Lincoln Nautilus vs Kia EV9

The 2024 Kia EV9 marked a significant departure from previous Kia SUVs, featuring a blockier, more geometric design. The exterior maintained a distinctly Kia identity, but with added cutting-edge elements like octagonal wheel arches and sharply angled rear windows. A standout feature was its "Star Map" daytime running lights that framed the new "Digital Tiger Face" grille. Depending on the trim, the LED headlights varied in appearance from clusters of dashes or dots, and higher trims sported an optional Digital Pattern Lighting Grille. This grille was only functional when the vehicle was on and was not available with matte paint options, which cost an extra $995. Wheels varied across trims, with the base model featuring dynamic 19-inch wheels, while the Land and GT-Line trims showcased intricate 20- and 21-inch designs, respectively.

Inside, the EV9 offered an airy and fresh ambiance, accentuated by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. Standard eight-way power-adjustable front seats included lumbar support, with higher trims benefiting from additional customizations like leg support and bolster adjustments. SynTex seating surfaces ensured comfort, with durable fabrics lining the chairbacks, door cards, and center console.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, available in Premiere, Reserve, or Black Label trims, heralded a new design direction for Lincoln. The exterior featured a sophisticated grille illuminated by LED lighting extending through it, highlighting the Lincoln star logo. This horizontal aesthetic continued at the rear, with an animated LED light bar and dual exhausts. The door handles were integrated into the beltline for a sleek profile.

The cabin of the Nautilus was luxurious, featuring high-quality materials like open-pore wood and fine leather. Ambient lighting added to the upscale feel. The 24-way Perfect Position front seats in the Black Label trim were particularly noteworthy, offering unmatched comfort, continuous massage functions, and prolonged heating capabilities. Rear seats offered 43 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. For relaxation, the Lincoln Rejuvenate feature combined massage, lighting, and screen images to enhance the mood, with optional cabin scents like Mystic Forest or Ozonic Azure.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim came equipped with a single rear-wheel-drive motor, delivering 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model, featuring a larger 99.8-kWh battery, offered 201 horsepower and extended the range to 304 miles. Higher trims with all-wheel-drive and dual motors, like the Wind and Land, produced 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, providing a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line trim focused on performance, offering 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. During our test drive in northern California, the EV9 GT-Line impressed with its smooth power delivery and adept handling. The regenerative braking system was adjustable and comparable to modern gas-powered vehicles, with an option for one-pedal driving mode.

Charging the EV9 was efficient, thanks to its fast charging capability, which could take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth power application. For an additional $1,500, the hybrid setup offered 310 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque, and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in combined driving, with a range exceeding 600 miles. This gave it an edge in fuel economy, despite rivals like the Lexus RX hybrid offering better mileage. The Nautilus also included all-wheel drive and five drive modes, with the available adaptive suspension enhancing performance across different terrains and conditions.

The hybrid model's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a smooth driving experience without the typical CVT drawbacks. While not a driver’s car, the Nautilus could still offer a spirited drive when needed.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, which surpassed competitors like the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 had a seating capacity of 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, expandable to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The "floating" center console provided varied storage options, though second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed more convenient features like a large drawer and tray table.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus offered power-adjustable, heated, and cooled front seats across all trims, with the Black Label trim featuring 24-way Perfect Position seats for unparalleled comfort. The rear seats, though less luxurious, provided an impressive 43 inches of legroom, making it one of the most spacious in its class. Cargo space in the Premiere trim measured 36 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 71 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Higher trims slightly reduced cargo space but still offered more than competitors like the Lexus RX. The Nautilus was limited to seating for five, unlike some rivals with optional third-row seating.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured an advanced curved display incorporating three screens: a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch dedicated climate display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Standard tech features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Higher trims boasted a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system and a standard head-up display for the GT-Line trim. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with the Kia Connect store offering over-the-air updates and the ability to purchase additional features and performance upgrades.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured an impressive 48-inch curved display, divided into sections for driver information, navigation, and customizable widgets. An 11.1-inch touchscreen on the center console handled basic infotainment tasks with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. HVAC controls were permanently displayed, though adjusting vents required navigating menus, which could be distracting. Unlabelled steering wheel controls also posed a distraction, though voice controls and over-the-air updates provided modern conveniences. The inclusion of Google maps and Alexa Built-in added to the tech appeal.

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included adaptive cruise control with navigation-based, machine learning, and stop-and-go capabilities; blind-spot collision avoidance and warning; and extensive forward and rear collision avoidance functionalities. Higher trims offered additional safety features like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist. Though not yet rated by U.S. safety organizations, the EV9 received the highest available rating from the Euro NCAP.

The 2024 Lincoln Nautilus featured the Lincoln CoPilot 360 suite with lane-keeping assist, park assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and emergency braking. The standout safety feature was the inclusion of Blue Cruise 1.2 technology: a hands-free/eyes-up system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, enhanced with automatic lane-change assist and in-lane repositioning. While the 2024 model hasn't been rated yet, the 2023 Nautilus received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.