2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still maintaining a familiar SUV aesthetic. Its exterior design was characterized by a blocky, digital clock-inspired look, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. 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, offered a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points. The wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels providing a sense of motion, while the Land and GT-Line trims featured more geometric patterns. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, with a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with various power adjustments available, and the SynTex seating surfaces were durable.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, offering a striking new look compared to its predecessor. Its shape evoked the classic Land Rover style, with a boxy design and a brawny front accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires, matte grey 18-inch wheels, and rock rails, enhancing its rugged appearance. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with clean and elegant design elements, quality switchgear, and chic dashboard and console layouts. The seats provided ample headroom and were upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, offering heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and an elevated ride height.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with 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. The higher trims, Wind and Land, came with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivering 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, and its handling was stable, with adjustable regenerative braking and a fast-charging capability that allowed it to go from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power throughout the rev range, making highway merges effortless. However, its fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with real-world testing yielding 14.9 mpg. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking center differential and downhill assist control, making it a capable and versatile SUV.

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 second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. Cargo space was competitive, with 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's interior featured a floating center console, providing storage space, while second-row passengers enjoyed a large drawer and tray table.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior dimensions, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches and legroom measuring 41 inches up front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim offered 90.5 cubic feet of space with the second row folded. The GX's towing capacity was 9,063 pounds, making it suitable for adventurous excursions. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, with a width of 78 inches and a length of 197 inches.

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 screen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Meridian Premium Audio system on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good sound quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX featured multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest.

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including 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 received the highest rating from Euro NCAP but had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ trim included pedestrian detection. The GX had a 360-degree camera system and 10 airbags for occupant protection. It had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA.