2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, emerging with a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also contributed to its increased dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts such as a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, maintaining attractiveness while enhancing functionality and versatility. Materials quality met class expectations, and the overall design emphasized function over form without sacrificing appeal.

The 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new design for Kia EVs, with a blockier exterior reminiscent of a digital clock’s numbers. Its body lines followed octagonal wheel arches, and the rear window angled sharply upward. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, featured a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with customizable lighting patterns. The interior felt airy and fresh, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The EV9 offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats with additional customizations in higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining was durable.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal suitable for a family SUV. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, with noticeable but not alarming body roll. The Pilot was tuned for comfort, with feather-light steering that was great for tight spaces but felt somewhat vague on the highway. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, adding a subtle vibration on pavement but enhancing off-road capability without sacrificing on-road comfort.

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 offered a 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but increasing range to 304 miles. The higher trims had all-wheel drive with dual motors, producing 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque in Wind and Land trims, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line trim offered 516 lb-ft of torque with a range of 270 miles. The EV9 provided smooth power delivery and good handling, with adjustable regenerative braking and 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 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda vehicles, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Elite trim's touchscreen seemed small for the space but was adequate. Primary controls were logically placed, with a large rubberized shelf for phones and a wireless charging pad. The Pilot featured clever storage solutions, including a stowable second-row center seat and ample space in the second row for adults. The third row was less inviting but suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 114.3 cubic feet available.

The 2024 Kia EV9's third row was a standout feature, offering ample headroom and legroom, though it seated only two passengers. The second-row seats were comfortable, with contoured bolstering. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9 featured a "floating" center console with limited flat surface space but included a wireless charging pad and a large open compartment on the floor. Second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed a large drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and higher offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, remote monitoring, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims featured the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for off-roading.

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 display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 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 offering additional features and upgrades. This allowed for future customization and enhancements, providing a "future-proof" experience for owners.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but Honda expected top scores. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The TrailSport and Elite trims included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The adaptive cruise control functioned smoothly, and advanced safety features performed well during testing.

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