Subaru Ascent vs Kia EV9

The 2024 Kia EV9 blazed a new path for Kia's line of electric vehicles with its revolutionary design. The EV9's exterior kept a distinctly Kia look but incorporated a blockier, cutting-edge design reminiscent of a digital clock’s numbers. The body lines followed octagonal wheel arches, and the sharply angled rear window almost met the roof spoiler. The lighting signature was perhaps the surest indication of the EV9's innovation. The standard "Star Map" daytime running lights traced a slim line from above the front fender to the grille, outlining the new "Digital Tiger Face." The LED headlights varied by trim, appearing as either two dashes or 12 dots. Higher-end trims, Land and GT-Line, featured a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding an array of smaller light points visible only when the vehicle was on. Buyers could even purchase additional lighting patterns.

The EV9’s blocky motif extended to the wheels, where the base 19-inch wheels retained a sense of motion and aerodynamics. The Land trim sported 20-inch wheels with an interlocking triangle pattern, while the GT-Line showcased 21-inch square-patterned wheels.

Inside, the EV9 felt airy and modern, enhanced by the light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. Eight-way power-adjustable front seats with at least two-way lumbar support came standard, with additional adjustments available in higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining the chairs, doors, and center console was durable.

By contrast, Subaru has often struggled with stylish designs, and the 2024 Ascent was no exception. The Ascent’s design remained unchanged from the previous year, featuring visually unappealing tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights. Offered in six trims, prices ranged from $34,395 to $48,695, not including a $1,345 destination charge. The test model, a top-of-the-line Touring, included a standard panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a navigation system, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and more.

The Ascent’s interior materials looked good but lacked sophistication, appearing modular like pieces of a giant Lego set. While functional and practical, it did not exude the modern appeal or cohesiveness of contemporary designs.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim was powered by a single rear-wheel-drive motor, producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model, with a 99.8-kWh battery pack, slightly reduced horsepower to 201 but offered a range of up to 304 miles. Higher trims featured all-wheel drive and dual motors, with the Wind and Land trims delivering 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and a range of 280 miles. The top GT-Line trim provided 516 lb-ft of torque but reduced the range to 270 miles.

Driving the GT-Line around Napa Valley, the power delivery felt smooth and refined. Acceleration was controlled, avoiding the sharp thrusts common in other electric vehicles. Handling was stable, with minimal body roll and only mild suspension rocking, handled through good regenerative braking, adjustable via paddles on the steering wheel.

Charging the EV9 was rapid, capable of going from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger, as per Kia’s statements.

In contrast, the 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, the Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,000 pounds for the Base trim).

The Ascent excelled in diverse environments, whether urban, rural, or rugged terrain. It handled speed humps and off-road trails effectively, felt agile on gravel, and navigated school drop-off lanes and market parking with ease. However, it struggled on twisty mountain roads. Its porky curb weight and softly tuned suspension combined with all-season tires hindered its performance. Additionally, the CVT, although mimicking conventional automatics fairly well, sometimes revealed its limitations.

Fuel economy was another drawback. With 20-inch wheels, the Ascent’s EPA ratings were 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. However, real-world figures fell short, with 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall, though its 19.3-gallon fuel tank provided decent range.

One of the Kia EV9's standout features was its spacious third row, which was rare in electric vehicles. The third-row headroom stood at 39.5 inches, surpassing rivals like the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Depending on the middle row’s configuration, third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, unlike the Telluride’s eight seats. Cargo capacity 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 both rear rows folded. The high and flat load floor made luggage retrieval easier.

Front storage in the EV9 was adequate but could be improved. The "floating" center console left little flat surface space, though it included a large floor compartment with low walls. Second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed extra storage from a drawer and tray table.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent focused on practicality. It featured a dashboard shelf, large cupholders accessible to children, backpack pegs on second-row seatbacks, and cargo hooks in the luggage compartment. Touring trim added premium Nappa leather seats that were heated and ventilated, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster.

Wide rear doors opening nearly 90 degrees made child loading easier. The captain’s chairs were snug but comfortable, with side window shades shielding almost the entire glass area.

Third-row comfort was acceptable for short trips. Passage to this area was narrow, but seats were high enough to support legs, with air conditioning vents and ample storage making it a solid choice for children.

Cargo capacity behind the third row was 17.8 cubic feet, with a plastic-lined underfloor storage area. Folding the third-row seats expanded space to 43.5 cubic feet, while maximum capacity with the second row folded was 75.6 cubic feet. The panoramic sunroof reduced these figures slightly.

The Kia EV9 took a leap in tech with a three-screen curved display. This included a 12.3-inch driver display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The GT-Line trim added a head-up display.

A significant highlight was the EV9’s connectedness. Over-the-air (OTA) updates allowed owners to purchase new features from the Kia Connect store, from performance upgrades to lighting patterns. This ensured that early adopters could keep their vehicles updated with new functionalities, providing a level of "future-proofing."

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured its latest Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen. Standard tech included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM, and text messaging. Higher trims added a navigation system, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and Starlink connected services with features like automatic collision notification and remote engine start.

Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, while Cabin Connect projected the driver’s voice through stereo speakers to rear passengers. Upper trims offered a surround-view camera and a camera-based rearview mirror.

The Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including top-tier adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision assist, and various collision avoidance systems. However, advanced features like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were reserved for higher trims. While the EV9 had not yet been rated by U.S. safety organizations, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The Subaru Ascent emphasized safety, with high crash-test ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, and a Driver Focus monitoring system.

EyeSight, Subaru’s ADAS package, however, received mixed reviews. Issues with lane-centering on complicated roads led to a frustrating driving experience, where the system’s resistance to driver input occasionally made the vehicle feel unstable.