2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Genesis GV70 was a testament to luxury and style, drawing inspiration from its sedan counterpart, the G70. Its design featured split-bar headlights and a distinctive chrome line that elegantly curved from behind the rear window, giving it a coupe-like SUV appearance without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a showcase of luxury, with top-notch materials and a design that was both contemporary and classic. The dashboard featured a full touchscreen, complemented by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly interface. The GV70 was available in both gas-powered and electrified versions, each offering a range of trims with varying levels of luxury and performance features.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 made a bold statement with its cutting-edge design, characterized by a blocky aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers. Its exterior lighting, including the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, set it apart from other Kia SUVs. The EV9's interior was airy and fresh, enhanced by a two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. It offered a range of seating configurations, with the top trims featuring additional customizations for the driver's seat. The EV9's design was both futuristic and functional, providing a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering a refined driving experience that balanced comfort and sharp handling. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, generating a combined 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. It offered a range of 236 miles and fast charging capabilities, making it a versatile option for luxury SUV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Kia EV9, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor producing 215 horsepower and a 230-mile range. The Light Long Range model extended the range to 304 miles with a larger battery, while the dual-motor AWD trims, Wind and Land, delivered 379 horsepower and 280 miles of range. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a 270-mile range. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode, providing a modern and efficient driving experience.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it competitive in the compact luxury SUV segment. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a hands-free power liftgate, large cupholders, and a center console with a retractable lid. While front-seat comfort was commendable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for optimal comfort.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom and up to 32.0 inches of legroom, accommodating seven passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 81.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The EV9's interior featured a floating center console and ample storage options, including a large open compartment and a sliding cover over the cupholders. Second-row passengers enjoyed additional storage with a drawer and tray table in higher trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included four USB ports, wireless device charging, and a nine-speaker stereo system. The interface was user-friendly, with a rotary dial and helpful buttons, though the proximity of the rotary shifter could cause confusion.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display, including a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system in higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for future upgrades and customization.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Electrified GV70 offered most of these features as standard, with additional options available in higher trims.

The 2024 Kia EV9 boasted a robust standard suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. While some features were reserved for higher trims, the EV9's safety offerings were comprehensive. It had not yet been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received high marks from Euro NCAP.