2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, with a design that was both familiar and futuristic. Its exterior maintained the recognizable Kia SUV aesthetic but introduced a more angular, digital-clock-inspired look. The lighting signature was particularly innovative, featuring the "Star Map" daytime running lights and a "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of lights visible only when the vehicle was on. The wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels providing a sense of motion, while the Land and GT-Line trims featured more geometric patterns.

Inside, the EV9 felt spacious and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The front seats were power-adjustable, with additional customizations available on higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining was durable. The interior design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it a welcoming space for both drivers and passengers.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a commanding presence with its high beltline and imposing grille, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The front fascia appeared taller, aided by the SUV's higher ground clearance. The new C-shaped LED daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the PRO-4X trim featured a skid plate for off-road adventures. From the side, the Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged elements like black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, even in the more task-oriented PRO-4X trim. The Platinum Reserve trim featured luxurious touches like quilted leather and a Chestnut with Rye color theme. The push-button transmission freed up center console space, and the "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, though they felt a bit deep. The Armada's interior was spacious, with increased cargo volume and improved third-row legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

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 230 miles. The Light Long Range model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, Wind and Land, came with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivering 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, and its handling was stable, with adjustable regenerative braking for a natural feel. Fast charging capability allowed the EV9 to go from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and the Armada offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive, except for the PRO-4X trim, which was 4WD-only. The PRO-4X featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering felt engaging, while off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's interior design emphasized practicality, with a high and flat load floor for easy luggage retrieval.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The "Zero Gravity" seats were comfortable, though they felt deep. The Armada offered standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment, with more customization on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada's cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The Armada's interior was spacious, with improved third-row legroom and headroom adjustments based on sunroof options.

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 were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Land and GT-Line trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims, and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The Armada's sound system, a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, became standard on the SL trim, offering a high-quality audio experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance as standard. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. The EV9 earned the highest rating from Euro NCAP but had not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL trim, with higher trims offering the 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.