2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a modified front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional styling options, while the interior, though less distinctive, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to various price points.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a fresh design in the context of Kia EVs, with a blockier style reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its exterior maintained a distinctly Kia identity, enhanced by octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights outlining the new "Digital Tiger Face." The top trims, Land and GT-Line, included a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with customizable light points. The EV9's wheels continued the blocky theme, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion and aerodynamics. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, with a two-tone interior color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with various adjustments available, and the SynTex seating surfaces were durable.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, generating 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Despite its size, the Durango Hellcat offered exhilarating acceleration, with minimal wind and tire noise at highway speeds.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor with rear-wheel drive, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model, with a 99.8-kWh battery, offered 201 hp and a range of 304 miles. The dual-motor powertrain in the Wind and Land trims delivered 379 hp 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 GT-Line provided smooth power delivery, avoiding the typical electric car's pinning acceleration. Handling was stable, with minimal body roll, and the regenerative braking system was adjustable, offering a natural feel. The EV9's fast charging capability allowed it to go from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, with headroom and legroom comparable to rivals. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet with all seats in place, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 6,200 pounds for V6 models to 8,700 pounds for V8 models.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. 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 available on higher trims. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 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 high and flat load floor facilitated easy luggage retrieval. Front storage space was adequate, with a "floating" center console and a large open compartment on the floor. Second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed a large drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models had a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both versions used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen offering the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took the curved screen concept further, featuring three screens in a single curved display. A 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display were standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were included. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This allowed for future customization and enhancements, providing a "future-proof" experience for owners.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in safety tests. The IIHS awarded it top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert standard on all trims, but other features were only available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver-assistance systems. Adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities was standard. Blind-spot collision avoidance assist and warning were included, with the Blind-spot View Monitor available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.