2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

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 was characterized by a modern, blocky aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and sharply angled rear windows. The lighting signature was particularly innovative, featuring the "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 visible only when the vehicle was on. This futuristic lighting could be further customized with additional patterns available for purchase.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner's design was more evolutionary than revolutionary, retaining the horseshoe-shaped grilles of its predecessor but with a bulkier, industrial feel. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases, giving the SUV a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the interior echoed the Tacoma pickup truck's styling. The cabin was functional and comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not quite as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

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 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 adjustable regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode. 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 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery and an electric motor, producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement compared to its predecessor, with improved steering and reduced body roll. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess.

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 second-row captain's chairs available on 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 interior featured a floating centre console, with storage space including a large open compartment on the floor and a shallow top-closing cubby.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase. However, passenger space gains were minimal, with adequate legroom in the middle row and limited third-row seating available on non-hybrid models. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage included slatted door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack supported a static load of 360 kilograms.

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. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system and a head-up display. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models featured external camera views and on-screen menus for off-road information. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and a portable centre speaker were available. Remote monitoring and control, along with a digital key function, marked a technological step forward for the 4Runner.

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature could be disabled if desired. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard in Canada. Crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma pickup on which the 4Runner is based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.