle row configuration. The EV9 accommodated up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,231 litres with the third row folded, and 2,313 litres with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's high and flat load floor facilitated easy luggage retrieval. Up front, storage was adequate, with a "floating" centre console and a large open compartment between the driver and front passenger.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch vertically positioned touchscreen infotainment display running on Google OS, the first of its kind as standard in a vehicle. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant, with natural-language recognition enhancing the user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, as physical buttons were limited. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional.

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. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, 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 XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane-keeping.

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