2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the CX-5 faced challenges with its small back seat, cramped cargo area, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to redesign and rename the CX-5 as the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. This transition aimed to guide loyal CX-5 customers to the new CX-50 model.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 marked a new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while maintaining the brand's distinct SUV styling. Its exterior featured a blocky design with unique lighting signatures, including the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille on higher trims. The EV9's interior felt airy and fresh, enhanced by a two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. It offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats with additional customizations on higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining was durable. The EV9's design and features positioned it as a modern and innovative choice in the electric SUV segment.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model, the 2.5 S, came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5 Turbo variant featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This engine also used the six-speed automatic and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive performance and a firm, connected ride quality.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains. The base Light trim was rear-wheel-drive (RWD) with a single motor producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model featured a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. Higher trims, including Wind and Land, came with dual-motor AWD systems producing 379 horsepower 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's power delivery was smooth and refined, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates for improved comfort, including modified front seats and height-adjustable options for both front seats. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, cramped rear seats, and a cargo capacity of 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom and 30.8 to 32.0 inches of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers with a second-row bench seat. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor, making it easy to load and unload items. The interior design included a floating center console and ample storage options for passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its lack of a helpful voice recognition system and awkward physical controls. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting to use while driving. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2024 Kia EV9 boasted 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 came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This approach allowed for future customization and enhancements, providing a forward-thinking technology experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety with its i-Activsense driver assistance technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Higher trims offered additional features like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist. While the EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.