2024 Kia EV9 vs 2024 Nissan Rogue

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still maintaining the brand's recognizable SUV design language. Its exterior featured a modern, blocky aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and sharply angled rear windows. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights outlining the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The LED headlights varied in design depending on the trim, and the top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with additional light points. Owners could even purchase new lighting patterns over time.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since its 2021 launch. It featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with its distinctive stack headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia saw minor changes, with redesigned taillight elements. The Rogue's exterior updates included satin-finish badging, new wheel designs, and more black trim on the Platinum grade. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, giving the Rogue a more premium feel. The interior materials were upgraded, particularly in the SV models, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

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, with an electric range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, provided the best range at 489 kilometres, albeit with 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 up to 451 kilometres. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance, offering 435 kilometres of range. The EV9's regenerative braking system was adjustable, and its fast-charging capability allowed for a 10 to 80 percent charge in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue's powertrain was a standout feature, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine outperformed many competitors, including the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less impressive, being slow to transfer power to the wheels. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than expected, affecting ride quality without improving handling. Despite these drawbacks, the engine's performance was commendable, although the exhaust note was less appealing.

The Kia EV9's interior was notable for its spacious third row, offering 1,004 millimetres of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. 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 on higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,313 litres with the front-row seats in place. The floating centre console provided limited storage space, but second-row passengers in GT-Line trims enjoyed additional storage features.

The Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with slight variations in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. Cargo space was less than some competitors, with a maximum of 1,033 litres with the rear seats in place and 2,098 litres with them folded. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The centre console featured a pass-through space, but accessing the storage tray at floor level was awkward.

The 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, with a premium audio system available on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates allowing owners to purchase additional features from the Kia Connect store, offering a level of customization and future-proofing.

The Nissan Rogue's lower trims came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while SL and Platinum models featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rogue was the first Nissan to offer Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Assistant, and Play store directly with the infotainment system. This feature was free for five years, after which a data plan was required. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, although the system was occasionally slow to boot up.

The Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance were standard, while more advanced features were reserved for higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by North American safety organizations but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The Nissan Rogue received good safety scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, Nissan's advanced driver assistance system, was available on higher trims, offering automated lane centring and navigation-based speed adjustments.