2024 Kia EV9 vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's exterior varied across trims, with tasteful chrome accents on the Touring trim and different wheel designs, including matte black for the Wilderness trim. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, while other trims offered a mix of leather, synthetic leather, and cloth seating options.

The 2024 Kia EV9 introduced a bold new design for Kia's electric SUVs, with a blocky, digital clock-inspired exterior. Its distinctive lighting signatures, including the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille on higher trims, set it apart. The EV9's wheels complemented its geometric design, with base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while higher trims featured intricate patterns. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The seats offered various adjustments, and the SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable and durable.

The 2024 Subaru Outback stayed true to its roots with a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Lineartronic CVT were standard, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The Outback's ground clearance ranged from 8.7 inches to 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim, which also included all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road adventures.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor RWD setup, delivering 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 230-mile range. The Light Long Range model featured a larger battery for a 304-mile range but slightly reduced horsepower. Higher trims, including Wind and Land, came with dual-motor AWD, producing 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 280-mile range. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a 270-mile range. The EV9's smooth power delivery and adjustable regenerative braking system, including i-Pedal mode, provided a refined driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front-row headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, with ample legroom in both rows. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims added features like heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate. The raised roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical touch.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing rivals like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. Third-row legroom varied from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers with a second-row bench seat. 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 a large drawer and tray table in higher trims.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered a mix of old-school and modern technology. The Touring trim was the only one with a CD player, while USB-C and USB-A ports were available on all but the base trim. The top-trim model featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity becoming wireless from the Premium trim. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform included standard features like Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity. Most trims came with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, while the base model had a four-speaker system.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display. It included a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades. This "future-proofing" approach allowed owners to customize their vehicles over time, enhancing the EV9's appeal.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, although it fell short of the previous year's Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded both the 2023 and 2024 models five stars overall. The Outback's safety features included the EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking became standard from the Onyx trim, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor was available on higher trims, while reverse parking collision avoidance assist was reserved for the top two trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP, indicating strong safety performance.