2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold evolution in Kia's electric vehicle lineup, maintaining the brand's signature design while pushing boundaries with its modern, angular aesthetics. Its exterior featured a blocky design reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window that nearly met the roof spoiler. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille, complemented by LED headlights in unique dash or dot clusters. The top Land trim offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points visible when the vehicle was on, and owners could purchase additional lighting patterns over time.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to a sleek, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued this premium feel with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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 EPA-estimated range of 370 kilometres. The Wind model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reduced horsepower to 201 but extended the range to 489 kilometres. 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 for the base and Premium Package versions, and 435 kilometres for the GT-Line. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and minimal body roll, although some mild suspension rocking was noted. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles, and the EV9 boasted fast charging capability, reaching 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90's performance was less refined, despite its turbocharged 3.3-litre inline-six engine. The standard-output models produced 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The CX-90 offered impressive ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour until warmed up. The vehicle also suffered from noise and impact harshness, and vibrations resonated through the second-row captain's chairs. Despite these issues, the CX-90's taut suspension provided a firm, communicative driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 1,004 millimetres of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. 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 a second-row bench seat required for maximum capacity. 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 luggage retrieval easier, and storage space up front was adequate, with a "floating" centre console and a large open compartment on the floor.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, although seat-track travel was limited. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and stingy door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 451 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second-row seats flattened.

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. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. The Land Premium and GT-Line packages offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system, and the GT-Line package included a head-up display. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air update capability and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This "future-proofing" allowed owners to customize their vehicles over time, enhancing the EV9's appeal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim, with traditional gauges and a smaller screen in lower trims. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring a knob and buttons for operation. The voice recognition system was lacking, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful driving information.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. Although the EV9 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of only four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, although the speed reduction feature was irritating, and the audible warning systems were excessive.