2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Its overall height of 74.2 inches, slightly less in the Luxury trim, contributed to its imposing stature. The front end, with its large headlights, seemed ready to conquer the road, while the GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, offered exclusive paint options like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blockier designs, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. However, the interior's excessive plastic materials detracted from its luxury appeal, though features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery added some comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 marked a bold step forward for Kia's electric vehicles, blending traditional Kia SUV design with a modern, blocky aesthetic. Its exterior featured octagonal wheel arches and a distinctive lighting signature, including the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Tiger Face grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, boasted a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points. The EV9's interior felt airy and fresh, enhanced by dual sunroofs and a two-tone color scheme. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats and SynTex seating surfaces provided comfort, while the fabric lining added durability. The EV9's design emphasized both style and functionality, making it a standout in the electric SUV market.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its robust V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 offered a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its 6,500-pound towing capacity and fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined were less impressive compared to modern SUVs. The GX's weight contributed to predictable handling, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhancing its 4WD capabilities. Despite its age, Lexus continued to refine the GX's driving dynamics, offering strong brakes and communicative road feel.

The 2024 Kia EV9, particularly in the GT-Line trim, offered a smooth and refined driving experience. The base Light trim featured a single motor with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model extended the range to 304 miles with a larger battery. The dual-motor AWD powertrain in the Wind and Land trims delivered 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, while the GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9's handling was stable, with minimal body roll, and its regenerative braking system could be adjusted for a natural feel. Fast charging capabilities allowed the EV9 to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior features, with ample cubby space and a deep center console bin. The decision to retain hard buttons for controls was appreciated, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The second row provided comfort with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door was cumbersome, and cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available in higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9's interior featured a floating center console, providing storage space, while second-row passengers enjoyed additional storage options. The high and flat load floor made loading and unloading cargo easier.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. While an improvement over the previous system, it felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The inclusion of a CD player highlighted the GX's outdated tech offerings. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhancing its performance on various terrains.

The 2024 Kia EV9 boasted a cutting-edge infotainment system with three screens in a single curved display. The 12.3-inch driver information display, 5-inch Climate Display, and 12.3-inch infotainment screen provided a comprehensive tech experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates allowing owners to purchase additional features from the Kia Connect store, offering a future-proofing approach to vehicle customization.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it included a range of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist were standard, though some top-end features were missing. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS, with adaptive cruise control featuring navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and forward collision avoidance were standard, while higher trims included additional features like the Blind-spot View Monitor. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP, indicating strong safety performance.