2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold evolution in Kia's electric vehicle lineup, showcasing a design that was both familiar and futuristic. Its exterior maintained the brand's signature style, enhanced with a modern, blocky aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers. The vehicle's body lines elegantly followed the octagonal wheel arches, and the rear window angled sharply upwards, almost meeting the roof spoiler. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights creating a sleek outline around the new "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The LED headlights varied in design depending on the trim, appearing as clusters of dashes or dots. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points visible only when the vehicle was on, with additional lighting patterns available for purchase.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer continued its evolution with a refreshed design that enhanced its rugged appeal. The front end was restyled to give the SUV a wider and more robust appearance, while the rear featured new LED taillights that seamlessly integrated into the liftgate. The Explorer's interior saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials, colours, and displays that elevated the overall ambiance. Ford reduced the available trim levels in Canada to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $52,830 to $71,430, including the destination charge. During a Ford-sponsored driving event, the ST-Line trim, with its extra-cost blue paint and additional packages, showcased the Explorer's refined driving dynamics and comfort.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains to suit different needs. The base Light trim featured a single motor with rear-wheel drive, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated electric range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, equipped 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 versions came with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivering 379 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The base and Premium Package versions offered 451 kilometres of range, while the GT-Line prioritized performance with a range of 435 kilometres. The EV9's regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles. Fast charging capability enabled the EV9 to go from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST trim and optional Platinum trim boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, generating 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Canadian Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Explorer's fuel economy ratings varied, with the base engine achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The V6 engine in the Platinum and ST trims had slightly higher consumption. The Explorer's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, allowed for versatile performance. The ST-Line's larger wheels and optional Street Package enhanced its handling, while the ST trim showcased its performance capabilities on a short autocross course. The Explorer's V6 engine provided fast acceleration and a pleasant sound, while the turbo four-cylinder offered quick acceleration and responsive handling.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering ample headroom of 1,004 millimetres, surpassing competitors like 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 in higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the third row, expandable 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 made loading and unloading luggage easier. Up front, the "floating" centre console provided limited flat surface space, but the angled wireless charging pad and large open compartment offered practical storage solutions.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts, providing breathability in warm weather. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging for adults, and the low, flat seat was uncomfortable. Cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres. The new tray in the centre of the dashboard housed the wireless smartphone charger and offered additional storage.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a cutting-edge curved display with three screens, 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, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades. This future-proofing approach provided flexibility for early adopters and used car buyers, enabling them to customize their vehicles over time.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Explorer was equipped with Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and Google Assistant for voice commands. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2024 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 assist and warning were standard, while the Blind-spot View Monitor was available on higher trims. The EV9 also featured forward collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, with additional parking collision avoidance assist on top trims. Although not yet rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the EV9 received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+ as standard, offering a range of ADAS features. The ST-Line trim and higher added Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, which included a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, although it occasionally struggled with tight curves and heavy traffic. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings. The IIHS rated the Explorer's crash performance well, but the headlights on some trims received lower ratings.